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The Longest Chapter

The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

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Category: Memoir

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.

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.

Two summer books not to be overlooked

August 15, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter

So many summer books, so little time. You'll be sorry, though, if you missed these two.

A powerful memoir that reverses time

July 19, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

In "The Photographer at Sixteen," British poet and translator George Szirtes recalls his mother's turbulent life during World War II, the Hungarian Revolution and her final years in England. It's impressive and captivating.

“Let her tell it as she sees it.”

July 9, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter

Françoise Gilot’s memoir of her 10 years with Pablo Picasso, published in 1964, was met with praise and controversy. The best-seller is now back in print. Here’s what “Life With Picasso” is about and why critics praised and criticized it.

A cow book by an Irish farmer’s son

June 18, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter

Take time this summer to enjoy a moving memoir by John Connell, a story about returning home to the family farm in Ireland.

The 100 Best Novels in Translation

March 15, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 6 Comments

We depend on translators to bring us the world's literature. We also depend on them to make the right decisions on how to bring a novel to life, wrestling with fidelity to the original versus comprehension for the reader. This book is not only a list, but a guide to those who do this marvelous work.

The value of private letters

November 28, 2018November 29, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 6 Comments

The new Melissa McCarthy movie about Lee Israel's crime of literary forgery hit too close to home. Here's why.

A book that left its mark

September 13, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 4 Comments

Brian Evenson’s Bookmarked personal narrative is about Raymond Carver’s short stories. I couldn’t put it down. If you love books about writers, or love to write and edit, you’ll love this, too.

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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.

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