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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. 

Life on Mars: Cold, harsh and underground

Life on Mars: Cold, harsh and underground

For Stephen Petranek, colonies on Mars are more science than science fiction. His new book, "How We'll Live on Mars," explores life on the red planet.
by Tracy Mumford

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11 books and one film that explain modern China

11 books and one film that explain modern China

This reading list will give you a good overview of China's last few decades, particularly its development as home to some of the world's largest tech companies.
by Emily Kaiser

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Literary mysteries: Is there more "Harry Potter" coming?

Literary mysteries: Is there more "Harry Potter" coming?

J.K. Rowling reveals that another new project is in the works: "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."

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Acclaimed poet returns home to Winona

Acclaimed poet returns home to Winona

Poet Mark Wunderlich is returning to Winona, Minn., today to read his work for the first time in front of his parents.

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Talking Volumes: Jane Smiley and "The Golden Age"

Talking Volumes: Jane Smiley and "The Golden Age"

Talking Volumes host Kerri Miller and author Jane Smiley talk about her book, "The Golden Age" on December 2, 2015 at The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.

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Talking Volumes: Stacy Schiff and "The Witches"

Talking Volumes: Stacy Schiff and "The Witches"

Talking Volumes host Kerri Miller and author Stacy Schiff talk about her book "The Witches" on November 10, 2015 at The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.

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Talking Volumes: John Irving and "Avenue of Mysteries"

Talking Volumes: John Irving and "Avenue of Mysteries"

Talking Volumes host Kerri Miller and author John Irving discuss "Avenue of Mysteries" on November 6, 2015 at the Ted Mann Concert Hall in on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis.

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Talking Volumes: Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink on "Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel"

Talking Volumes: Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink on "Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel"

Talking Volumes host Kerri Miller and co-authors Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink talk about "Welcome to Night Vale: A Novel" on October 25, 2015 at The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.

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Talking Volumes: Jonathan Franzen and "Purity"

Talking Volumes: Jonathan Franzen and "Purity"

Talking Volumes host Kerri Miller and author Jonathan Franzen talk about his book, "Purity" on September 15, 2015 at The Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.

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Talking Volumes 2015 season guide

Talking Volumes 2015 season guide

The Talking Volumes 2015 season brings Jonathan Franzen, Jeffrey Cranor and Joseph Fink, John Irving, Stacy Schiff, and Jane Smiley.

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