The Thread® - Books and Literary News

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

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. 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.

The 43 best books MPR News staff read in 2025
Each year, the MPR newsroom shares staff picks of the best books we read in 2025. From a familiar Minnesota romance author to Dust Bowl-era historical fiction with a dash of magical realism, here’s the books we couldn’t put down.
When a loved one dies, where do they go? A new kids’ book suggests ‘They Walk On’
After his mom died, “Fry Bread” author Kevin Maillard found himself wondering, “but where did she go?” So he wrote about it. His new kids’ book is “And They Walk On,” illustrated by Rafael López.
Hunker down with these 13 mysteries and thrillers from 2025
Mysteries and thrillers are enjoyable no matter the season, but there’s something extra satisfying about curling up in the winter with a warm drink and an all-engrossing read. Here’s what we suggest.
The best and most surprising Big Book shows of 2025, part one
Go behind the scenes with Big Books host Kerri Miller and producer Kelly Gordon as they choose their favorite and most surprising shows of the last 12 months.
From toddlers to teens, here’s your one-stop shop for young readers
If you have kids in your life who are ready to broaden their book horizons we have recommendations for you! Here you’ll find tried-and-true picture books, chapter books, and YA, all published in 2025.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Wilder Weather’ by Barbara Boustead
Alena Bruzas of Francie & Finch Bookshop in Lincoln, Neb., recommends “Wilder Weather” by Barbara Boustead.
Looking for a chill? 'The Unveiling' is spooky, discomforting literary horror
There is no comfort or closure in Quan Barry’s latest novel, “The Unveiling,” which follows a group of tourists who get stranded off the coast of Antarctica after a kayaking expedition goes dreadfully wrong.