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The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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

Ask a Bookseller

Ask a Bookseller is a weekly series where The Thread 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 every Friday at 11 a.m., featuring conversations about books and other literary ideas. Listen to Big Books and Bold Ideas here.

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. Find reviews for new releases, as well as hidden gems you may have missed.

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. 

When Harry Houdini tried to talk to the dead

When Harry Houdini tried to talk to the dead

In the 1920s, America became obsessed with communicating with the dead. Harry Houdini wanted to believe it was possible, but the magician knew the tricks all too well.
by MPR News Staff

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Where do these 'long-lost' manuscripts keep coming from?

Where do these 'long-lost' manuscripts keep coming from?

Truman Capote. Beatrix Potter. Edith Wharton. Dr. Seuss. In the literary world, being dead doesn't mean you're done publishing.
by Tracy Mumford

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How China's one-child policy led to forced abortions, 30 million bachelors

How China's one-child policy led to forced abortions, 30 million bachelors

Journalist Mei Fong said China's one-child policy drastically reshaped the country's demographic make-up. "China has 30 million more men than women," she says.

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The adult coloring book controversy continues

The adult coloring book controversy continues

Adult coloring books have the publishing industry and listeners split: Is it a productive hobby? Or a sign of something else?
by Kerri Miller

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Book diagnoses Darwin with anxiety and Warhol as a hoarder

Book diagnoses Darwin with anxiety and Warhol as a hoarder

Journalist Claudia Kalb uses biographical material and modern-day mental health to get inside the heads of history's great personalities.

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Alexander Chee's voice shines through in 'Queen Of The Night'

Alexander Chee's voice shines through in 'Queen Of The Night'

The long-awaited novel follows a famous opera singer on her journey of constant reinvention. Despite the 19th century France setting, Chee admits there are autobiographical elements.

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A sample of web comics to keep you clicking

A sample of web comics to keep you clicking

Web comics have matured a lot in recent years. They're more confident and more willing to experiment with the medium. This sampler is a perfect introduction to the genre.
by Etelka Lehoczky

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The American version of Hogwarts gets a name: Ilvermorny

The American version of Hogwarts gets a name: Ilvermorny

For Americans who feel left out of Europe's wizarding tradition, J.K. Rowling has revealed a few details about the magical academy in North America.
by Tracy Mumford

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Minnesota Book Awards: And the finalists are...

Minnesota Book Awards: And the finalists are...

The finalists for the 28th annual Minnesota Book Awards have been announced. The winners will be named on April 16.
by Tracy Mumford

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'Good On Paper' swings from scholarly to zany

'Good On Paper' swings from scholarly to zany

Rachel Cantor's new novel tries to draw out the connections between love and scholarship in a tale of a frustrated translator looking for a new life. But it's occasionally too clever for its own good.
by Annalisa Quinn

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