Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best of Fiction: Short Story Collections


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Cover art for THE EMPTY FAMILY
FICTION
Released: Jan. 1, 2011

"Likely to rank with the best story collections of the year."
The Irish-born, award-winning novelist reconfirms his mastery of the short story. Read full book review >
Cover art for IN THIS LIGHT
FICTION
Released: May 24, 2011

"Bluntly powerful but deeply nuanced stories from a unique voice in American fiction."
An unsettling group portrait of victimized young women whose survival on the margins of American life is its own best, or worst, reward. Read full book review >
Cover art for ORIENTATION AND OTHER STORIES
FICTION
Released: June 1, 2011

"Precisely written, deeply human stories."
A debut collection of stories that are both challenging and compelling, with narrative perspectives that suggest how difficult it is to know oneself (let alone anyone else). Read full book review >
Cover art for AMERICAN MASCULINE
FICTION
Released: June 21, 2011

"Think Hemingway or Jim Harrison, and know that Ray's collection is the deserving winner of the Bread Loaf Writers' Conference Bakeless Prize."
Ray's stories resonate hard and clear, very much word images reflecting the Montana setting of the collection. Read full book review >
Cover art for LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
FICTION
Released: June 30, 2011

"A fine collection of stories."
Following his dazzling debut, Ross drops seven more doses of disquieting fears and misleading hopes. Read full book review >
Cover art for WE OTHERS
FICTION
Released: Aug. 23, 2011

"Literary language, more introspection than action, much exposition, intelligent speculation about the human condition, all woven through sophisticated storytelling."
Literary fiction old and new from one of the contemporary masters of the form. Read full book review >