Katherine Ouellette

Literature Writer

Katherine Ouellette writes about books, poetry, and all other things literary for WBUR. She also has bylines at Bustle, Wellesley’s Women’s Review of Books, and other local publications.

Recently published

Author Katherine Howe's new book "A True Account" is out now. (Image of author courtesy Nina Subin; book cover courtesy of the publisher)

How a punchbowl inspired author Katherine Howe's 'A True Account'

The family heirloom, decorated with a painting of a square rig ship, sent Howe on a seafaring journey reimagining the life of her ancestor as a stowaway on the ship...

Sidestep into the uncanny this fall with 12 new books

From historical novels that sound like the modern news cycle to contemporary works that take a twist toward the speculative, book critic Katherine Ouellette rounds up a selection of other-worldly...

New novel 'The Sea Elephants' hits every note of the human emotional spectrum

Shastri Akella’s debut is a balancing act between the horrors of homophobia and resplendent queer joy. Using stories of Hindu deities, the author illustrates the values of his characters and...

Poet Golden's debut collection explores family history and personal identity

In August, Golden released their debut poetry collection “A Dead Name That Learned How to Live," a culmination of work they’ve written over the last four years living in Boston...

Author DeMisty Bellinger explores 'what ifs' in debut novel 'New To Liberty'

Set in rural Kansas, "New to Liberty" follows three autonomous women trying to embrace their inner selves under the circumstances they've been given during snapshots in time, 1966, 1947 and...

Hope springs eternal with these 10 New England reads

From a collection of poetry exploring grief to a reimagining of "Sense and Sensibility" into a thrilling whodunit, literature writer Katherine Ouellette rounds up a selection of books to read...

From librarian to author, Lin Thompson explores gender identity in debut novel

A former BPL children’s librarian, Thompson's middle-grade novel “The Best Liars in Riverview” is a tender story about growing up wrapped in a compelling mystery.

12 books with New England ties to read this winter

These picks grapple with the stark differences for the children of immigrants seeking the American dream, the interconnectedness of local communities, and fearless protagonists who have been backed into a...

Arts & Culture

Jan 20, 2022

Literature writer Katherine Ouellette selects the 10 books to read this fall. (Courtesy the publishers)

Fall will fly by with these 10 reads from New England authors

From thrillers to essays to lighthearted romances, literature writer Katherine Ouellette rounds up 10 books to read this season.

Arts & Culture

Oct 5, 2021

The ARTery's literature writer Katherine Ouellette selects 10 books to read this summer. (Courtesy the publishers)

10 Summer Books By New England Authors To Read On The Beach Or The Couch

From wrestling with the many facets of grief, imagining life after climate change, and meditations on immigration, literature writer Katherine Ouellette recommends books that will take you on a journey...

Local Coverage

Jun 25, 2021