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The secret to original ideas | ||
Kerri Miller's Must-Read | ||
| "A Constellation of Vital Phenomena" by Anthony Marra Buy this book I was reading something else in 2013 when everyone was reading Anthony Marra’s unusual and acclaimed novel, so it slipped through the cracks and off of my list. But every time someone would mention how transformative they found this novel, I’d feel a little twinge, like the cool crowd had passed me by. Then, two weeks ago, in the Miami airport as we waited for our plane to Cuba, Dr. Deb Dittberner and I were comparing our favorite novels on our Kindles. The way she described her experience of reading “Constellation” reminded me of how I felt when I read “All the Light We Cannot See.” It’s not just that I recall the story line and the characters, but I remember exactly where I was when I was reading that book, and how it would sidle into my mind at the oddest times. It still does. I’m halfway through “Constellation” and, of course, I can see what all of the raves are about. But I’m writing today more to remind myself that it’s a rare thing when a literary novel becomes a best-selling phenomenon, and I don’t want to miss those books just because I’m always pushing on to the next read on my list. -K.M. | ||
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| This Week on The Thread | ||
| Squeezing classic literature into one cartoon Never read "War and Peace"? John Atkinson's cartoon summary can help you out: "Everyone is sad. It snows." More | ||
| The habits of truly original people "Originals" by Adam Grant Buy this book What sets influential thinkers apart? Adam Grant's new book digs into the elusive concept of originality and how to nurture a novel idea. More | ||
| A writer reflects on his brother's murder "Alligator Candy" by David Kushner Buy this book David Kushner was 4 years old when his older brother Jon was killed. "Alligator Candy" is his memoir of the experience. More | ||
| Every story has a key "What is Not Yours is Not Yours" by Helen Oyeyemi Buy this book Helen Oyeyemi's new collection features nine stories all linked through the idea of keys that open rooms, doors, even hearts. She says she felt haunted by keys while working on the book. More | ||
| NRA rewrites fairy tales with more firearms, less bloodshed The NRA is publishing a series of twists on classic tales. Picture Gretel with a rifle in the witch's gingerbread house. More | ||
| What is life really like in Russia? "Putin Country" by Anne Garrels Buy this book Veteran foreign correspondent Anne Garrels writes about life in Russia, where citizens struggle with a shaky economy and widespread corruption, but seem supportive of their controversial president. More | ||
| The untold stories of black girls "Pushout" by Monique Morris Buy this book Black girls are suspended from school at six times the rate of white girls. In a new book, "Pushout," author Monique Morris tells their stories. More | ||
| Hmong-American poet Mai Der Vang wins prize for best debut Mai Der Vang's collection "Afterland," inspired by the flight of the Hmong people, will be published next year by Graywolf Press. More | ||
| True love and time travel "Patience" by Daniel Clowes Buy this book Comic artist Dan Clowes takes a new direction in his latest graphic novel, which starts with a rare moment of happiness for its main characters. Does it last? Spoiler alert: No. More | ||
| The history of Batman and "the rise of nerd culture" "The Caped Crusade" by Glen Weldon Buy this book To the Batcave, readers! This new book lays out the history of Batman, from pow-biff-zap camp icon to dour Dark Knight. More | ||
| The real lives of the Twelve Apostles "Apostle" by Tom Bissell Buy this book Their names are famous: Peter, Matthew, Thomas, John. But who were the men that became known as the apostles of Jesus? Tom Bissell chases that question in his new book. More | ||
| Beauty and wonder soar in this fantasy world "The Winged Histories" by Sofia Samatar Buy this book Sofia Samatar returns to the world of her award-winning debut, "A Stranger in Olondria," with a companion tale of four women caught up in war and turmoil, trying to preserve and pass on their stories. More | ||
| Korea's classic swashbuckler gets a new translation "The Story of Hong Gildong" by Minsoo Kang Buy this book A young nobleman leaves home and ends up joining a group of outlaws — sound familiar? No, it's not Robin Hood, it's the iconic Korean hero Hong Gildong, and it's time the rest of the world met him. More | ||
| A good death and a bad start "The Rope" by Kanan Makiya Buy this book Kanan Makiya's new novel is named for the rope used to execute Saddam Hussein. It follows one Shiite militiaman from the day of Saddam's fall through the tumultuous years that follow. More | ||
| Music appreciation in the age of robot DJs "Every Song Ever" by Ben Ratliff Buy this book Mobile technology and music streaming services have given listeners more power than ever over their listening choices. "So what are we going to do with it?" asks music critic Ben Ratliff. More | ||
| Michael Ian Black lays it all out, insecurities and all "Navel Gazing" by Michael Ian Black Buy this book "When I'm acting, I always imagine myself as looking totally different than the person that appears onscreen," Black says. The comic writes about family, masculinity and vanity in his new memoir. More | ||
| The Thread Live 2016: Full schedule Get event details Don't miss Mary Roach, Louise Erdrich and Krista Tippett. These writers will bring discussions of faith, fiction and family to the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul this spring. More | ||
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