The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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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.

February 23, 2016 8:30 AM

'Pandemic' asks: Is a disease that will kill tens of millions coming?

Author Sonia Shah says that urbanization and air travel put the global population at an increased risk for disease. "Zika is a great example of how new pathogens are emerging today," she says

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February 23, 2016 4:00 AM

The history of black baseball in Minnesota

Frank White's book, "They Played for the Love of the Game," highlights the players and teams that history has largely forgotten.

by Tracy Mumford

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February 22, 2016 8:34 AM

The 'Girl' in the title: More than a marketing trend

Lately it seems as if every thriller written by a woman gets compared to two recent blockbusters: "Gone Girl" and "The Girl on the Train." So what makes those two books so appealing and influential?

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February 21, 2016 4:00 AM

Books on TV: New adaptations to watch for

Espionage thrillers, Russian classics, fantasy epics and dystopic satires are all headed for the small screen. Catch these books before the adaptations air.

by Tracy Mumford

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February 20, 2016 7:08 AM

Author, philosopher Umberto Eco dead at 84

Eco is perhaps best known for his 1980 mystery novel The Name of the Rose, which is set in a monastery in the 14th century. It was an unexpected international bestseller, launching his career as an author.

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February 20, 2016 4:00 AM

A "Supreme" reading list: Books about SCOTUS

Curious about the history of the court? Or how future confirmation hearings may play out? U of M professor Tim Johnson nominates these titles for your "must read" list.

by Tracy Mumford

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February 20, 2016 12:00 AM

Translator behind Elena Ferrante novels says her job is to be an 'enabler'

Ann Goldstein is the translator for the mysterious novelist's popular Neapolitan series. She says her role is to "enable someone to express him or herself as much as he or she possibly can."