Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Social Sciences Book Reviews Available Now (page 6)


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Cover art for BLINDSPOT
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 5, 2013

"A stimulating treatment that should help readers deal with irrational biases that they would otherwise consciously reject."
An examination of how beliefs are shaped by hidden bias. Read full book review >
Cover art for NOBLE SAVAGES
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 5, 2013

"More than two-thirds of this rehabilitative work is a fascinating, accessible study of a little-known people."
A cultural anthropologist defends his deeply engaged lifetime of work with the Amazon Indians. Read full book review >
Cover art for SQUARE PEG
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 5, 2013

"An inspiring personal story, but unfortunately, the author relegates his pioneering new methods to a short epilogue."
A "memoir and a manifesto" by the co-chair of the Harvard Graduate School Institute Connecting Mind, Brain and Education, who references his own experiences as a high school dropout to make the case for a much-needed learning revolution. Read full book review >
Cover art for MANOLOGY
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 5, 2013

"Entertaining and enlightening for suspicious minds."
An unlikely bromance between two reformed playas becomes the source of an in-depth look at the ways of philandering men. Read full book review >
Cover art for RADICAL
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 5, 2013

"Rhetorically soaring but somewhat lacking in substance."
An education-reform manifesto from Rhee, StudentsFirst founder and former chancellor of Washington, D.C., public schools. Read full book review >
Cover art for SWOON
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 4, 2013

"A merrily readable literary history/dating manual."
A fun, frothy complement to cultural historian Prioleau's Seductress: Women Who Ravished the World (2003). Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ROAD OUT
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2013

"A valuable look at the intellectual lives (and fragile potential) of girls buffeted by American social realities, and an excellent reflection on the challenges of teaching."
A moving memoir depicting a teacher's experience leading a literary workshop for gifted young girls from a forsaken neighborhood in Cincinnati. Read full book review >
Cover art for DATA, A LOVE STORY
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 31, 2013

"Pleasant, geeky fun."
A female journalist/digital media strategist's wry account of how she used mathematics, data analysis and spreadsheets to find the love of her life. Read full book review >
Cover art for DIVIDED WE FAIL
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 29, 2013

"A useful journalistic examination of a troubling societal phenomenon."
A freelance journalist from Louisville, Ky., returns home to chronicle litigation that would end public school desegregation--a lawsuit filed by African-American parents on behalf of their children. Read full book review >
Cover art for LOVE IN THE TIME OF ALGORITHMS
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 24, 2013

"An enjoyable exploration of the evolution and implications of online dating."
A thorough examination of online dating sites. Read full book review >
Cover art for SATURDAY NIGHT WIDOWS
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 22, 2013

"A compassionate narrative about how one group of friends helped each other thrive after the deaths of their spouses."
How to cope with tragedy with the help of good friends. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE MYTH OF MARTYRDOM
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 22, 2013

"Lankford presents some persuasive evidence, but the scorn he displays for those with differing views significantly detracts from his message."
A fierce attack on the view that suicide terrorists are true martyrs to a cause, worthy of respect or honor because of their commitment. Read full book review >