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.

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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.

'Daughter' explores a dysfunctional relationship between father and daughter
“Daughter” is an intensely psychological novel, one that poses questions it doesn't, and maybe can't, answer. There are flashes of Claudia Dey's usually excellent writing, but not consistently enough.
Ask a Bookseller: 'Dear Mothman'
The story follows Noah Romano, an autistic, transgender sixth grader grappling with the death of his best friend.
MPR News' favorite summer reads
Summer is all about the classic beach read and while the season may be coming to a close, bookworms across the newsroom shared their favorite picks.
Minnesota novelist Julie Schumacher on 'The English Experience'
Cantankerous professor Jason Fitger returns to anchor Minnesota author Julie Schumacher’s latest novel and the last in his trilogy. This time, he is forced to chaperone a group of inept and needy students on a study abroad program.
'Wednesday's Child' deals in life after loss
The stories in Yiyun Li's book focus chiefly on people trying to put themselves together after loss, dealing with anguish that takes its time and rises from its dormancy at unexpected moments.
'Holly' is one of Stephen King's most political novels to date
“Holly” is a gripping crime novel — one that's very close to the traditional King horror aesthetic. The author hasn't been shy about his politics, but this is one of his most political books to date.