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The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread® is your source for book recommendations and other literary news.

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. Sam Stroozas rounds up local events and Minnesota book news you may have missed.

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.

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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Author Pete Hautman on 'How to Steal a Car'

Author Pete Hautman on 'How to Steal a Car'

Twin Cities novelist Pete Hautman's new book for teens examines life through the eyes of a 15-year-old girl who's an expert at stealing cars.
by Euan Kerr

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If students choose their own books, will they read more?

If students choose their own books, will they read more?

Reading lists over the summer have yielded to assigned reading in class for most middle and high school students. But does required reading help or hurt when it comes to inspiring kids to become lifelong book lovers?

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Political memoirs, fact or fiction?

Political memoirs, fact or fiction?

Political observers are anticipating the release of the memoir of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. Will the memoir reveal new details about the personal life and struggles of the late senator, or merely recount his storied political career?

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How our fast culture hurts reading

How our fast culture hurts reading

Reading is losing the competition with other media for our attention says the book editor of the Los Angeles Times. He found it difficult to find space in his mind to allow him to concentrate on books.

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The importance of Anne Frank

The importance of Anne Frank

Sixty-five years ago this August, Anne Frank and her family were discovered hiding in an annex in Amsterdam and sent to concentration camps. Though she perished, her diary became one of the most compelling and poignant stories to come out of the holocaust. Midmorning examines the lingering power of Anne Frank's "Diary of a Young Girl."

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A reporter's long journey home

A reporter's long journey home

In her new memoir, journalist Helene Cooper describes her privileged childhood in Liberia during a violent civil war, the trauma that prompted the family's flight to America, and memories of the adopted sister she left behind in Africa.

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