Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




New and Notable Titles for February


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Cover art for RAT CATCHER
FICTION
Released: Jan. 19, 2011
by Andy Diggle, illustrated by Victor Ibañez

"Diggle's (The Losers: Book Two, 2010, etc.) taut, fast-moving narrative and Ibañez's in-your-face, Will Eisner–like artwork combine in a remarkably entertaining tale."
A rat catcher catches rats (informers) for the mob, but in this dark graphic novel it's an art to separate the rats from the cats. Read full book review >
Cover art for CINDERELLA ATE MY DAUGHTER
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"Intelligent and richly insightful."
New York Times Magazine contributor Orenstein (Waiting for Daisy, 2007, etc.) investigates the impact of early sexualization on girls. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BIRD HOUSE
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"Hope at the bottom of the box, not least for more from this talented author."
An intergenerational school project unlocks a Pandora's box of unsettling truths. Read full book review >
Cover art for AMERICAN IDOL
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"A generous bird's-eye viewpoint of the competition from past to present--supreme fodder for Idol buffs."
A comprehensive, unfettered history of one of the most popular shows in TV history. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CALLIGRAPHER'S SECRET
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
by Rafik Schami, translated by Anthea Bell

"An engaging, rich, deceptively revelatory if lengthy insight into Syrian society."
Affectionate, insightful, tangential tales of life in 1950s Damascus enfold the central story of a mismatched marriage and a runaway wife. Read full book review >
Cover art for SHORTCUT MAN
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"This freelance vigilante fantasy is the first of a crime series most likely to appeal to movie buffs who wish the punchy dialogue from vintage film noir could be spiced with some serious sex."
The son of legendary filmmaker Preston Sturges debuts with the fast, funny, nostalgia-laden tale of a hero who slices through Gordian knots. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DANGEROUS EDGE OF THINGS
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"Tai's next adventure can't come soon enough. She's adorable, Trey is worthy of her and Whittle's first foray into crime fiction is noteworthy."
If you're wondering who can give Stephanie Plum a run for her money, meet Tai Randolph. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE HIDDEN REALITY
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"The latest cosmological discoveries and speculations, directed at a popular audience but definitely not oversimplified."
An exploration of cutting-edge physics written for intelligent readers willing to pay close attention. Read full book review >
Cover art for NEVER SAY DIE
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"A cogently argued and well-written corrective to "the fantasy of beating old age.""
A polemic meant to crush the notion that medical technology will soon make old age easier. Read full book review >
Cover art for SOLO
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011

"Graceful and unpredictable, a daring and exceptional achievement."
Intricate and imaginative, a remarkable novel of music and science, politics and passion, that bridges history and modern times. Read full book review >
Cover art for EVERYDAY ICON
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 8, 2011

"A sharp, lavishly illustrated biography of one of the most influential figures in refashioning the roles of women."
A scintillating fashion biography of Michelle Obama's inimitable style and its far-reaching influence. Read full book review >
Cover art for I BEAT THE ODDS
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 8, 2011

"Often preachy, but Oher scores points with good intentions and an unrelentingly positive message."
Hulking NFL tackle and subject of the film The Blind Side (2009) blends practical advice with autobiography in this intimate ghetto-survival guide. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE RISE AND FALL OF THE BIBLE
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 16, 2011

"A laudable look at the Good Book."
Beal (Religion/Case Western Reserve Univ.; Biblical Literacy: The Essential Bible Stories Everyone Needs to Know, 2009, etc.) provides a fresh take on the Bible. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE WRONG WAR
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 22, 2011

"A devastating critique of U.S. foreign policy regarding a seemingly endless war."
Marine veteran, Atlantic correspondent and assistant secretary of defense in the Reagan administration, West (The Strongest Tribe: War, Politics, and the Endgame in Iraq, 2008, etc.) offers a bleak view of the war in Afghanistan. Read full book review >
Cover art for KING'S CROSS
NONFICTION
Released: Feb. 22, 2011

"Captivating reading from a Christian perspective."
Exploring the life of Jesus through the Gospel of Mark. Read full book review >