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The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

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Category: Nonfiction

Paris’s 19th century institutionalized female hysterics

March 3, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

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.

Now reading: poetry, nature, true crime, and J.S. Bach

February 17, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

For too long, Ilya Kaminsky’s “Deaf Republic” sat on my reading table, a story told in poems that’s not only profound but now so very timely. Also in this blog post you’ll find a compelling mix of fiction and nonfiction, with authors writing about love for the natural world, truth in a murder investigation, and the St. Matthew Passion.

Nonfiction coming to my reading table

January 20, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter

Three books, three intriguing topics: stolen art, a musician’s performance anxiety, and a deep look into the interviewing process. Here’s why I’ve chosen to read them.

The Dayton Literary Peace Prize Winners 2021

October 14, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter

Since 2006, this significant prize in literature has celebrated the power of the written word to promote peace. Here are the 2021 winners: one adult fiction and one adult nonfiction, both of World War II and lives revealed, both riveting reads.

From best seller to austere memoir, here’s what’s coming up next

May 12, 2021May 12, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter

It’s an odd juxtaposition on my reading table: Kate Zambreno, who pushes the boundaries of literary form, next to the best-selling Andy Weir with his newest page-turning space odyssey. Such are my reading habits this month. I also just discovered a novel I must read based on comments by U.K. bloggers, which is also here, and more.

Bookmarked’s no-holds-barred personal narratives

April 22, 2021April 22, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter

I'm hooked by this series where authors write about a book that influenced them, all the while sharing moving and memorable stories about themselves. Here’s a look at a new edition by Kim McLarin, plus a mention of Bloomsbury’s 33 1/3 series, short books about albums.

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.

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.

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.

Book award winners announced this week

November 20, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

Some of the finest books published this year won the Booker Prize and the National Book Awards. Fiction includes stories about a ghost haunting a train station, an Asian actor aspiring to be Kung Fu Guy, and a boy in 1980's Glasgow. Here are the titles.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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All Sides Weekend Books: Next Show

I’ll be recommending books on Friday, June 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. You can stream the live show online, sign up for the podcast, or listen from the archives at the NPR member station WOSU 89.7 FM. All Sides Weekend Books airs the third Friday every month with occasional exceptions.

Recommended May 20, 2022

Gentleman Overboard by Herbert Clyde Lewis
Uncommon Measure by Natalie Hodges
Five Decembers by James Kestrel

Recommended April 22, 2022

The Impossible Us by Sarah Lotz
The Dolphin House by Audrey Schulman
Where Rivers Change Direction by Mark Spragg
Pyre by Perumal Murugan

Recommended March 18, 2022

In His Own Image by Jérôme Ferrari
The Great Passion by James Runci
The Swimmers by Julie Otsuka

Recommended February 18, 2022

The Vanished Collection by Pauline Baer de Perignon
Yonder by Jabari Asim
The Balkan Trilogy by Olivia Manning

Recommended January 21. 2022

Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson
The Pages by Hugo Hamilton
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor

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