Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Religion Book Reviews Available Now (page 4)


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Cover art for JUJITSU RABBI AND THE GODLESS BLONDE
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 22, 2013

"Finding nourishment, kosher-style, clever chick lit expands its usual boundaries."
Coming-of-age memoir from Newsweek and Daily Beast senior correspondent Dana. Read full book review >
Cover art for GOING CLEAR
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 17, 2013

"A patient, wholly compelling investigation into a paranoid "religion" and the faithful held in its sweaty grip."
A devastating history-cum-exposé of the Church of Scientology. Read full book review >
Cover art for SOLDIER OF CHRIST
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 15, 2013

"An authoritative study of a deeply flawed and tragic figure of history."
Another close scrutiny of the pope excoriated for his silence during World War II and no nearer to redemption. Read full book review >
Cover art for SEARCHING FOR ZION
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 8, 2013

"An excellent choice for readers interested in religion, philosophy and the elusive concept of home."
Rather than a simple analysis of where scattered Africans ended up geographically, Raboteau (The Professor's Daughter, 2006) dissects the search for home as a search for belonging. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WISDOM OF COMPASSION
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 1, 2013

"Although readers may not be able to spend five hours a day in meditation and prayer like the Dalai Lama, they will come away with a better sense of the importance of communication, forgiveness and empathy, regardless of the circumstances."
Tales of kindness and understanding from the Dalai Lama. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY MOTHER'S BIBLE
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 27, 2012

"If Kirn has continued reading the Bible, he should continue writing about it, for his responses to Job and the New Testament (as well as his mother's) might well be even pricklier than what he offers here."
In what reads like a Bible blog--a literary, layman's interpretation--the author comes to terms with the death of his mother and a whole lot more after discovering her biblical notes and annotations. Read full book review >
Cover art for FROM GODS TO GOD
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 1, 2012

"Not for general readers, but an illuminating, challenging look at the original significance of many of the Bible's stories."
A meticulously researched primer on the Hebrew Bible's role as part of an evolving theological and political discourse. Read full book review >
Cover art for BUILDING A NEW JERUSALEM
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 27, 2012

"A knowledgeable appraisal of an overlooked but important figure in our colonial history."
A specialist in Puritan New England submits a biography of the clergyman who founded New Haven. Read full book review >
Cover art for STRANGER TO HISTORY
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 13, 2012

"A brave, cleareyed look at the contemporary flourishing of Islam."
A poignant journey through Muslim lands by a half-Indian, half-Muslim son attempting to find answers to his paternal identity. Read full book review >
Cover art for DIVINE VINTAGE
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 13, 2012

"Despite the seemingly esoteric topic, the authors skillfully enliven daily life in the distant past, whether detailing amphoras or wine gods--a worthy complement to literature on agriculture in antiquity."
History of biblical viticulture, from Genesis through the New Testament, and the role wine played in the "evolution of humanity from nomadism to a settled society." Read full book review >
Cover art for KORE
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 13, 2012

"A profound celebration of the human spirit."
An eminent Polish physician reflects on his lifetime practice of medicine. Read full book review >
Cover art for HELP, THANKS, WOW
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 13, 2012

"Though fans may be dismayed at the brevity of the book, there's more here than meets the eye."
A refreshingly simple approach to spiritual practice in a pint-sized reflection on prayer. Read full book review >