The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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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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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. 

Minnesota history writer Dave Kenney will be in the studio to talk to Gary Eichten about his newest book, "Twin Cities Picture Show: A Century of Moviegoing"
Open Eye Figure Theatre opens a new home
A new theatrical venue quietly opened in south Minneapolis recently. It's the new home for Open Eye Figure Theatre. It's a small operation. Yet the company is expected to have a big impact on the local theater scene.
The oldest first-time novelist in history?
Millard Kaufman's publicist demurs slightly when the 90-year-old's possible world record comes up. McSweeney's Books says Kaufman may be the oldest first-time novelist. Even if he isn't the first, publishing a book in your ninth decade is still quite an achievement.
Lynne Cheney at the National Press Club
Lynne Cheney, wife of Vice President Dick Cheney, speaks Thursday at the National Press Club in Washington. Cheney, a historian and bestselling author, is out with a memoir titled "Blue Skies, No Fences."
Edward P. Jones writes about the real Washington
Edward P. Jones writes about Washington D.C. Not the Washington of politicians and the government offices, but the Washington neighborhoods filled with people struggling to get by.
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."
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.
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.
Kerri Miller talks with MPR's Cathy Wurzer about the latest Talking Volumes event Tuesday night, featuring author Ann Patchett.
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.