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THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



2011 National Jewish Book Award Winners

Cover art for JERUSALEM
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 31, 2011
Kirkus Star JERUSALEM: THE BIOGRAPHY
by Simon Sebag Montefiore
"An essential text, bathed in blood, lit with faint hope."
The sanguinary story of thousands of years of conflict in the home city of religions. Read full book review >
Cover art for METAMAUS
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 4, 2011
METAMAUS: A LOOK INSIDE A MODERN CLASSIC, <I>MAUS</I>
by Art Spiegelman, illustrated by Art Spiegelman
"The power of Maus doesn't require such exhaustive explanation and annotation, but those with a taste for it will find their appreciation enhanced."
Everything you ever wanted to know about the creation, impact and aftereffects of Maus. Read full book review >
Cover art for UNTIL THE DAWN'S LIGHT
FICTION
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star UNTIL THE DAWN'S LIGHT
by Aharon Appelfeld
"A beautiful and affecting novel, Tolstoyan in its compassion for humanity."
Distinguished fiction by one of Israel's most prominent novelists. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GOLEM'S LATKES
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE GOLEM'S LATKES
adapted by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Aaron Jasinski
"Kimmel's storytelling is effective in its use of suspense, humor, trope and repetition, making a fine read-aloud holiday treat. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)"
The renowned Rabbi Judah Loew of Prague and his mythical golem appear in this Hanukkah fairy tale inspired by The Sorcerer's Apprentice and reminiscent of Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE ANATOMY OF ISRAEL'S SURVIVAL
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 6, 2011
THE ANATOMY OF ISRAEL'S SURVIVAL
by Hirsh Goodman

Chronicle of the existential insecurity that has tipped Israel's fall from grace, and a strong plea to quit its role as occupying power to the Palestinians. Read full book review >
Cover art for BOXER, BEETLE
FICTION
Released: Sept. 1, 2011
BOXER, BEETLE
by Ned Beauman
"If Franz Kafka had a sense of humor, perhaps he would have written a book like this one: quirky, comical, brilliant and, somehow, ultimately disagreeable."
Many adjectives come to mind when describing Beauman's debut novel, but "strange" surely applies. Readers may feel compelled to shower after taking in this satiric tale (both funny and repellent) of fascism, eugenics, boxing, entomology, sex and murder. Read full book review >