The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread® is your source for book recommendations and other literary news.

Sign Up for The Thread® Newsletter

Sign up for The Thread newsletter to get reading recommendations from Kerri Miller and other bookworms around the MPR newsroom. Sam Stroozas rounds up local events and Minnesota book news you may have missed.

Ask a Bookseller

Ask a Bookseller is a weekly series where host Emily Bright checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. Listen to Ask a Bookseller to find your next favorite book.

Big Books and Bold Ideas

Big Books and Bold Ideas is a weekly series hosted by Kerri Miller and produced by Kelly Gordon every Friday at 11 a.m., featuring conversations about books and other literary ideas. Listen to Big Books and Bold Ideas here.

Talking Volumes

Talking Volumes is an annual event series featuring notable authors in conversation about their new books. Presented by MPR News and The Minnesota Star Tribune.

April 15, 2016 11:39 AM

Six riveting reads on the Titanic

On the 104th anniversary of the "unsinkable" ship's collision with an iceberg, dive into the history of the disaster with these books.

by Tracy Mumford

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

April 15, 2016 4:00 AM

For Kwame Alexander, poetry and love and sports all fit together

As a youngster, he loved to read. Then he lost interest. Now he's an award-winning poet.

by Euan Kerr

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

April 15, 2016 4:00 AM

Poetry Friday: Third time's the charm

To celebrate National Poetry Month, The Thread is sharing a collection of poetry from local presses every Friday in April.

by MPR News Staff

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

April 14, 2016 11:23 AM

'H is for Hawk' author: Must-read nature writing

"I had one of those idyllic childhoods where I roamed feral in the landscape around my house. I don't know many kids who are doing that now," said Helen Macdonald, who shares some of her favorite nature writing.

by Tracy Mumford

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

April 14, 2016 9:13 AM

'Downton Abbey' creator brings the drama with 'Belgravia'

Julian Fellowes' new novel is a twist on the form Charles Dickens made famous: the serial. 'Belgravia,' the story of an ambitious family in 19th century England, will be released in chapters via an app.

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

April 14, 2016 12:16 AM

Gothic family drama at 'The Border Of Paradise'

Esme Weijun Wang's novel -- packed with family secrets, betrayals, a decaying house and a dramatic fire -- could have seemed pulpy in lesser hands. But her restrained, beautiful prose makes it work.

by Carmen Maria Machado

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

April 13, 2016 12:07 PM

How to make an unlikeable character likeable

Genius and addiction clash in Ethan Canin's new novel, "A Doubter's Almanac."

by MPR News Staff

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

April 12, 2016 4:47 PM

Unpacking the experience of Korean-American adoptees

Minnesota has more Korean-American adoptees per capita than any other state. Kim Park Nelson's new book, "Invisible Asians," explores the adult adoptee experience.

by MPR News Staff