The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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

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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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Per Petterson rides 'Horses' to the literary forefront
Per Petterson's book "Out Stealing Horses" catapulted the Norwegian author into the forefront of European literature.
Kerri Miller, the host of "Talking Volumes", talks about the first guest of the season, Sherman Alexie.