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2011 Best of Nonfiction: The Complete List (page 2)

Cover art for THE THOUSAND-YEAR FLOOD
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE THOUSAND-YEAR FLOOD: THE OHIO-MISSISSIPPI DISASTER OF 1937
by David Welky
"An eye-opening account of a national disaster that has been all but forgotten, as well as a shameful spotlight on the short-sightedness of humans in the face of the awesome powers of nature."
The story of the worst flood in American history and how it overwhelmed the Ohio river valley and much of the lower Mississippi in January and February 1937. Read full book review >
Cover art for BLUE NIGHTS
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star BLUE NIGHTS
by Joan Didion
"A slim, somber classic."
Didion (We Tell Ourselves Stories in Order to Live: Collected Nonfiction, 2006, etc.) delivers a second masterpiece on grief, considering both her daughter's death and her inevitable own. Read full book review >
Cover art for CHARLES DICKENS
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 31, 2011
Kirkus Star CHARLES DICKENS: A LIFE
by Claire Tomalin
"Superbly organized, comprehensive and engrossing from start to finish—a strong contender for biography of the year."
Like Shakespeare, Charles Dickens (1812–1870) was an overachiever of genius, and his life was as eventful, dramatic and character-filled as any of his novels. Read full book review >
Cover art for ASSASSINS OF THE TURQUOISE PALACE
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
Kirkus Star ASSASSINS OF THE TURQUOISE PALACE
by Roya Hakakian
"A nonfiction political thriller of a very high order."
Riveting account of a multiple murder and trial that led to a paradigm shift in Europe's relations with post-revolutionary Iran. Read full book review >
Cover art for WE MEANT WELL
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Star WE MEANT WELL: HOW I HELPED LOSE THE BATTLE FOR THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF THE IRAQI PEOPLE
by Peter Van Buren
"One of the rare, completely satisfying results of the expensive debacle in Iraq."
Laugh-out-loud stories about how the United States failed to rebuild Iraq. Read full book review >
Cover art for DEATH IN THE CITY OF LIGHT
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Star DEATH IN THE CITY OF LIGHT: THE SERIAL KILLER OF NAZI-OCCUPIED PARIS
by David King
"The author's successful transition into the true-crime genre—expertly written and completely absorbing."
The gripping narrative of a twisted serial killer preying on the most vulnerable citizens of Paris during the Nazi occupation. Read full book review >