Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Kerri Miller Podcast Tile
Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller
MPR News

Where readers meet writers, Fridays at 11 a.m. Listen live or stream later on your favorite podcast app.

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Books Coverage: The Thread | About: Kerri Miller

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Booker Prize finalist Nadifa Mohamed's novel revisits Somali seaman's fate in 1950s' Wales
It took many decades after Mahmood Mattan’s execution at Cardiff Prison in Wales for his name to be cleared over a killing he did not commit. Host Kerri Miller talked to author Nadifa Mohamed about her historical novel that looks back on Mattan’s life and the miscarriage of justice.
In an emotional memoir, a sports writer reflects on the loss of his son
Ivan Maisel lost his 21-year-old son to suicide in 2015. It was a shattering moment. But Maisel and his wife had no choice but to go on living without Max. In “I Keep Trying to Catch Your Eye,” Maisel chronicles his journey through grief.
How civil wars start and why it could happen again in America
A contemporary civil war in America wouldn’t much resemble the last one, says political scientist Barbara F. Walter in her new book. But it could happen again — and if you’re skeptical about that, she believes you suffer from a lack of imagination that puts the country at risk.
The best books of 2021 from three authors who also own bookstores
For our final Big Books and Bold Ideas show of the year, host Kerri Miller talks with three writers who also own bookstores and invites them to share the titles from 2021 they loved and were most eager to put in readers’ hands.
Author Ann Patchett on friendship, time and the idea of 'enoughness'
Ann Patchett is out with a new collection of essays. Join Kerri Miller this Friday for a wide-ranging conversation with Patchett about being present, the gift of friendship, and how the pandemic can reveal what matters most.
Phil Klay's new book examines the globalization of violence
Phil Klay’s much-anticipated second book is out. On Friday, he joined Kerri Miller to talk about his debut novel, the meaning of war, and how patriotism has become a loaded concept.
A political thriller about sexual misconduct in the #MeToo era
On this week’s show about big books and bold ideas — what a lawyer who investigates sex crimes says about the state of #MeToo and writing a novel about his experience. 
Kate Bowler on how to be fully, imperfectly, gloriously human
Kate Bowler is back with another bestseller. In her new book, “No Cure for Being Human,” she asks: How do you move forward with a life you didn’t choose?
N. West Moss' new memoir centers on infertility and legacy
A memoir about heartache and healing, N. West Moss’ new book, “Flesh & Blood,” opens up a conversation with the millions of women who live with infertility and loss. Moss talked to host Kerri Miller on Friday about the book and her infertility journey.