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The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread from MPR 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. 

Tickets are now available for our 26th season. Join award-winning journalist and MPR News host Kerri Miller (and special guest host Catharine Richart) as they talk with authors including Stacey Abrams, Patricia Lockwood, Misty Copeland, John Grisham, and Kate Baer. 

Talking Volumes: James Ellroy on reading aloud

Author James Ellroy talks about what he listens for when writing a new book. Filmed live at the Fitzgerald Theater on October 7, 2009 with host Kerri Miller.

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Talking Volumes: James Ellroy

Talking Volumes: James Ellroy

Author James Ellroy, when asked about mental chaos and clutter, describes the contents of his minimalist apartment in detail. "History rages in my mind," he says. "I like an uncluttered, quiet life."

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Talking Volumes with James Ellroy

Talking Volumes with James Ellroy

Crime writer James Ellroy specializes in the dark side of Los Angeles. He joined Kerri Miller on the stage of the Fitzgerald Theater to talk about his latest work what why his writing delves into the mayhem of life.

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Author Lorrie Moore returns with first novel in 11 years

Author Lorrie Moore returns with first novel in 11 years

Great stories rise out of the wounds we experience, according to Wisconsin writer Lorrie Moore. She's out with a new book that explores our collective anxiety since 9-11.

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Novelist spans life in Alaska and Minneapolis

Novelist spans life in Alaska and Minneapolis

Mattox Roesch wrote a novel about life in his wife's home village in rural Alaska while living in Minneapolis. He hopes to put a face on the statistics about troubled youngsters.
by Euan Kerr

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An audience with Michael Moore

An audience with Michael Moore

This weekend Michael Moore's new film "Capitalism: a love story" takes a caustic look at the current economic crisis and what caused it. Moore, who recently visited the Twin Cities to talk about the film, says he believes this is a unique moment to discuss change in the U.S.
by Euan Kerr

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Author explores the travails of reckless hearts

Author explores the travails of reckless hearts

N.M Kelby has been a performer, a TV reporter and has written several novels ranging from murder mysteries to an exploration of astrophysics, and now she has released a collection of short stories titled "A Travel Guide for Reckless Hearts."
by Euan Kerr

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An author in search of new audiences

An author in search of new audiences

Writer Jim Shepard has hit on a new way to advertise his work - in a book trailer available online. Shepard talks about the new ways he's reaching his audience, and what he's reading.

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Tales from a socialist childhood

Tales from a socialist childhood

He grew up with the idea that the workers of America would one day rise up, overthrow capitalism, and create a new socialist society. His mother described it as a place where "all skateboards will be free." But author Said Sayrafiezadeh says all he really wanted was to be an average American kid.

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The art of books

The art of books

He's known for his innovative book covers, yet even he says a great cover can't sell a book. Midmorning speaks with graphic designer and author Chip Kidd.

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