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The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

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Category: Best Books of the Year

Six favorite books from my year of reading

December 29, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 4 Comments

This 2022 end-of-year list includes an equal number of fiction and nonfiction. The books earned their place for the unusual qualities that set them apart: storytellers that amazed me, atmospheres that erased time, facts that broadened my thinking. Four of the books have been mentioned here before; two are new.

My 10 favorite books of 2021

December 14, 2021December 17, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 10 Comments

A surprising mix of novels became my year-end favorites for their morally conflicted and inspiring characters: from scientists to petty thieves, French Algerians to Chilean dictators, an Indiana farm woman to a Black female executive. And then one book, simply put, I didn't want to end.

My 10 favorite books of 2020

December 30, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

Literary novels, a biography, a humorous memoir, a fable, and more. "What I want to tell you about is something quite different," says one character in these unforgettable books on this year-end list.

My year of reading

December 26, 2019December 26, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter

Here at The Longest Chapter, instead of calling out best books of 2019, I've gathered a more personal list.

National Book Awards 2019 Finalists

October 10, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 3 Comments

Twenty-five nominees in five categories made it from the longlist to the shortlist of the National Book Awards. Here's a look at three of them, and also one that didn't make the cut but has an interesting scandal going on in Norway.

Summer prize-winning reads

June 11, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter

This summer, fill the beach bag with 2019 award winners. From the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction to the recently awarded Women's Prize for Fiction, here are seven novels you'll be glad you read.

Top three novels on 2018 year-end lists

December 29, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter

These novels appear the most times on 2018 fiction lists that announce the year's favorites, notables, and bests.

Finalists to talk about – and read

August 6, 2018August 6, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter

The Man Booker 2018 Longlist has produced a baker's dozen of novels readers can get excited about. Finally, they're back to what we want and expect.

Top five fiction books in 2017

December 31, 2017 ~ The Longest Chapter

I cross referenced several 2017 best fiction lists. Here are the results.

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Book Recommendations

Tune in to All Sides Weekend Books, aired on NPR member station WOSU 89.7 FM where I recommend great books to read. This includes many that don’t get enough media attention, the good stories readers struggle to find. You can stream the live show online, sign up for the podcast, or listen from the archives at  WOSU 89.7 FM. All Sides Weekend Books airs the third Friday every month with occasional exceptions.

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  • Intriguing new books in fiction and nonfiction
    Intriguing new books in fiction and nonfiction
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    Blogger's Bio
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    Recommended novels set in Rome, Norway, and England
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    Which one Faulkner novel should you read?
  • About This Blog
    About This Blog
  • A woman's secret, a moving epic, and a glacial adventure
    A woman's secret, a moving epic, and a glacial adventure
  • 54 Books, 54 Favorites
    54 Books, 54 Favorites

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