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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. 

Swordswoman, opera singer, runaway: 'Goddess' chronicles a fabled life

Swordswoman, opera singer, runaway: 'Goddess' chronicles a fabled life

Author Kelly Gardiner's new novel is a fictionalized version of the life of Julie d'Aubigny, a swashbuckling 17th-century fencer-turned-opera singer whose exploits often seem stranger than fiction.

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Baltimore author discusses 'Living (And Dying) While Black'

Baltimore author discusses 'Living (And Dying) While Black'

Author D. Watkins says that crack destroyed his East Baltimore neighborhood, and he explains how the real day-to-day of selling drugs is nothing like the movies. His new book is 'The Beast Side.'

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'Tacopedia': A tasty tour of Mexico's taco culture

'Tacopedia': A tasty tour of Mexico's taco culture

From the smoked marlin tacos of Baja California to the fried flower tacos of Chiapas, Mexico is home to endless interpretations of this essential dish. A new tome documents this vibrant taco cuisine.
by Tove Danovich

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'The Heart Goes Last': Imbeciles in the apocalpyse

'The Heart Goes Last': Imbeciles in the apocalpyse

Margaret Atwood's new novel started life as a digital serial about a young couple who join a strange prison-based planned community.
by Tasha Robinson

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'Six Of Crows' is a well-turned heist tale

'Six Of Crows' is a well-turned heist tale

Leigh Bardugo's latest invites comparison to 'Ocean's 11,' one of the best heist stories ever told.
by Jason Sheehan

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'Gold Fame Citrus' holds fear in a handful of dust

'Gold Fame Citrus' holds fear in a handful of dust

Claire Vaye Watkins' first novel is a frighteningly believable near-future dystopia; drought has ruined the West, and two holdouts among the wreckage find their lives changed by a strange child.
by Jason Sheehan

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St. Paul author takes on burning grief in 'Firebug of Balrog County'

St. Paul author takes on burning grief in 'Firebug of Balrog County'

David Oppegaard's first novel for young adults follows the misadventures of a high school senior who deals with the traumas in his life by setting fires.
by Euan Kerr

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5 under 35: Bright young literary stars

5 under 35: Bright young literary stars

Who are the up-and-comers in the literary world? The National Book Foundation honors five young fiction writers.
by Tracy Mumford

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In sophomore year, Kirkus Prize features an eclectic mix of finalists

In sophomore year, Kirkus Prize features an eclectic mix of finalists

The literary award, launched last year by Kirkus Reviews, lists Ta-Nehisi Coates, Helen Macdonald and Hanya Yanigihara among 18 finalists across three categories. The prize carries a purse of $50,000.
by Colin Dwyer

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House calls to the homeless: A doctor treats Boston's most isolated patients

House calls to the homeless: A doctor treats Boston's most isolated patients

James O'Connell refers to himself as a "street doctor." Since 1985, he has cared for homeless patients, sometimes making visits on park benches or in alleys. His memoir is Stories from the Shadows.

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