“The Catch" is a perfect introduction to Mick Herron’s Slough House series about disgraced British spies. It’s a fast-paced novella and the reason I picked up “Slow Horses." Here’s what to love about these two books.
Recommendations for a book club
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.
A discerning novel of ethnic identity
In "Days of Distraction," Alexandra Chang skillfully evokes the world of her Chinese American narrator, exploring themes of discrimination, self-perception and inter-racial relationships to poignant effect.
My impossible list of wants. Then three.
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 books I’m reading now
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.
“Whiteout Conditions” by Tariq Shah
In this new novel, the inviting narrator relates a weekend adventure with his friend Vince as they attend the funeral of Vince’s cousin Ray. It's a dark story about friendship and loss with overtones of humor and sparkling weirdness.
“Nobody Will Tell You This But Me”
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.
Five books in these days of distraction
How to read when my concentration is shot? I'm channeling Anne Lamott. Also, you'll find here novels by Shirley Jackson, TaraShea Nesbit, Alison Moore, Anne Enright, and Mick Herron.
“The Teacher” by Michal Ben-Naftali
An unnamed narrator imagines the life of her austere high school English teacher, compelled to understand what the Kolozsvár native experienced during the Holocaust and why she took her own life. It's profound storytelling in an intense, moving novel.
“We did not guess its essence…”
Andrew Krivak's new novel THE BEAR tells the story of a father and daughter living peacefully in an Edenic world now uninhabited by humans. What remains of past civilization are a few books and, in the far beyond, buried walls. In exquisite storytelling, we see past our muddled, technological existence to what's pure and real.
The singular gift of ordinary happiness
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
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
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
Here at The Longest Chapter, instead of calling out best books of 2019, I've gathered a more personal list.
Shannon Pufahl’s “On Swift Horses”
This fiction debut features gambling lost souls in the American West during the 1950s. It's written with gorgeous prose. Here's what the story is about.
