Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Biography & Memoir Book Reviews Available Now (page 8)


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Cover art for RUMSFELD'S RULES
NONFICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"Nonessential. The collection offers an occasionally intriguing but hardly revelatory view of the author's career, but reader response will likely hinge on political affiliation."
Two-time former Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld (Known and Unknown: A Memoir, 2011) condenses the rules that he claims shaped, and were shaped by, a lifetime in business and public service. Read full book review >
Cover art for CONFESSIONS OF A SOCIOPATH
NONFICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"A work of advocacy for greater awareness of sociopathy's reach and conduct."
The biting memoir of a "successful" sociopath, from the pseudonymous Thomas. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DIMAGGIOS
NONFICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"Simon and Garfunkel famously asked, "Where Have You Gone, Joe DiMaggio?" Clavin reminds readers that Joe is not the only DiMaggio worth remembering."
A fine biography of the greatest brother combination ever to play major league baseball. Read full book review >
Cover art for I FIRED GOD
NONFICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"An incendiary piece of work that will hopefully encourage other victims to escape the IFB's web."
A damning memoir of life under the thumb of the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church, from former member Zichterman. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE OUTSIDER
NONFICTION
Released: May 14, 2013

"It could have benefited from the self-reflection of an R.A. Dickey, but a readable autobiography all the same."
Four decades after his heyday, the controversial tennis star serves up a suitably cocky autobiography. Read full book review >
Cover art for Reflections of an Irish Twin
INDIE
Released: May 10, 2013

"A memoir that will most interest the author's family and friends."
Debut author daMaglia looks back at her full life in a series of anecdotes peppered with advice, recommendations and song lyrics. Read full book review >
Cover art for ON THESE COURTS
NONFICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

"A feel-good story that begs for a where-are-they-now follow-up in 10 years."
The story of former NBA star Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway's return to the mean streets of his youth to lead a team of disadvantaged middle schoolers to basketball glory. Read full book review >
Cover art for CRONKITE'S WAR
NONFICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

A charming series of letters from a young Walter Cronkite (1916–2009) to his wife, Betsy, chronicles his rising star as a war correspondent. Read full book review >
Cover art for MISSION TO MARS
NONFICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

"You may say that he's a dreamer; celebrate him as a visionary, or dismiss this as futurist fantasy."
The moonwalking astronaut offers a passionate but not always persuasive manifesto encompassing space tourism and the inevitability of inhabiting Mars within a couple of decades. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MARTIN DUBERMAN READER
NONFICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

"A provocative collection that is thoughtful in both scope and attention to detail."
Selections from the prolific writings of the prize-winning author and dramatist. Read full book review >
Cover art for GOD'S OTHER CHILDREN
NONFICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

"Refreshingly free of self-serious dogmatism, the author's study of other religions shows how it deepened his commitment to his Christian faith."
An American Catholic theologian offers a candid memoir about his unusual spiritual journey and a plea for ecumenical tolerance. Read full book review >
Cover art for BAD BOY
NONFICTION
Released: May 7, 2013

"Best for the discussions of his own work; worst for the gushing offered by some of his contributors."
A celebrated contemporary American artist, now in his 60s, paints his life and offers a review. Read full book review >