French author Jean-Philippe Blondel creates an engaging fictional story out of an ordinary incident that takes place on a train from Troyes, in northeastern France, to Paris. A best-seller in France and Germany, here's what it's all about.
The books I gave on Christmas Eve
Five books for five friends, specially selected, this holiday season.
Best fiction 2015: where the critics agree
Everyone's making their lists of 2015 best books from a year of reading. I wanted to see if there's agreement on one book of fiction, so I cross-referenced the fiction lists from five publications. Turns out, there are two.
“The Mysteries of Paris”
Ernest Hemingway's "A Moveable Feast" is flying out of Paris bookstores. A bit here about that, and also about a new-old book set in the City of Light that first appeared in serial installments in a 19th century Paris newspaper. It captivated readers and saved the failing newspaper from bankruptcy. Here's the scoop.
Bookfair loot
One day every year in November, I fill a shopping cart with used books at a book fair in Dayton, Ohio. Here are a few of this year's treasures.
A return of iconic crime novels
Pushkin Press is bringing back 20th century, tour-de-force mysteries and thrillers, including "Vertigo", the book Alfred Hitchcock turned into a classic film. Here's a look at what Pushkin's new imprint is up to, and the first books now available.
Portrait of an unsuspecting woman
The best part of this blog post is Jonathan Evison's acknowledgement to the women in his life, those who inspired him to create his protagonist in this darkly humorous novel, "This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance!" What a great tribute. Also, a look at the story.
The sound of youth loving youth
Here's an entertaining novel that's about friendship, art school and the harsh reality of the working world that lies in wait after graduation. Author Rachel B. Glaser writes with wit and smart one-liners that make this a funny story; however, this isn't what you might expect in a story about friendship.
It’s the economy, stupid
Karen E. Bender's story collection focuses on the burden of money in everyday life. Her upbeat tone brings a colorful quality to a theme that otherwise would be overbearing. A good collection, now a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction.
A compulsively readable debut
Bill Clegg's new novel is getting a lot of attention, and it should. Here's what it's about, from a review recorded for broadcast on WOSU 89.7 fm.
The lesson of the book critic
What happens when you're supposed to be in-the-know about new books being published, but you bury yourself in the old books?
The last night of summer
In this 1963 novel, written by one of the most widely read storytellers of the 20th century, people do crazy things when the last night of summer arrives.
My brother, my nemesis
Stuart Neville's new Irish crime novel hits the five-star mark with two brothers involved in a murder and keeping secrets. The tension builds with intensity. Here's a look at what the new book -- "Those We Left Behind" -- is about. Also a must read: Neville's debut, "The Ghosts of Belfast."
“It’s a terribly powerful story”
People often ask how and where I find the books and stories I read. Here's an instance where I found "one of those stories that stays with you forever."
Books to look forward to in September
A James Bond thriller, a biography of the first queen of journalism and a new novel by Jonathan Franzen. Here's a glimpse of what they're about and what to anticipate.
The Longest Chapter 