The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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Big Books and Bold Ideas is a weekly series hosted by Kerri Miller and produced by Kelly Gordon every Friday at 11 a.m., featuring conversations about books and other literary ideas. Listen to Big Books and Bold Ideas here.

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.

October 1, 2015 9:33 AM

'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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October 1, 2015 9:30 AM

'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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October 1, 2015 9:24 AM

'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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October 1, 2015 4:00 AM

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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September 30, 2015 3:08 PM

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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September 30, 2015 9:54 AM

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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September 30, 2015 8:46 AM

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.