Book List

Best Biographies of 2014

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

BOY ON ICE

by John Branch

A sad, tragic story that underscores the high human cost of violent entertainment. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE TASTEMAKER

by Edward White

A vigorous, fully fleshed biography of an important contributor to American culture. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

ONE WAY OUT

by Alan Paul

The author doesn’t pull punches, but all involved should find it fair as well as comprehensive. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

A MAN CALLED DESTRUCTION

by Holly George-Warren

As an artist who “left behind…many lifetimes of brilliant music, a legacy that will inspire generations to come,” Chilton... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE SNOWDEN FILES

by Luke Harding

Whether you view Snowden’s act as patriotic or treasonous, this fast-paced, densely detailed book is the narrative of first... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE SHORT AND TRAGIC LIFE OF ROBERT PEACE

by Jeff Hobbs

An urgent report on the state of American aspirations and a haunting dispatch from forsaken streets. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE DOUBLE LIFE OF PAUL DE MAN

by Evelyn Barish

An extraordinary story of a complex personality presented with a wise dose of irony and respect. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

HOPE

by Richard Zoglin

In this rich and entertaining work, Zoglin pulls no punches but also remains an astonished admirer. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

ISABELLA

by Kirstin Downey

A strong, fascinating woman, Isabella helped to usher in the modern age, and this rich, clearly written biography is a... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

RESPECT

by David Ritz

An honest and genuinely respectful portrait of a true diva by a writer who feels the power of her art. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

STALIN

by Stephen Kotkin

Staggeringly wide in scope (note the 100-page bibliography), this work meticulously examines the structural forces that... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 322 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this special Graphic Lit issue: interviews with Alison Bechdel, San Nalamalapu, Raina Telgemeier & Scott McCloud, and Fred Fordham; and much more

subscribe
  • kirkus star
  • The Kirkus Star

    One of the most coveted designations in the book industry, the Kirkus Star marks books of exceptional merit.

  • kirkus prize
  • The Kirkus Prize

    The Kirkus Prize is among the richest literary awards in America, awarding $50,000 in three categories annually.

Great Books & News Curated For You

Be the first to read books news and see reviews, news and features in Kirkus Reviews. Get awesome content delivered to your inbox every week.

Thank you!

Close Quickview