Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Nonfiction of 2012


Cover art for 38 NOOSES
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 4, 2012

"A captivating tale of an oft-overlooked, morally ambiguous moment in American history."
An exploration of the violent downfall of Little Crow's Dakota nation at the hands of American soldiers. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HOLY OR THE BROKEN
NONFICTION
Released: Dec. 4, 2012

"A masterful work of critical journalism."
Charting the remarkable journey of a modern musical classic, from obscurity to ubiquity. Read full book review >
Cover art for IRON CURTAIN
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 27, 2012

"A dark but hopeful chronicle that shows how even humanity's worst can fracture and fall."
A Pulitzer Prize–winning author returns with the story of those dark decades in Eastern Europe when the Soviet Union slammed the prison doors on people, cultures and countries. Read full book review >
Cover art for NATURE WARS
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 13, 2012

"An eye-opening take on how romantic sentimentalism about nature can have destructive consequences."
Journalist Sterba (Frankie's Place: A Love Story, 2003, etc.) employs humor and an eye for the absurd to document the sometimes bizarre conflicts that arise as a consequence of America's transformed relationship with nature. Read full book review >
Cover art for THOMAS JEFFERSON
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 13, 2012

"An outstanding biography that reveals an overlooked steeliness at Jefferson's core that accounts for so much of his political success."
A Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer lauds the political genius of Thomas Jefferson. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE PATRIARCH
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 13, 2012

"It did not, and nothing came easy to any of the Kennedys, that tragic clan, who continue to fascinate. Exhaustive yet accessible, Nasaw's book illuminates."
Sprawling, highly readable biography of the dynast and larger-than-life figure whose presence still haunts American political life. Read full book review >