Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




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Cover art for MARGARET THATCHER
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Well-balanced, though not likely to sway either detractors or admirers one way or another. We look forward to the planned sequel, covering the years of Thatcher's political decline."
The authorized, remarkably evenhanded biography of the grimly divisive, late Iron Lady of Britain. Read full book review >
Cover art for A CHAIN OF THUNDER
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"A sesquicentennial series volume worth a Civil War buff's attention."
Shaara (A Blaze of Glory, 2012, etc.) continues to draw powerful novels from the bloody history of the Civil War, offering here an account of the siege of Vicksburg. Read full book review >
Cover art for IT'S ONLY ROCK 'N' ROLL
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013
by Jo Wood

"Yet another point of view on the long saga of the Stones, this memoir reads like it has an agenda to tick off."
Long-suffering rock-'n'-roll wife spills the dirt on life inside the world's longest-running musical circus. Read full book review >
Cover art for EVERYTHING GOES: BLUE BUS, RED BALLOON
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013
by Brian Biggs, illustrated by Brian Biggs

"While not as strong as the first two titles in the series (1 2 3 Beep Beep Beep!: A Counting Book and Stop! Go! A Book of Opposites, both 2013), Biggs' playful vehicles keep this one chugging along. (Board book. 18 mos.-3)"
A catalog of colorful vehicles. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BATHING COSTUME
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013
by Charlotte Moundlic, illustrated by Olivier Tallec, translated by Claudia Zoe Bedrick

"Who wouldn't? (Picture book. 6-9)"
An 8-year-old boy prepares to have the worst vacation of his life. Read full book review >
Cover art for HIS MAJESTY'S HOPE
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Maggie continues her winning ways with more thrills and romantic problems, but this time, the horrors of her experiences add depth to the already pleasing adventures."
A dangerous trip to Berlin becomes a life-altering experience for a British spy. Read full book review >
Cover art for A BIG GUY TOOK MY BALL!
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 21, 2013
by Mo Willems, illustrated by Mo Willems

"Nineteen books and five Geisel medals or honors along, Elephant and Piggie are still delivering funny, emotionally perceptive stories for just-emerging readers. As the big guy says: "BIG FUN!" (Early reader. 5-8)"
Gerald the elephant and Piggie return with another playground psychodrama, this one with a twist. Read full book review >
Cover art for COLD KILLING
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"A plodding debut with lip-smacking, bloody reminiscences from the perp and dreary foul-ups from the cops."
A serial killer stalks London. Read full book review >
Cover art for SMARTY BONES
FICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Less chipper than most of Sarah Booth's excursions--and it's time to lay that silly ghost Jitty to rest."
The best families of Zinnia, Miss., fear that a beautiful corpse will tie them to the Lincoln assassination. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BODY ECONOMIC
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"A dramatic study emphasizing some of the combined consequences of ideological obsessions and bureaucratic thoughtlessness."
How budget-cutting responses to recession produce increases in death rates and epidemiclike breakdowns in public health. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW TO READ LITERATURE
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Perfect for an intro course that features some of the literature the book discusses."
A genial guide to exactly what the title promises, for readers who aren't particularly experienced or critical. Read full book review >
Cover art for COOL WAR
NONFICTION
Released: May 21, 2013

"Current affairs books always run the risk of going rather quickly from the New Releases shelf to the remainder bin, but Feldman's book carries enough insight to warrant serious attention from anyone interested in what may well be the defining relationship in global affairs for decades to come."
A brief consideration of the current state of Sino-American relations. Read full book review >