Alice Vernon is the author of "Ghosted," a new book that examines 200 years of ghost hunting, including communication by séance and sleuthing through haunted houses. I couldn't resist delving into this interesting topic. Here's my review.
Author: The Longest Chapter
Kassie Rose is a book critic with more than 30 years experience reviewing adult fiction and nonfiction. Her reviews and recommendations can be heard on NPR member station WOSU 89.7 FM in Columbus, Ohio.
September 2025 novels and biographies
Joan Silber and Kiran Desai have new novels out this month, two authors loved by both readers and critics. Also here, the lives of an adventurer and an "apprentice mage discovering her powers."
What I’m reading, including the 2025 Booker Prize longlist
I've been diving into the UK's Booker Prize longlisted novels, which have included 'Misinterpretation' and 'One Boat.' Here's why, plus there's a new thriller I flew through and nonfiction I've started about ghosts.
Three new books for summer reading
Each of these has strong characters and distinctive stories. One is humorous in its explorations of love, one thoughtful as part memoir part fiction, and one suspenseful in a tale of imposters.
Lost love, adventure, and party spirits
You'll find novels, essays, and more here, including Jess Walter's delightful new fiction and Honorée Fanonne Jeffers highly anticipated first nonfiction. Six books in all, five published in June, an unusual mix.
“Flashlight” by Susan Choi
This new novel is a long read, not because of page count but of keeping steady during the times when you think nothing's happening. The payoff will be something you'll not soon forget.
“A Perfect Turmoil: Walter E. Fernald and the Struggle to Care for America’s Disabled”
A new book rescues from obscurity a largely forgotten figure in American history. It's an engaging read, surpringly so given the many names and facts involved, but that's a testament to the author, Alex Green. He's got a magic touch.
“The Transit of Venus” and others
Here are good books for readers of rich literature and memoirs: Shirley Hazzard's classic; John Gregory Dunne's Las Vegas adventure now back in print; and bestselling author Fredrik Backman's new novel, which is publishing this week.
Cable breakage and darkness of the soul
Colum McCann's new novel Twist hinges on a major break in underwater cables that carry the world’s information. Early on, there's a scenario that's chillingly real: the internet down, no cell phone service, no ATM service, and stores accepting cash only. “We were like stunned birds,” the book’s narrator tells us. He’s Anthony Fennell, an … Continue reading Cable breakage and darkness of the soul
What I’m reading and new books
I introduced Jeremy Cooper's novel Brian a while ago here on The Longest Chapter, eager to read it then but, as happens, left it waiting among the reading table stacks. But I believe some books "know" when the time is right to be read, as if stepping forward just when we need that one story … Continue reading What I’m reading and new books
Saving a wild creature and keeping it free
"Raising Hare" is a new memoir that captures a life-changing endeavor to bring up a leveret. It's a delightful story of love and respect in a human-to-nature connection. Here's my review.
Sophy Roberts’ travel stories plus Helen Garner’s masterpiece and diaries
New nonfiction took me down a rabbit hole of additional books, shared here. (Think elephants and pianos.) Also, a new novel "Old Romantics" coming soon, and true crime.
A powerful story about books, friendship, and despair
Jón Kalman Stefánsson’s novel "Heaven and Hell" takes place in a remote part of Iceland among fishermen who make their living on the Arctic’s ocean water. It's deeply moving for its spare, lyric style. Here's a review.
A few book recommendations
January was a month when I swung widely among many types of books, not only in genre but also topic. To start, Ingrained: The Making of a Craftsman, not a topic I’d typically be drawn to. That changed thanks to what I read about the memoir when it published in December. Callum Robinson writes about … Continue reading A few book recommendations
New books published this week
Tuesday is the usual day of the week for new book releases. Of the many novels published this past Tuesday, here are some gems by authors both familiar and new to me that have my attention.
The Longest Chapter 