Emily Choate | writer

I couldn’t be more excited to share that a piece of my short fiction, “The Mouth on Her,” appears today in the new issue of the Rappahannock Review. I’ve got a special affection for this story, and she looks pleased to be in her new digs. You can read the story here in the online issue, and you’ll find a Contributor Q&A with me here. Many thanks to Rappahannock’s terrific editorial staff!

I’m so pleased that I was able to review Anjali Enjeti’s debut novel, The Parted Earth, for Chapter 16. This novel ranges over decades as it portrays the traumatic legacy that millions of people endured during and after India’s Partition policy. You can read my review here at Chapter 16.

For my latest Chapter 16 review, I wrote about Natalie Standiford’s novel, Astrid Sees All. Set in the storied Manhattan art and club scene of the early 1980s, this novel follows an intense friendship between two young women whose desire for experience lead them into adventure and peril. You can read my review here, at Chapter 16.

I’m happy to share my review of J. Nicole Jones’ debut memoir, Low Country, for Chapter 16. Though on the face of it, Jones’ subject matter—a troubled chain of family dynamics set amid a story-rich background of Southern landscape and legend—may seem highly familiar, but Jones has created a vision all her own. You can read my review here.

I’m grateful that I had the chance to review Richard Schweid’s new book, The Caring Class, which gives a thoughtful look at the myriad challenges faced by those who work as home health aides–a crucial job in our culture. Note to teachers: I think this would make an interesting classroom book. You can read my review here. Thanks, Chapter 16!

Last week, the ever-estimable Chapter 16 published my latest review, this time focused on The Uncollected Stories of Allan Gurganus. This was not an uncomplicated review to write, and I’m grateful to Chapter 16 for the chance to share my impressions of Guragnus’s book. You can read my review here.

I’m pleased to share a review of mine that was published recently, both at Chapter 16 and Nashville Scene. Unlikely Angel, written by musicologist Lydia Hamessley, offers a crucial contribution to the slew of recent books and other media coverage of Dolly Parton. Unlikely Angel places Parton’s songwriting chops back at the center. I know that other creative workers will be as inspired by this work as I was, and I hope they have the chance to find Hamessley’s book!

Women composers have been absurdly undervalued. So I am especially pleased to share this piece I wrote earlier in the year, as part of a series I write for Peauxdunque Review on overlooked albums. This blended essay focuses on “Music for Egon Schiele”—written by Kentucky native Rachel Grimes, then part of indie chamber group Rachel’s—but swirls together some reflections on what a single work of art contains, what it can accrue over time. (Ignore the format oddity—this appeared in our print issue originally.) You can read my essay here at Peauxdunque Review.

I couldn’t be prouder to write for Chapter 16, which offers daily book coverage of the literary landscape of Tennessee. Its model is a genuine innovation. Now, The New Yorker has picked up on how special a publication it really is! Grateful to be appear here alongside remarkable colleagues, including the glorious powerhouse editors Maria Browning and Margaret Renkl, and the Humanities Tennessee marvels Serenity Gerbman and Tim Henderson. Thank you to reporter Casey Cep! You can read Cep’s piece online at The New Yorker.

I was under quarantine myself while reviewing this powerful collection of 100+ poets’ voices turned toward our global pandemic, Together in a Sudden Strangeness. This book is both salve and challenge, and I’m grateful to Chapter 16 for the chance to write some thoughts about it. You can read the piece here.