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.
Category: Nonfiction
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.
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.
“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.
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 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
A 2024 favorite, notebooks, and the return of Monsignor O’Flaherty
Some good books, thoughtful and unputdownable, one coming soon, each promising escape of a kind that’s a great way to either end the year or start the new one.
A reluctant spy, Ukraine, and a stubborn octogenarian
I chose to read these books because I've admired the work of their authors. William Boyd is one of them, whose "Any Human Heart" remains one of my all-time favorite novels. He's in top form with this new one. Also, Jonathan Littell, who wrote the controversial bestselling novel "The Kindly Ones;" his new book, nonfiction, is brilliant. You'll also find here an author whose novel published mid-20th century is about an old woman thumbing her nose at family expectations. An added bonus: poet Billy Collins.
A genius, a horse, and the atom bomb
Here is a wonderful biography. I just finished it, as I continue to read books with large page counts (instead of adding them to the reading table and avoiding them). Also, two new books, fiction, and nonfiction. Should someone ask me what to read next, these two would be top of the list.
What happened to Felice Bauer?
"Life After Kafka" imagines the life of Franz Kafka's first fiancée long after their broken engagement. Fact and fiction intertwine to bring Felice Bauer to life, so we finally see her beyond Kafka's published “Letters to Felice.” Also, it led me to another book, because I became so curious about the relationship and Kafka. Here’s what this is all about.
I had to move my books: what I found
It's easy for me to forget books I want to read if I don't keep them visible on my reading tables. That's why this temporary upheaval is turning out to be less burden and more treasure. These five books include a thriller, a first novel, short stories, and more. Also, I found a letter from the wife of a Vietnam soldier tucked inside a military classic.
The Longest Chapter 