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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. 

Put these 12 eye-opening books on your 2026 reading list

Put these 12 eye-opening books on your 2026 reading list

Want to learn something new in the new year? Check out these deep-dive books from 2025 — nonfiction that will lead you to fresh discoveries about big tech, true crime and the ground beneath our feet.
by Ivy Buck

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The best and most surprising Big Book shows of 2025, part two

The best and most surprising Big Book shows of 2025, part two

Picking the best Big Books shows of 2025 was a tall task. But Kerri Miller and producer Kelly Gordon chose their five favorites — plus one surprise — for a year-end roundup.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries’ most-borrowed lists in 2025

Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries’ most-borrowed lists in 2025

All of the top 10 books borrowed through the public library app Libby were written by women. And Kristin Hannah’s “The Women” was the top checkout in many library systems around the country.
by Neda Ulaby

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The 43 best books MPR News staff read in 2025

The 43 best books MPR News staff read in 2025

Each year, the MPR newsroom shares staff picks of the best books we read in 2025. From a familiar Minnesota romance author to Dust Bowl-era historical fiction with a dash of magical realism, here’s the books we couldn’t put down.
by Sam Stroozas

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When a loved one dies, where do they go? A new kids’ book suggests ‘They Walk On’

When a loved one dies, where do they go? A new kids’ book suggests ‘They Walk On’

After his mom died, “Fry Bread” author Kevin Maillard found himself wondering, “but where did she go?” So he wrote about it. His new kids’ book is “And They Walk On,” illustrated by Rafael López.
by Samantha Balaban

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Hunker down with these 13 mysteries and thrillers from 2025

Hunker down with these 13 mysteries and thrillers from 2025

Mysteries and thrillers are enjoyable no matter the season, but there’s something extra satisfying about curling up in the winter with a warm drink and an all-engrossing read. Here’s what we suggest.
by Ivy Buck

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The best and most surprising Big Book shows of 2025, part one

The best and most surprising Big Book shows of 2025, part one

Go behind the scenes with Big Books host Kerri Miller and producer Kelly Gordon as they choose their favorite and most surprising shows of the last 12 months.
by Kerri Miller and Kelly Gordon

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From toddlers to teens, here’s your one-stop shop for young readers

From toddlers to teens, here’s your one-stop shop for young readers

If you have kids in your life who are ready to broaden their book horizons we have recommendations for you! Here you’ll find tried-and-true picture books, chapter books, and YA, all published in 2025.
by Ivy Buck

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