Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Essays & Anthologies Book Reviews Available Now (page 4)


Showing

Cover art for GOOD PROSE
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 8, 2013

"Other writing guides have more nuts-and-bolts advice, but few combine the verve and plainspokenness of this book, which exemplifies its title."
Legendary literary journalist Kidder (Strength in What Remains, 2009, etc.) and his longtime editor trade war stories and advice for the ambitious nonfiction writer. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DUDE AND THE ZEN MASTER
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 8, 2013

"May lead readers to plenty of better introductions to Zen. You dig?"
A rambling conversation on all things Zen between the mystic-minded movie star and his spiritual teacher. Read full book review >
Cover art for WORDS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 8, 2013

"A compendious, entertaining look at our nation's leaders through words and turns of phrase."
A prolific wordsmith dignifies our presidents' unique rhetoric. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE FORGOTTEN WRITINGS OF BRAM STOKER
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 24, 2012

"A dogged but uneven work of literary excavation of most interest to literary scholars."
A curious collection of miscellaneous writing by the author of Dracula. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEADLINE ARTISTS
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 4, 2012

"Engaging eyewitness pieces--often very oddly grouped together--that nonetheless elicit admiration, wonder and gasps of surprise."
Three journalists present a sequel to their Deadline Artists: America's Greatest Newspaper Columns (2011) with a motley collection of pieces dating back to the 19th century. Read full book review >
Cover art for TRUST ME, I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 4, 2012

"An effortless, accessible way to learn history."
A lively sequel to Fawcett's 100 Mistakes that Changed History (2010), with few surprises. Read full book review >
Cover art for SELECTED LETTERS OF WILLIAM STYRON
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 4, 2012

"A great read for Styron devotees, but fans of correspondence will miss the conversational quality of most letter collections."
A good portion of William Styron's personal and business correspondence brought together in one volume. Read full book review >
Cover art for ORAL PLEASURE
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 4, 2012

"Pieces that reveal a fine mind, a creative imagination and, sometimes, an idiosyncratic notion of fact."
A collection of interviews, speeches and essays by the late author, whose literary reputation plummeted after a 1982 article in the Village Voice accused him of plagiarism and employing ghostwriters. Read full book review >
Cover art for BIBLIODEATH
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 29, 2012

"Longtime fans will naturally savor Codrescu's idiosyncratic ambling and real-life reflections. New readers will find philosophical nuggets after some digging."
Poet, essayist and novelist Codrescu (Whatever Gets You through the Night: A Story of Sheherezade and the Arabian Entertainments, 2011, etc.) examines the oft-sensationalized "death of print" and redefines its place in the bigger picture of literary history. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOTH FLESH AND NOT
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 27, 2012

"Not altogether Wallace's finest work, but it brings some welcome exposure to some of his best pieces."
Previously uncollected essays and reportage by the late author, reflecting his varied interests, from tennis to Borges to higher math. Read full book review >
Cover art for COUNTING ONE'S BLESSINGS
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 27, 2012

"Courtly, engaging, down-to-earth letters by a kindly English aristocrat of the old school."
A lifetime of letters by the beloved queen mother reflects a tumultuous century in England. Read full book review >
Cover art for ALWAYS LOOKING
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 27, 2012

"A rich trove of insights for art lovers of all stripes."
Final musings on mostly modern art by the prolific lion of American letters. Read full book review >