Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Guardian First Book Award Contenders


Cover art for PAO
FICTION
Released: July 1, 2011
PAO

"Young leads from the heart (her father served as a model for Pao) to celebrate a resilient world that tourists never see. You'll enjoy the view."
Against a backdrop of Jamaican history, a likable Chinese-Jamaican runs rackets in this eye-opening, rambunctious debut. Read full book review >
Cover art for SEASON TO TASTE
NONFICTION
Released: July 1, 2011

"A brave, unflagging memoir."
A culinary-minded journalist reckons with the loss of her sense of smell. Read full book review >
Cover art for BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP
FICTION
Released: June 14, 2011

"Watson's pitch-perfect writing propels the story to a frenzied climax that will haunt readers long after they've closed the cover on this remarkable book."
Based upon a deceptively simple premise, Watson's debut novel unwinds as a story that is both complicated and compellingly hypnotic. Read full book review >
Cover art for A CUPBOARD FULL OF COATS
FICTION
Released: June 1, 2011

"An impressive debut, particularly notable for its pellucid prose."
First novel explores the trans-generational fallout from an abusive relationship. Read full book review >
Cover art for VACLAV & LENA
FICTION
Released: May 31, 2011

"A terrific, enlightened debut that captures the fervor that hides in naïveté."
A pair of young Russian immigrants, each desperately infatuated with the other, are parted and reunited in Brighton Beach. Read full book review >
Cover art for TINY SUNBIRDS FAR AWAY
FICTION
Released: May 10, 2011

"A memorable debut novel about a Nigerian girl's coming of age."
Uprooted from the comforts of Lagos by her parents' divorce, a 12-year-old girl must cope with dire poverty and violence in the Niger delta. Read full book review >