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.

Minnesota author provides bucket list in ‘100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die’
Jay Gabler, a Twin Cities native, told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer he “was really pleased to discover how eager Duluthians are to help newcomers discover the city” on Morning Edition Thursday.
Before the internet, how the LA Public Library helped readers pick their next novel
The Los Angeles Public Library stores thousands of index cards with staff reviews of books dating back to the 1920s. A librarian explains how they were used and what we can learn from them today.
Health psychologist explains how to change your mindset and embrace winter in new book
What’s the difference between embracing rather than merely enduring winter? In her new book, “How to Winter,” health psychologist Kari Leibowitz says it’s all about mindset.
‘SNL’ photographer reflects on iconic celebrity portraits in new book
Mary Ellen Matthews has been “SNL’s” photographer for 25 years. In a new book, “The Art of the SNL Portrait,” she shares her most iconic celebrity photos, like Pete Davidson eating pasta.
A new collection of Harper Lee’s writing is coming later this year
The beloved author of “To Kill a Mockingbird” famously only released two novels in her lifetime. Now, the world will get to read more of Lee’s work with an upcoming release of short stories and essays.
As boys state hockey tournament takes off in St. Paul, a look back at its 81-year history
The puck drops Wednesday on high school hockey's biggest stage, the boys state hockey tournament. We revisit a book that takes a year-by-year look at the tournament.
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Notes from the Porch: Tiny True Stories to Make You Feel Better About the World’
Elizabeth Bluemle of The Flying Pig Bookstore in Shelburne, Vt., recommends “Notes from the Porch: Tiny True Stories to Make You Feel Better About the World” by Thomas Christopher Green.
Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
BBC World Service: Newsday