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The Longest Chapter

The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

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Category: Essays

These good books: from gripping to inspiring

April 1, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

Here you'll find stories to savor and characters you'll love so much you'll have to put the book down and walk away, to get ready, when things get tense. Also, a memoir about growing up on the largest block of unfenced wilderness in the lower 48 states, and a new novel I'm thinking may just be a spring break beach read.

Paris’s 19th century institutionalized female hysterics

March 3, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter

The Salpêtrière hospital in Paris functioned as a city within a city, an enclosed asylum for women whose nerves were shot. That's my modern speak for what then neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot termed hysteria. In "City of Incurable Women," author Maud Casey lets their stories be known. Read more about her new book here.

My reading life: just finished + coming soon

February 19, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter

A 21st century poet writes about the life of an enslaved 18th century poet, and a psychoanalyst explores that fateful night in Gethsemane in two profound stories far from this century. Plus, March is promising to be a literary month to look forward to – here’s why.

2020 Christmas books: presents for myself

December 17, 2020April 8, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter

The permission of the holiday season is here. A classic novel, memoirs, confessions, and a search for Joseph Roth are now under my tree.

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.

The books I’ll be reading next

January 23, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

A list of books coming in February and March that have me excited, including an essay collection, memoir, biography, fable, crime story and assorted novels.

How to get your book of the month

February 5, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 3 Comments

Book box subscription services are many, but they’re not my preference. So here are my three choices for getting a monthly book delivery.

Get a grip and lighten up

May 14, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter

Sloane Crosley's “Look Alive Out There” showcases this talented humorist’s ability to embrace unpredictability with wit and whimsy. The 16 new essays vary in topic and enrich us with laughter and insight.

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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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