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The Longest Chapter

The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

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Category: Nonfiction

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.

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.

Books I’m talking about

February 20, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 4 Comments

Here are books I recently recommended on WOSU All Sides Weekend Books.

A symphony for besieged Leningrad

December 14, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter

Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich immortalized the WWII siege of Leningrad with his 7th symphony. These books tell the story.

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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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