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.

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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.

October 16, 2007 5:00 PM

The 'Flim Flam Man' gets a script reading

Twin Cities film fans have a unique opportunity on tap. For one night only, a group of local actors will present a staged reading of "Flag Day." It's a screenplay based on Minneapolis writer Jennifer Vogel's award-winning memoir "Flim Flam Man."

by Euan Kerr

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October 16, 2007 4:36 PM

A conversation with Maya Angelou

Noted poet and writer Maya Angelou says she has a "love-hate relationship" with writing, despite her long and distinguished career. She talks with MPR's Kerri Miller.

by Kerri Miller

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October 16, 2007 2:21 PM

Newbery Reader's Theater

Newbery Medal-winning authors Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo and Katherine Paterson read from each other's work. They also describe what it's like to be writers before an audience filled with fans young and old. The event was recorded October 15 at the Fitzgerald Theater.

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October 16, 2007 8:40 AM

Preview of Talking Volumes with Ann Patchett

Kerri Miller talks with MPR's Cathy Wurzer about the latest Talking Volumes event Tuesday night, featuring author Ann Patchett.

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October 12, 2007 3:02 PM

Iran from a woman's point of view

Iranian-born author Gina Nahai chronicles the clash of cultures in Los Angeles, where huge numbers of Iranians have settled and continue to try to influence their home society. Her latest book explores how loss is experienced in the West and East.

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October 5, 2007 12:57 PM

Robin Swicord convenes 'The Jane Austen Book Club'

When a producer approached filmmaker Robin Swicord with the idea of a film adaptation of the best-selling novel "The Jane Austen Book Club," she leapt at the chance.

by Euan Kerr

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October 5, 2007 12:00 AM

Talking Volumes with Sherman Alexie

Author Sherman Alexie ventures into young adult literature with two new books. His books are sharp observations of growing up Indian among whites.

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October 1, 2007 4:07 PM

Frenetic storyteller Kevin Kling turns his tales to text

An All Things Considered regular, Kevin Kling, has translated his frenetic and funny style of storytelling to the written word. In "The Dog Says How," Kling tells tales about his childhood and his 2001 motorcycle accident.

by Tom Crann

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September 28, 2007 12:00 AM

Author Jane Hamilton

Best-selling author Jane Hamilton talks about her latest novel of an unusual family's response to tragedy in its midst. Hamilton has won acclaim for her humorous and insightful treatment of human relationships.