Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Best Nonfiction of 2012


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Cover art for THE PARTNERSHIP
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 3, 2012

"Will the partnership prevail? Stay tuned, but hope for the best--for, they warn, "[i]f urgent steps are not taken to rein in nuclear weapons...a catastrophic attack is virtually inevitable.""
Timely portrait of an alliance, seemingly unlikely, of former Cold War mavens now committed to nuclear disarmament. Read full book review >
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 THE TENDER HOUR OF TWILIGHT
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 10, 2012

"A rich record of the vicissitudes of publishing during an inimitable time and place."
A dense, detailed, priceless eyewitness account of the making of a literary generation between Paris and New York. Read full book review >
Cover art for QUIET
NONFICTION
Released: Jan. 24, 2012

"An intriguing and potentially life-altering examination of the human psyche that is sure to benefit both introverts and extroverts alike."
An enlightened Wall Street survivor exhorts wallflowers everywhere to embrace their solitude-seeking souls and fully appreciate the power of the lone wolf. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE NEW HATE
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 7, 2012

"A provocative, intellectually rigorous book written clearly and with an admirable lack of hatred."
A well-reported study of disaffected groups who hate other groups whose members look or think differently than the haters. 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 >