Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




The Most Disappointing Nonfiction of 2010


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Cover art for PRINCESS NOIRE
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 2, 2010

"A timid, uncontroversial look at one of the most controversial, outspoken female musicians in history."
By-the-numbers biography of irascible jazz singer Nina Simone (1933–2003). Read full book review >
Cover art for GROUNDED
NONFICTION
Released: April 6, 2010

"A limitless world squeezed through a limited scope. Disappointing."
An anemic travelogue from a Slate contributor. Read full book review >
Cover art for IT COULD BE WORSE, YOU COULD BE ME
NONFICTION
Released: April 13, 2010

"A dour and narcissistic Seinfeldian exercise."
A Debbie Downer pontificates on the minutiae of her daily life. Read full book review >
Cover art for FOXY
NONFICTION
Released: April 28, 2010

"Grier's iconic force fails to translate to the page--a disappointment for fans of her unforgettable performances and reign as the queen of blaxploitation."
Screen goddess Grier reflects on her life as an Army brat and showbiz icon, to middling effect. Read full book review >
Cover art for SPENT
NONFICTION
Released: May 14, 2010

"One woman's quest for the meaning of living beyond her means--a middling memoir."
A study in how compulsive acquisition can lead to untold loss. Read full book review >
Cover art for CAPTIVE
NONFICTION
Released: May 25, 2010

"A disappointingly superficial, unrevealing adventure memoir."
Another perspective on the most famous hostage case in Colombia's troubled recent history. Read full book review >
Cover art for EXTRA LIVES
NONFICTION
Released: June 8, 2010

"More a collection of profiles and game reviews than a focused thesis, this little book never answers the question implicit in its subtitle--best appreciated by serious game junkies."
Harper's contributor Bissell (Fiction Writing/Portland State Univ.; The Father of All Things: A Marine, His Son, and the Legacy of Vietnam, 2007, etc.) considers the importance of video games. Read full book review >
Cover art for MY LIFE AS A RUSSIAN NOVEL
NONFICTION
Released: Aug. 3, 2010

"Intelligent, well-written and scrupulously honest, but off-puttingly self-involved."
French novelist/screenwriter/journalist Carrère (I Am Alive and You Are Dead: A Journey Inside the Mind of Philip K. Dick, 2003, etc.) recalls two fraught years that took him to Siberia and ended a love affair. Read full book review >
Cover art for ACTING WHITE
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"Heartfelt but disappointingly disengaged from broader social realities, except as perceived by the author's party-mates."
A notable black Republican's jeremiad on African-American self-image. Read full book review >
Cover art for LONG WAY HOME
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"A journey that loses its way on the road to significance."
The thin chronicle of a cross-country trip modeled on John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley. Read full book review >
Cover art for EXTRAORDINARY, ORDINARY PEOPLE
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"Provides some interesting tidbits but no great revelations, except on why she became a Republican: "I would rather be ignored than patronized.""
Former Secretary of State Rice presents a low-key, modest memoir about growing up an only child to highly educated teachers in segregated Birmingham, Ala. Read full book review >
Cover art for SLEEPWALK WITH ME
NONFICTION
Released: Oct. 12, 2010

"Average comedian-writes-a-book career padding. This same material is more enjoyable in Birbiglia's stage act."
Popular comedian Birbiglia reminisces about his wacky childhood pipe dreams, sleep disorders and occupational and social failures. Read full book review >
Cover art for THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 1, 2010

"There's no magic, black or otherwise, in this cut-and-paste bio."
Lazy, hackneyed biography of the lounge act to end them all. Read full book review >
Cover art for I REMEMBER NOTHING
NONFICTION
Released: Nov. 9, 2010

"Only occasionally reaches emotional depth--seems like a tardy attempt to capitalize on the success of I Feel Bad About My Neck."
Bland, often rambling anecdotes from the acclaimed director and screenwriter. Read full book review >