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The Longest Chapter

The Longest Chapter

Literary fiction, poetry, first editions, classics…

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Tag: book review

A family Christmas and the wisdom in a soaring flock of birds

November 29, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 3 Comments

Lynn Steger Strong’s new novel “Flight” dissects the discord among family members gathered for Christmas at a sibling’s house in upstate New York. It’s told with riveting force. Here’s a review.

“The world does not know that you are here.”

October 27, 2022 ~ The Longest Chapter

The world certainly knows Cormac McCarthy's new novel "The Passenger" is here. A 16-year wait for his fans, of which I have not been one until now, hooked irrevocably. His characters herein are geniuses, and so is this author. Here's what “The Passenger” is all about.

“Lean Fall Stand,” a new novel by Jon McGregor

September 3, 2021 ~ The Longest Chapter

Jon McGregor is an award-winning British novelist and short story writer. His newest novel to be released this month tells the story of an Antarctic research expedition gone wrong and the far-reaching consequences. Gripping and insightful. Here's a review.

A discerning novel of ethnic identity

June 5, 2020 ~ The Longest Chapter

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.

“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.

Shannon Pufahl’s “On Swift Horses”

December 3, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter

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.

A new novel inspired by CIA documents

September 6, 2019September 6, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

In “The Secrets We Kept,” Lara Prescott unfolds a little-known, Cold War story about Boris Pasternak’s “Doctor Zhivago.” It’s historical fiction that’s entertaining, with a colorful cast of characters.

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.

A Soviet spy in 1938 Germany

June 25, 2019 ~ The Longest Chapter

A secret agent's diary written in the days leading up to World War II finds its way to upstate New York in 1988 in this compelling new spy novel by David Downing.

The evolution of Dr. Francine Burk

April 26, 2018April 26, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter

Audrey Schulman’s new novel “Theory of Bastards” tells the story of a compelling research celebrity, the bonobos she’s observing and a catastrophic technology breakdown. An innovative story that slowly builds into an absorbing reading experience.

The art of restitution and deception

March 29, 2018March 29, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter

Mark Sarvas’s novel "Memento Park" tells the story of a Hungarian painting that was traded to the Nazis during World War II in exchange for freedom, and of its return to the rightful owner.

Why “Black Boy” still matters

February 27, 2018May 11, 2018 ~ The Longest Chapter

Published in 1945, Richard Wright's classic childhood autobiography vividly reveals what it was like growing up black and poor in the Jim Crow South long before the Civil Rights Movement. It’s an unsentimental but moving and distressing travel back in time that should not be missed.

The power of love and conscience

November 30, 2017 ~ The Longest Chapter

If you’re looking for a novel to get lost in or for a holiday gift, here’s a recommendation: “Paris in the Present Tense” by Mark Helprin.

This unhappy Greek family

April 30, 2017July 31, 2017 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 4 Comments

In Colm Tóibín’s new novel, the Greek tragedy of Agamemnon’s murder by wife Clytemnestra is told with great power and vivid imagining. Here’s what you can expect.

Portrait of an unsuspecting woman

November 5, 2015 ~ The Longest Chapter ~ 2 Comments

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.

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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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