Guest post by Jonah Raskin: The NBCC at 35

By Jane Ciabattari

NBCC member Jonah Raskin was inspired by Alfred Kazin. In 1967, the critic Alfred Kazin gave me advice when I began to review books. “Teach so you can write,” he

Guest Post by Allen Barra: Poe’s Fading Star

By Eric Banks

On the occasion of the anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s death this week, NBCC member Allen Barra sent along the following thoughts on the writer’s fading star. Someone – I’ve

Guest Post by David Lehman: NBCC at 35

By Jane Ciabattari

David Lehman was NBCC VP/Programs in the late 1980s. His Best American Poetry blog here. Christoper Ricks, Connie Casey, Brigitte Weeks, Wendy Lesser, Timothy Foote, Doris Grumbach, Alida Becker, Joel

NBCC Featured Review: Brian Sholis on Rebecca Solnit

By Eric Banks

Each week Critical Mass features an exemplary review by an NBCC member. Below, in a review that originally appeared in The Brooklyn Rail, Brian Sholis considers Rebecca Solnit’s A Paradise

Guest Post by Katha Pollitt: The NBCC at 35

By Jane Ciabattari

Former NBCC board member (and NBCC awardee in poetry for “Antarctic Traveller”) Katha Pollitt sends her reflections on “how the sausage is made” from Berlin. I won the NBCC Award

NBCC Featured Review: Edward Nawotka on Dan Chaon

By Eric Banks

Each week Critical Mass features an exemplary review by an NBCC member. Below, in a review that originally appeared in the Austin American-Statesman, Edward Nawotka considers Dan Chaon’s new novel

Guest Post by Janice Harayda: The NBCC at 35

By Jane Ciabattari

Jan Harayda served as Vice President/Awards for the National Book Critics Circle. She sent these remarks in celebration of the NBCC’s 35th, and joined in the webcast celebration on September

Guest Post by Kit Reed: NBCC at 35

By Jane Ciabattari

Former NBCC board member Kit Reed remembers the ups and downs in the 1990s, as part of her participation in the 35th anniversary celebration at WNYC’s Jerome L. Greene Performance