Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




2011 Best of Indie: Personal History


Cover art for THE HOUSE THAT WAR MINISTER BUILT
INDIE
Released: Sept. 20, 2011

"If you can't afford a plane ticket to Tehran, visit the Daytons' House.
"
A compelling family saga that spans nearly a century and paints a loving, true-to-life portrait of a nation. Read full book review >
Cover art for BRIDGE OF THE SINGLE HAIR
INDIE
Released: Aug. 15, 2011

"A sharp coming-of-age story that makes history come alive."
In Pugh's debut novel, a young woman from California joins the Freedom Riders in 1961, gets arrested and jailed in Mississippi, and learns that not everyone appreciates a hero. Read full book review >
Cover art for ARSONIST
INDIE
Released: July 10, 2011

"A dense, somewhat unfocused historical tale that boasts compelling characters and a plot that ultimately packs a wallop."
Allen explores an early, largely uncelebrated patriot who helped bring about American independence. Read full book review >
Cover art for TALES OF CHINKAPIN CREEK
INDIE
Released: June 27, 2011

"An accomplished, creative memoir by a writer with serious literary tools—West Virginia, we hardly knew your soulful depths."
Veteran short-story writer Ayer strikes gold with these enchanting sketches of the motley relatives and neighbors who peopled her mother's rural West Virginia girlhood—back when the 20th century was young and spry. Read full book review >
Cover art for NEON DREAMS
INDIE
Released: Jan. 1, 2011

"A deftly crafted tale of an absorbing character in dire straits; readers will be pulling for Rebecca Plotnik."
The grinding tribulations of a promising young woman breaking from the bad habits sewn by her upbringing. Read full book review >
Cover art for OH, BEAUTIFUL
INDIE
Released: July 4, 2010

"A satisfying, well-crafted reminder of how one family's story can encapsulate the cultural history of America as a whole."
Godges presents a vast narrative depicting what it means to be an American, told through the lens of an expressive family story. Read full book review >