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The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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

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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.

The untold stories of black girls

The untold stories of black girls

Black girls are suspended from school at six times the rate of white girls. In a new book, "Pushout," author Monique Morris tells their stories.

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The history of Batman and 'the rise of nerd culture'

The history of Batman and 'the rise of nerd culture'

Glen Weldon's new book lays out the history of Batman -- from pow-biff-zap camp icon to dour Dark Knight -- with the witty, informed perspective of a diehard fan. To the Batcave, readers!
by Jason Heller

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True love and time travel in 'Patience'

True love and time travel in 'Patience'

Comic artist Dan Clowes takes a new direction in his latest graphic novel, which starts with a rare moment of happiness for its main characters. Does it last? Spoiler alert: No.
by Etelka Lehoczky

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Squeezing classic literature into one cartoon

Squeezing classic literature into one cartoon

Actually reading "Moby-Dick" would take you hours. John Atkinson drew a nano-synopsis for you. (Spoiler: The whale wins.)
by Tracy Mumford

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Music appreciation in the age of robot DJs

Music appreciation in the age of robot DJs

Mobile technology and music streaming services have given listeners more power than ever over their listening choices. "So what are we going to do with it?" asks music critic Ben Ratliff.
by MPR News Staff

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Keys are the key to 'What is Not Yours'

Keys are the key to 'What is Not Yours'

Writer Helen Oyeyemi's new collection features nine stories all linked through the idea of keys that open rooms, doors, even hearts. She says she felt haunted by keys while working on the book.

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'The Rope' chronicles a good death, and a bad start

'The Rope' chronicles a good death, and a bad start

Kanan Makiya's new novel is named for the rope used to execute Saddam Hussein. It follows one Shiite militiaman from the day of Saddam's fall through the tumultuous years that follow.

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Korea's classic swashbuckler gets a new translation

Korea's classic swashbuckler gets a new translation

A young nobleman leaves home and ends up joining a group of outlaws -- sound familiar? No, it's not Robin Hood, it's the iconic Korean hero Hong Gildong, and it's time the rest of the world met him.
by Genevieve Valentine

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