The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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Ask a Bookseller

Ask a Bookseller is a weekly series where host Emily Bright 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 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.

From medicine to modern revival: A history of American whiskey
During Prohibition, booze was banned, but "medicinal" spirits weren't, a loophole whiskey makers exploited. That's just one of the tidbits a new book tracing the history of whiskey labels reveals.
Summer reads: The kid edition
From picture books to young adult titles, here are some of our favorites to keep kids reading this summer.
Book briefs: Story time from behind bars
A Brooklyn library is helping children and incarcerated parents read together via live video feeds.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.