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The Longest Chapter

The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

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Category: Notable Books

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.

Coming soon: five new novels by seasoned authors

March 18, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

I’m eagerly awaiting these new books from Maggie Shipstead, Francisco Goldman, Joan Silber, Jeff VanderMeer, and Rachel Cusk. They promise page-turning and thoughtful involvement, from a speculative eco thriller to heartfelt linked stories.

My reading life: just finished + coming soon

February 19, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

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.

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 novels coming in September 2020

August 21, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

We've got lots of good books to look forward to this fall season. Several are by big name authors who publish next month, such as Elena Ferrante and Marilynne Robinson.

An exceptional new World War II novel: “The Vanishing Sky” by L. Annette Binder

July 17, 2020July 17, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

"The Vanishing Sky" sings to the heart and gives meaning to the soul by its seductive atmosphere and memorable, resilient characters. A favorite read of mine this summer.

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.

My impossible list of wants. Then three.

May 19, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 7 Comments

The International Dublin Literary Award is parked indefinitely at its 2020 Longlist due to the pandemic. But wait ‘til you see the nominees, happy hunting ground for readers in search of a good novel. There are many, but I provide a tip to help your search.

The singular gift of ordinary happiness

February 7, 2020June 17, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

Niall Williams's new novel set in rural 1950's Ireland inspires optimism with the generous spirit of character Christy McMahon. McMahon arrives to assist with the installation of electricity in the village of Faha and seek forgiveness for a past mistake. Read more about this enchanting Irish story.

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.

Lessons for a book critic

January 16, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 6 Comments

Larry Heinemann won the 1987 National Book Award for fiction. It was a controversial upset. Here's why his story has stayed with me all these years.

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.

Books I’m recommending

November 14, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

I've captured here the novels I mentioned on NPR member station WOSU All Sides Weekend Books that aired November 8, 2019.

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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.

Recent Posts

  • My reading life: a few good books April 8, 2021
  • Coming soon: five new novels by seasoned authors March 18, 2021
  • “The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World” March 11, 2021
  • My reading life: just finished + coming soon February 19, 2021
  • The enduring significance of ordinary life February 2, 2021
  • My 10 favorite books of 2020 December 30, 2020
  • 2020 Christmas books: presents for myself December 17, 2020

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