The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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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 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."

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February 19, 2016 9:56 AM

Harper Lee, author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' dies at 89

Celebrated author Harper Lee, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," has died at age 89.

by The Associated Press and Tracy Mumford

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February 18, 2016 12:52 PM

How parents and teachers can nurture the 'quiet power' of introverts

A new book looks inside the minds of introverted kids and teens, with lessons for schools on class participation, groupthink and public speaking.

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February 17, 2016 1:36 PM

Dog-gone good reads: 10 books for dog lovers

These books about loyal canines and loveable pups will charm, delight and have you reaching for the tissues.

by Tracy Mumford

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February 17, 2016 12:38 PM

Holy ravioli! Cookbook reveals the Vatican's favorite recipes

When it comes to eating, Pope Francis loves comfort food as much as the next person. "The Vatican Cookbook" is a tour of life and food in the world's smallest country.

by Tove Danovich

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February 17, 2016 9:58 AM

Columbine shooter's mother: I carry him 'everywhere I go, always'

Sue Klebold says she wishes she'd asked her son Dylan "the kinds of questions that would've encouraged him to open up." Her new memoir is "A Mother's Reckoning."

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February 17, 2016 9:07 AM

More died on this WWII ship than on the Titanic and Lusitania combined

On its final voyage, Germany's Wilhelm Gustloff carried soldiers and thousands of civilians, many of them children. Young adult author Ruta Sepetys revisits the ship's 1945 sinking in "Salt to the Sea."

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February 17, 2016 12:00 AM

In 'Doubter's Almanac,' troubled math genius tries to solve the unsolvable

Author Ethan Canin says two odd talents contributed to his main character becoming a mathematician: He can always tell where he is on Earth and he can draw things perfectly.