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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 back for its 25th season. Join us at the Fitzgerald Theater for four special events with renowned authors, celebrating our anniversary with a special $25 ticket price for MPR members and Star Tribune subscribers. Buy tickets here.

"Old Turtle" returns

Central Minnesota author Douglas Wood's first book, Old Turtle, was a huge success. First published in 1992, the story of a wise old turtle who shares her wisdom on spirituality, peace and ecology won several national awards, and sold more than 800,000 copies. Now 11 years later, there's a new Old Turtle story.

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The U.S. Exploring Expedition: a forgotten voyage

In 1838, a controversial captain lead his ship on a historic but little-known voyage. The U.S. Exploring Expedition discovered the continent of Antartica and new shipping routes, but the turmoil surrounding the officers and crew eclipsed the triumph.

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Chocolate: how sweet it is

For some, chocolate fuels a food obsession. A renowned dessert maker and author talks about her own fascination with the quintessential sweet.

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The science behind good cooking

The mysteries of cooking explained by the founder and editor of "Cooks Illustrated" magazine.

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A Talking Volumes broadcast: Chimamanda Adichie

A girl's adolescence runs headlong into the turmoil of her family and the society around her in contemporary Nigeria. Author Chimamanda Adichie talks about her novel, Purple Hibiscus with Katherine Lanpher in a taped Talking Volumes broadcast.

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A writer reflects on the weather

We are what we endure and enjoy in our unpredictable weather. A Minnesota-based writer shares how the weather has defined her life and outlook.

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A fresh look at some old fairy tales

A new translation of the best-loved Hans Christian Andersen stories also places the fairy tale author in a new literary context.

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Augusten Burroughs: A Talking Volumes interview

Author Augusten Burroughs' new memoir is the next offering from Talking Volumes. Dry recounts the author's difficult, darkly humorous trip to sobriety.

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Books to accompany any mood

There are great books out there to compliment any state of mind. A noted author, librarian and promoter of good reads recommends classics and non-bestselling books that are worth a good spine-cracking.

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