Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Nonfiction of 2012: The Top 25


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Cover art for HAITI
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 3, 2012

"A profound demonstration of what needs to be recognized, reconciled and forgiven if current crises are to be overcome."
A vigorous retelling of Haiti's history intended to revive the promise of the world's first black-led republic. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 7, 2012

"The best book yet written on India in the throes of a brutal transition."
In her debut, Pulitzer Prize–winning New Yorker staff writer Boo creates an intimate, unforgettable portrait of India's urban poor. Read full book review >
Cover art for TURING'S CATHEDRAL
NONFICTION
Released: March 6, 2012

"Meticulously researched and packed with not just technological details, but sociopolitical and cultural details as well--the definitive history of the computer."
That we live in a digital universe is indisputable; how we got there is a mesmerizing tale brilliantly told by science historian Dyson (Project Orion: The Atomic Spaceship 1957–1965, 2002, etc.). Read full book review >
Cover art for WHEN GOD TALKS BACK
NONFICTION
Released: March 27, 2012

"An erudite discussion both profoundly sympathetic and richly analytical."
A simultaneously scholarly and deeply personal analysis of evangelical communities in America. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SOCIAL CONQUEST OF EARTH
NONFICTION
Released: April 9, 2012

"Wilson succeeds in explaining his complex ideas, so attentive readers will receive a deeply satisfying exposure to a major scientific controversy."
Never shy about tackling big questions, veteran evolutionary biologist Wilson (The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth, 2006, etc.) delivers his thoughtful if contentious explanation of why humans rule the Earth. Read full book review >
Cover art for MAGIC HOURS
NONFICTION
Released: April 10, 2012

"Stellar cultural writing--Bissell has the knowledge and wit to earn his provocations."
A whip-smart, occasionally pugnacious collection of essays on culture from a wide-ranging critic. Read full book review >