Skip to content
The Longest Chapter

The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

  • 54 Books, 54 Favorites
  • About This Blog
  • Blogger’s Bio

Category: Book Review

My reading life: a few good books

April 8, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

Here you'll find three novels that will capture your attention for their complex characters, intriguing settings, and heartrending stories. Also, I’ve included the title of an unusual book from Melbourne, Australia, and a new novel coming out next week that takes place during a bloody week in 1871 Paris.

The enduring significance of ordinary life

February 2, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

“Zorrie” follows the magnetic spirit of an Indiana woman in the mid-20th century. This exceptional, lyric novel captures her resilience and profound sense of belonging to the land and the people. A character hard to forget and literary talent at its best.

An author’s volunteer experience in Greece: “Reaching Mithymna” by Steven Heighton

December 8, 2020December 8, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

What if you wanted to do something useful during a crisis? This Canadian author resisted his doubt and acted, traveling to the island of Lesvos in 2015 to help thousands of refugees pouring onto its shores. Here’s a review of his new book.

New this month, a major award finalist: “How to Make a Slave and Other Essays”

November 7, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

An essay collection written with singular insight, humor and irony. A finalist for the 2020 National Book Award in Nonfiction and the first essay collection I’ve ever described as a page-turner. Published by The Ohio State University Press.

An old man contemplates his life with music: “Self-Portrait With Russian Piano”

September 30, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

Wolf Wondratshek's new novel evocatively explores the life and emotions of a concert pianist. Profoundly enjoyable, especially for classical music enthusiasts.

Three new story collections you want to ignore, but I recommend you don’t.

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

It's unheard of for me to read not just one but three short story collections in less than a month. I'm typically more into novels, but I couldn't put these down.

New novels coming in September 2020

August 21, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

We've got lots of good books to look forward to this fall season. Several are by big name authors who publish next month, such as Elena Ferrante and Marilynne Robinson.

“Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell: the death of Shakespeare’s son, and the famous play

August 5, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

Hamnet died in 1596 when he was just a boy. His father immortalized his name in one of the most celebrated plays of all time. Maggie O’Farrell, in her stunning new novel, imagines what happened.

An exceptional new World War II novel: “The Vanishing Sky” by L. Annette Binder

July 17, 2020July 17, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

"The Vanishing Sky" sings to the heart and gives meaning to the soul by its seductive atmosphere and memorable, resilient characters. A favorite read of mine this summer.

A milkman and slow horses: Mick Herron’s brilliant British intelligence series

July 3, 2020August 7, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 3 Comments

“The Catch" is a perfect introduction to Mick Herron’s Slough House series about disgraced British spies. It’s a fast-paced novella and the reason I picked up “Slow Horses." Here’s what to love about these two books.

Recommendations for a book club

June 24, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

Often in conversation someone mentions an upcoming book club meeting, and they say they need help with suggested reading to take with them. Here's a list I created for a recent request.

A discerning novel of ethnic identity

June 5, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

In "Days of Distraction," Alexandra Chang skillfully evokes the world of her Chinese American narrator, exploring themes of discrimination, self-perception and inter-racial relationships to poignant effect.

The books I’m reading now

April 30, 2020April 30, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

Readers looking for new stories, here's a list of five books, all new this year, a mix of fascinating JFK fact/fiction, WWII non-fiction, an "engrossing" biography, and a dark novel that's one of the six finalists for the International Booker Prize. Also, an update about delayed spring releases.

“Whiteout Conditions” by Tariq Shah

April 16, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

In this new novel, the inviting narrator relates a weekend adventure with his friend Vince as they attend the funeral of Vince’s cousin Ray. It's a dark story about friendship and loss with overtones of humor and sparkling weirdness.

“Nobody Will Tell You This But Me”

April 2, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 1 Comment

Funny and heartwarming, Bess Kalb's new book narrated by her grandmother is just what our weary, fearful souls need right now. A must read for Bobby Bell's message of resilience, grace and wit.

Posts navigation

Older posts

Enter your email address to follow this blog written by book critic Kassie Rose. You'll receive notifications of new posts by email. Simply click on the sign-up button below.

Join 2,023 other followers

All Sides Weekend Books

I’ll be on air discussing book recommendations Friday, April 23, at 11 a.m. You can stream the show online, sign up for the podcast, or listen from the archives at the NPR member station WOSU 89.7 FM.

Recent Posts

  • My reading life: a few good books April 8, 2021
  • Coming soon: five new novels by seasoned authors March 18, 2021
  • “The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World” March 11, 2021
  • My reading life: just finished + coming soon February 19, 2021
  • The enduring significance of ordinary life February 2, 2021
  • My 10 favorite books of 2020 December 30, 2020
  • 2020 Christmas books: presents for myself December 17, 2020

Top Posts

  • Which one Faulkner novel should you read?
    Which one Faulkner novel should you read?
  • My reading life: a few good books
    My reading life: a few good books
  • My 10 favorite books of 2020
    My 10 favorite books of 2020
  • 54 Books, 54 Favorites
    54 Books, 54 Favorites
  • The 100 Best Novels in Translation
    The 100 Best Novels in Translation
  • Blogger's Bio
    Blogger's Bio
  • The answer's in the carpet
    The answer's in the carpet

Longest Chapter Search

Search by Month

Cancel

 
Loading Comments...
Comment
    ×