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Best Nonfiction of 2012 (page 5)

Cover art for CITY OF PROMISES
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 24, 2012
Kirkus Star CITY OF PROMISES: A HISTORY OF THE JEWS IN NEW YORK
by Deborah Dash Moore, edited by Howard B. Rock, Annie Polland, Daniel Soyer, Jeffrey S. Gurock, Diana Linden
"Such a large historical project could have easily descended into tedious and dry academia, but instead, all three volumes are briskly paced, well-researched and insightful. Aficionados of urban histories, in particular, will find much to enjoy."
This ambitious three-volume history, overseen by Moore (Judaic Studies and History/Univ. of Michigan; American Jewish Identity Politics, 2008, etc.), provides a lively, much-needed overview of the role that Jews have played in the history and success of the Big Apple, helping to transform it into "a city of promises, some fulfilled, some pending, some beckoning new generations." Read full book review >
Cover art for THE VOICE IS ALL
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Star THE VOICE IS ALL: THE LONELY VICTORY OF JACK KEROUAC
by Joyce Johnson
"A triumph of scholarship."
An exemplary biography of the Beat icon and his development as a writer. Read full book review >
Cover art for LIFE AFTER DEATH
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Star LIFE AFTER DEATH
by Damien Echols
"Essential reading for anyone interested in justice or memoir."
Exceptional memoir by the most famous of the West Memphis Three. Read full book review >
Cover art for JOSEPH ANTON
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Star JOSEPH ANTON: A MEMOIR
by Salman Rushdie
"Aspects of a spy novel, a writer's autobiography and a victim's affidavit pulsing with resentment and fear combine to reveal a man's dawning awareness of the primacy of freedom."
The frightening, illuminating and disturbing memoir by the author of The Satanic Verses, the book that provoked a death sentence from the Ayatollah Khomeini in 1989. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW MUSIC WORKS
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 12, 2012
Kirkus Star HOW MUSIC WORKS
by David Byrne
"Highly recommended--anyone at all interested in music will learn a lot from this book."
From the former Talking Heads frontman, a supremely intelligent, superbly written dissection of music as an art form and way of life. Read full book review >
Cover art for I'M YOUR MAN
NONFICTION
Released: Sept. 11, 2012
Kirkus Star I'M YOUR MAN: THE LIFE OF LEONARD COHEN
by Sylvie Simmons
"Taking on a looming subject with intelligence and wit, Simmons manages to take the full measure of her man."
An elegant, deeply researched life of the Canadian musician, poet and novelist. Read full book review >