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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. 

Marilynne Robinson explores faith and belief

Marilynne Robinson explores faith and belief

In "Gilead," Pastor John Ames writes a letter to his young son and contemplates what it means to believe, to doubt and to search.
by Kerri Miller

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'Ingredients': An eye-opening look at the additives in our food

'Ingredients': An eye-opening look at the additives in our food

What does diacetyl look like? And what's it doing in our food? A new book seeks to demystify 75 common food additives with striking photos of these ingredients and details on their uses and history.
by Tove Danovich

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Don't toss that sour milk! And other tips to cut kitchen food waste

Don't toss that sour milk! And other tips to cut kitchen food waste

The typical American family tosses out some $1,500 of food yearly. From smarter fridge packing to sauteing soggy lettuce, a new book is full of tips to rescue edibles from landing in the trash.
by Allison Aubrey

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Brian Selznick's new book has no words for 400 pages -- and it's brilliant

Brian Selznick's new book has no words for 400 pages -- and it's brilliant

Brian Selznick charmed readers of all ages with "Hugo," which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film by Martin Scorcese. His newest book, "The Marvels," follows five generations of a family of actors.
by Tracy Mumford

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J.K. Rowling keeps spilling 'Harry Potter' secrets

J.K. Rowling keeps spilling 'Harry Potter' secrets

Rowling has unveiled a new short story that traces the lineage of the Potter family all the way back to the 12th century.
by The Associated Press

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Agatha Christie knew 14 ways to kill a man

Agatha Christie knew 14 ways to kill a man

The mystery maven was an expert in poisons, from arsenic to strychnine. Some think her books might actually be a little too accurate.
by Tracy Mumford

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Finding love and self-acceptance 'Under the Udala Trees'

Finding love and self-acceptance 'Under the Udala Trees'

Chinelo Okparanta's new novel follows a Nigerian girl as she grows up during a violent civil war and struggles to come to terms with her sexuality.

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Don't call her 'doll': How Mary McGrory became 'the first queen of journalism'

Don't call her 'doll': How Mary McGrory became 'the first queen of journalism'

The columnist could write like an angel -- and bite like an asp. In a new biography, John Norris recounts McGrory's first big break and the proposition she received from a Democratic president.

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When it comes to book sales, what counts as success might surprise you

When it comes to book sales, what counts as success might surprise you

A survey from the Authors Guild reveals a 30 percent decline in author income since 2009. "You used to be able to make an absolutely living wage as a writer," says Guild President Roxana Robinson.
by Lynn Neary

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