Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New and Notable Fiction Debuts for 2011


Cover art for GIRLS IN WHITE DRESSES
FICTION
Released: Aug. 16, 2011

"Wryly funny sketches of life in one's 20s."
Three young women and their friends navigate the tricky world of big-city adulthood after graduation. Read full book review >
Cover art for LOW TOWN
FICTION
Released: Aug. 16, 2011

"A strong debut novel with a hero who doesn't waste time worrying about the moral implications of cutting someone's throat."
In Polansky's dark, moody debut novel, there's no sun, no joy, and staying alive for another day is about the only reason to rejoice; the grim setting makes for an interesting tale about a man with a past. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE SUBMISSION
FICTION
Released: Aug. 9, 2011

"A stellar debut. Waldman's book reflects a much-needed understanding of American paranoia in the post-9/11 world."
The selection of a Muslim architect for a 9/11 memorial stirs a media circus in Waldman's poised and commanding debut novel. Read full book review >
Cover art for ANGELINA'S BACHELORS
FICTION
Released: Aug. 9, 2011

"Light comedy and good food make a winning combination."
An utterly delightful debut novel from cookbook author and TV cooking-show producer O'Reilly. Read full book review >
Cover art for DAUGHTER OF PROVIDENCE
FICTION
Released: Aug. 1, 2011

"First novelist Drew draws a careful portrait of both social and family problems."
A period novel--set in 1934--that examines dark secrets in a fading Rhode Island family. Read full book review >
Cover art for RULES OF CIVILITY
FICTION
Released: July 25, 2011

"An elegant, pithy performance by a first-time novelist who couldn't seem more familiar with his characters or territory."
Manhattan in the late 1930s is the setting for this saga of a bright, attractive and ambitious young woman whose relationships with her insecure roommate and the privileged Adonis they meet in a jazz club are never the same after an auto accident. Read full book review >