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. 

Journalist Michele Norris on what Americans really think about race  
MPR News host Angela Davis talks with journalist and Minnesota native Michele Norris about her new book, “Our Hidden Conversations: What Americans Really Think About Race and Identity.”  
'Buffalo Fluffalo' has had enuffalo in this kids' bookalo
'Buffalo Fluffalo' may seem big and intimidating, but it's all puffery. He really just needs some snuggalos from his friends in this rhyming book from author Bess Kalb and illustrator Erin Kraan.
Ask a Bookseller: 'The Eyes and the Impossible'
Greg Danz of Zandbroz Variety in Fargo, N.D., adds his hearty recommendation to the list, calling it a wonderful book for the whole family.
Tracy K. Smith delivers a plea for the American soul
Former poet laureate Tracy K. Smith shares a deeply personal portrait of her family, America’s history and her path to sobriety in “To Free the Captives.”
The top honors in this year's children's book awards from the American Library Association lauded Dave Egger's “The Eyes and the Impossible” and Vashti Harrison's picture book “Big.”