Looking for your next great read? Ask a bookseller! Join us to check in with independent bookstores across the U.S. to find out what books they’re excited about right now. One book, two minutes, every week. From the long-running series on MPR News, hosted by Emily Bright. Whether you read to escape, feel connected, seek self-improvement, or just discover something new, there is a book here for you.
Latest episodes
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3 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Peck & Peck’ by Bonnie Garmus
Bonnie Garmus's debut novel, “Lessons in Chemistry,” published when she was in her 60s, hit the New York Times bestseller list and sparked a miniseries on Apple TV in 2023. Garmus’…
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3 min
Ask a Bookseller: 'Between Two Fires' by Christopher Buehlman
We can't let the Halloween season go without featuring one horror book, and Sarah Gerton of Excelsior Bay Books in Excelsior said her pick is “Between Two Fires” by Christopher Bue…
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3 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt’ by Ben Reeves
Amy Erickson of Bluebird Books in Detroit Lakes loved the novel “Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt” by Ben Reeves, but it’s a difficult one to describe. The book is about a…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘The Great Wherever’ by Shannon Sanders
Foggy mornings, apples and pumpkins abound: anyone in the mood for a ghost story? Or rather, in the case of Shannon Sanders’ debut novel, “The Great Wherever,” a story narrated by…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: 'Baby-Sitters on Board!' by Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan
Did you ever read the “Baby-Sitter's Club” books? Who was your favorite character? That series by Ann M. Martin is now 40 years old, and it keeps on ticking, having spun off into g…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: 'The Inquisitive Raven' by Richard Wagamese
With school back in session, we’re continuing to bring you recommendations for great reads for kids. Pallas Erdrich of Birchbark Books in Minneapolis says her favorite picture book…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Angelica and the Bear Prince’ by Trung Le Nguyen
K-12 school is back in session across the state, and as usual on Ask a Bookseller, we’re marking the occasion by focusing on books for kids and teen. Char Palmer of Magers & Quinn…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Coyoteland’ by Vanessa Hua
Are you looking for a novel to generate a good discussion for your book club? Pamela Klinger-Horn of Valley Bookseller in Stillwater recommends “Coyoteland” by Vanessa Hua. With th…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Coram House’ is a thrilling page-turner
If you’re in a book club, you know that not everyone is going to like every book every time. So, it was a delight for Gina Grinde of Four Pines Bookstore in Bemidji when everyone l…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Her Last Breath’ by Taylor Adams
Like many readers of mysteries and thrillers, Jackie Fuchs of The Book Keepers in Hutchinson loves to try to figure out whodunnit and why, and she appreciates a book that keep her…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: 'Why Fish Don't Exist' by Lulu Miller
Do you love the science-focused, curiosity-driven storytelling on Radiolab? Pallas Erdrich, manager of Birchbark Books in Minneapolis, recommends reading Radiolab co-host Lulu Mill…
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3 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Wake Now in the Fire’ by Jarrett Dapier
Laura Haave of Content Bookstore in Northfield said one of her top recommendations so far this year is a YA graphic novel called “Wake Now in the Fire“ written by Jarrett Dapier an…
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3 min
Ask a Bookseller: 'Die for Me' by Shirlene Obuobi
Lauren Richards, co-owner of Tropes & Trifles in Minneapolis, recently hosted author Shirlene Obuobi to launch her new paranormal romance novel "Die for Me," and Richards is very e…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Dungeon Crawler Carl’ series by Matt Dinniman
Looking to get lost in a fun series this summer? Elizabeth Foster of Inkwell Booksellers Company in Minneapolis says the books that keep flying off her shelves are the novel-meets-…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Astronaut’ by Oana Aristide
Sarah Brown of Zenith Bookstore in Duluth read an early review copy of Oana Aristide’s novel “Astronaut!” and she has eagerly been awaiting its official release Tuesday. She called…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: The Raiders of the Arcana series by Jacquelyn Benson
Maria Lockwood of Foxes and Fireflies Booksellers in Superior, Wis., has a suggestion for a great historical fantasy series that will appeal to fans of “The Mummy” movies. She reco…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘Enormous Wings’ by Laurie Frankel
Are you ready to believe a few impossible things? If so, Sue Zumberge of SubText Bookstore in St. Paul recommends the novel “Enormous Wings” by Laurie Frankel. “The moment I mentio…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘One of Us’ by Dan Chaon
On The Thread’s Ask a Bookseller series, we talk to independent booksellers across Minnesota and beyond to find out what books they’re most excited about right now Jeff Danz of Zan…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘It Wasn't Meant to Be Perfect’ by Gaelynn Lea
On The Thread’s Ask a Bookseller series, we talk to independent booksellers across Minnesota to find out what books they’re most excited about right now. Eric Plumb of Amazing Alon…
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2 min
Ask a Bookseller: ‘We Burned So Bright’ by TJ Klune
On The Thread’s Ask a Bookseller series, we talk to independent booksellers all over the country to find out what books they’re most excited about right now.Rachel Ostrom of Acorn…