“Oates writes like a woman who walks into rough country and doesn’t look back...long sentences unfold with great beauty, and [Oates’s] line of argument follows not an artificial arc but the natural course of thought.” — New York Times Book Review
“Oates writes movingly in the preface about her dual identity in those months immediately after Smith’s death—by day, a pitied widow, by night an avid reader. It’s a fascinating chapter, poignant, intimate...this collection is a rich gathering of insights from a mind consecrated to books—both as a writer, and as a reader.” — Salon
“A poignant, nostalgic collection of literary criticism by one of America’s premier authors, gathered in the aftermath of her husband’s recent death...a remarkably forthright and moving preface...the author effectively combines her highly tuned sensibilities, sharp research and concise, vivid prose...Always a teacher, Oates imbues each essay with a careful sifting of the evidence and consistently acute observations. A top-notch literary talent invites readers to find new inspiration in these works, and in her own.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Her essays, never grating nor bland, engage the reader with their refreshing honesty.” — Publishers Weekly
“Oates’ knowing and voluptuously inquisitive journeys through books reveal glimpses of her private self and map her inspirations and feelings of “kinship” with other writers. Her latest collection of reviews and essays is the most poignant, open, and trusting to date...A relaxed yet erudite and exacting critic, she is nimble in her assessment of Nabokov and avidly forensic in her dissection of Salman Rushdie. Most captivating and poignant are Oates’ personal essays, particularly her gracefully revealing portrait of Lockport, New York.” — Booklist