Shows / Ask a Bookseller
Ask a Bookseller
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.
Episodes
- Ask a Bookseller
A book that gives you 'Some Kind of Happiness' on lonely, blue days
We're continuing our September focus on great books for kids and teens. This week, Britt Margit of Second Star to the Right Books in Denver, Colo., recommended…
- Ask a Bookseller
A West African fantasy with enveloping world-building
In the month of September, Ask a Bookseller is featuring recommendations for kids and teens. This week, bookseller Linda Stack-Nelson of Wild Rumpus Books for…
- Ask a Bookseller
A bookseller recommends 'I Am Every Good Thing' for back to school
Throughout September, MPR News’ Ask a Bookseller will feature recommendations for children and teens to kick off the start of the school year. To start the…
- Ask a Bookseller
A new translation reimagines Beowulf, spotlighting female 'warrior'
Bookseller Anthony Ascione of Brilliant Books in Traverse City, Mich., is excited about a new translation of the classic epic poem “Beowulf,” translated by…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Empire of Wild' interweaves mystery and love
Bookseller Nadine Teisberg of Birchbark Books in Minneapolis is recommending the novel “Empire of Wild” by Cherie Dimaline. Teisberg calls the novel an…
- Ask a Bookseller
Exploring lives of whales in a time of climate change
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Stephen Sparks of Point…
- Ask a Bookseller
A visit to a magical small town that you don't want to end
Bookseller Susan Tank of Paulina Springs Books in Sisters, Ore., recommends one of her longtime favorites, the 2010 novel "Mink River" by Brian Doyle. The…
- Ask a Bookseller
For fantasy fans looking for their next book series
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Jody Hardy from Mostly…
- Ask a Bookseller
The latest entry in a new wave of memoirs
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Derrick Young of Mahogany…
- Ask a Bookseller
'A Burning' has booksellers talking
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Emilie Sommer at East…
- Ask a Bookseller
Stock up on hot chocolate before reading this book
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Lily Tschudi-Campbell at…
- Ask a Bookseller
A story of how far people will go for love
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to April Gorski from Book…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Woman on the Edge of Time' still captivates
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Gwen Danfelt from Drury…
- Ask a Bookseller
The history of Wisconsin's love affair with beer
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Brian Roegge from Chapter…
- Ask a Bookseller
A hilarious and razor-sharp debut
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Danny Caine from The…
- Ask a Bookseller
The book that just keeps selling
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Francine Tanguay of…
- Ask a Bookseller
'A different way of understanding the story'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Jhoanna Belfer of Bel…
- Ask a Bookseller
A 'beautifully told' family drama
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Gwen Danfelt from Drury…
- Ask a Bookseller
The stunning memoir that could make Hemingway jealous
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Jinny Amundson from Old…
- Ask a Bookseller
Your perfect Halloween read
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Aaron Cance of The…
- Ask a Bookseller
A story of the kidnapped children of Spain
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Shirley Mullin of Kids…
- Ask a Bookseller
'An incredible depiction of small town life'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Adah Fitzgerald of Main…
- Ask a Bookseller
A dangerous search for a dozen eggs
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Holly Brooks of Capitol…
- Ask a Bookseller
The wisdom of Anthony Bourdain
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Hans Weyandt from…
- Ask a Bookseller
Meet 'the greatest American novelist you’ve never heard of'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Lori Feathers from…
- Ask a Bookseller
A gateway to Greek mythology
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Lillian Schmid at Big…
- Ask a Bookseller
If you love Octavia Butler, Colson Whitehead and Toni Morrison
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Nialle Sylvan from The…
- Ask a Bookseller
The intricacies of female friendship
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Annie Metcalf from Magers…
- Ask a Bookseller
A very different dragon tale
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Greta Helmel from Storied…
- Ask a Bookseller
An 'excruciatingly beautiful' novel from a celebrated poet
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Aaron Cance from The…
- Ask a Bookseller
Colson Whitehead's new novel 'is the work of a master'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Danny Caine at The Raven…
- Ask a Bookseller
Constantinople; Michelangelo; Elephants
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Matt Keliher from Subtext…
- Ask a Bookseller
The absurd, hilarious classic you shouldn't skip
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Brandy O'Briant from Page…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Beautiful' essays that address race, family, religion and more
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Allison Punch from Old…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Great writing, great style, a nice long page turner'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Darryl Peck of Righton…
- Ask a Bookseller
An 'absolutely wonderful' novel of hidden identities
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Gerilee Hundt at…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Hands down, it's the best book I've ever read'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Wesley Minter from Third…
- Ask a Bookseller
The power of an unforgettable character
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Lori Fisher from Quarter…
- Ask a Bookseller
It begins with a letter in a cemetery
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Rayna Nielsen from…
- Ask a Bookseller
Where myth, magical realism and women's bodies mix
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Jen Murvin from…
- Ask a Bookseller
An assassin walks into a library
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with David Enyeart from Next…
- Ask a Bookseller
A family road trip story unlike any you've read
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Matt Keliher from…
- Ask a Bookseller
Escaping death -- seven or eight times
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke to Carol Price from…
- Ask a Bookseller
From Broadway to your bookshelf
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Susan Smelser from The…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Grace and power' on full display in this new story collection
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Abbey Paxton from…
- Ask a Bookseller
A space opera with a side of Byzantine history? Let's do this
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Aaron Cance from The…
- Ask a Bookseller
A myth-like novel that's 'original in its approach to magic'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Joe Chevalier from…
- Ask a Bookseller
A man looks back on those he lost
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Vicki Burger from Wind…
- Ask a Bookseller
What does a father mean when you've never had one?
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Jake Howell from…
- Ask a Bookseller
What Shakespeare teaches us about tyrants
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Chris Upton from A…
- Ask a Bookseller
The totally fascinating history of ... milk?
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Sara Rishforth from…
- Ask a Bookseller
Laughs, loss and a spunky goat come together in a new road-trip novel
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Dave Richardson at Blue…
- Ask a Bookseller
A story collection with characters so vivid 'you inhabit their bones'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Hannah Oliver Depp from…
- Ask a Bookseller
Capturing the 'Voices of Mississippi'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Kelle Barfield from…
- Ask a Bookseller
The personal, the political, the poetic
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Danny Caine, the owner…
- Ask a Bookseller
The love story of C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Betsy Grant from Page &…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Definitely not for the squeamish, but endlessly fascinating'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Josh Myers from…
- Ask a Bookseller
This novel delivers a 'mix of horror and elegance'
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Annie Metcalf of Magers…
- Ask a Bookseller
A shadowy book about the end of the world and the power of letters
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Margaret Leonard of…
- Ask a Bookseller
'Woman World': Where the future is female
Every week, The Thread checks in with booksellers around the country about their favorite books of the moment. This week, we spoke with Emma Nichols from the…