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The Longest Chapter

The Longest Chapter

A book critic's discoveries and recommendations

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Will Google kill used bookstores?

October 1, 2009October 1, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

The owner of a used bookstore thinks it will. Plus, three books I purchased.

A surprise arrives from Paris

September 28, 2009September 28, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

Two paperback books found in a book stall near Notre Dame Cathedral arrive in my mailbox.

A. S. Byatt fears the world is a dark place

September 25, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

My interview with A. S. Byatt is now live.

The brief silence explained

September 24, 2009September 25, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

Simply put: An interview with A. S. Byatt.

“The Collector” is now off the reading table

September 21, 2009February 16, 2010 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

Published in 1963, John Fowles first novel about a psychopath reflects today's news. I struggled to separate his fiction from reality.

How much would you spend on a new book?

September 16, 2009September 16, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 3 Comments

Abbeville Press releases this month "The History of Paris in Painting." A gorgeous, expensive book.

There will be elephants

September 13, 2009September 13, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

Sam Savage's second novel, "The Cry of the Sloth," is as entertaining as his first. Here's what to expect.

Bird books aren’t for birders alone

September 10, 2009September 10, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

I'm gathering a small collection of bird books. Perhaps in a former life I was an ornithologist. Here are two, recently published and purchased.

Man Booker shortlist announced

September 8, 2009September 9, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

Here are the six novels selected as finalists for the 2009 Man Booker Prize, the U.K.'s prestigious award for literature. They were chosen out of a Longlist of 13.

The dog ate it (really)

September 7, 2009February 5, 2010 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 3 Comments

A picture of my Pembroke Welsh Corgi and an anecdote that involves a Dalmatian and a John Cheever book.

10 books to anticipate this fall

September 4, 2009September 7, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

10 books soon be published include a new story collection by Alice Munroe and a memoir from Mary Karr, who started the whole memoir craze with "The Liars Club" way back when. Check 'em out.

A new rotation of books on TLC

September 2, 2009September 2, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

Books have been added and removed from My Reading Table. Here's the update.

“Homer & Langley” is now available

September 1, 2009September 1, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 1 Comment

E. L. Doctorow's new novel is based on the true story of the eccentric Collyer brothers who lived in New York City. Today, September 1, is its publication date. Here's a quick idea of what it's all about.

Shame on you Barnes & Noble

August 28, 2009August 29, 2009 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ Leave a comment

I purchased Thomas Pynchon's new novel "Inherent Vice" and couldn't believe where I found it.

It was August 1978 when this letter arrived

August 26, 2009June 25, 2015 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 14 Comments

I went through a short period in my young life when I wrote letters to authors. A few replied, including Meta Carpenter Wilde. She had written a memoir about her love affair with William Faulkner. Here's an excerpt from her letter.

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The Longest Chapter is written by book critic Kassie Rose. Her reviews and commentary can be heard on WOSU 89.7 FM, an NPR member station broadcasting throughout Central Ohio.

Enter your email address to follow this blog written by book critic Kassie Rose. Kassie reviews books for NPR member station WOSU, which broadcasts throughout Central Ohio. You will receive notifications of new posts by email. Simply click on the sign-up button below.

Tune in to All Sides Weekend Books, where I recommend great books to read. This includes books that don't get enough media attention, and the good stories readers crave. You can stream the live show online, sign up for the podcast, or listen from the WOSU 89.7 FM archives. All Sides Weekend Books airs the third Friday every month with occasional exceptions.

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