• FICTION

    SPOONFUL

    FEB. 8, 2012

FICTION

SPOONFUL

by Chris Mendius

A superb tale of the druggie lifestyle, by a writer with talent to burn. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    THE YELLOW UMBRELLA

    MAY 1, 2009

CHILDREN'S

THE YELLOW UMBRELLA

by Bruce Dunn

The bighearted Yellow Umbrella discovers unexpected poignancy at a depth deeper than that of most children’s books. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    I2

    NOV. 27, 2011

  • NONFICTION

    HILL OF BEANS

    SEPT. 15, 2011

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

HILL OF BEANS

by John Snyder

A finely detailed tableau of the lost Carolinas and a book for the boy in all of us. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE TENANT LAWYER

    NOV. 18, 2011

FICTION

THE TENANT LAWYER

by Eric Dinnocenzo

A notable debut that infuses an engrossing legal procedural with deep empathy. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    JIMMY JAMES BLOOD

    SEPT. 18, 2011

FICTION

JIMMY JAMES BLOOD

by Melissa Peterson

An intense, lyrical portrait of America's vulnerable underbelly. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    LUST TAKES THE WHITE HOUSE

    DEC. 22, 2011

FICTION

LUST TAKES THE WHITE HOUSE

by Benson Grayson

A solid story of political warfare made doubly compelling by the dubious hero leading the charge. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    JASMINE

    NOV. 14, 2011

FICTION

JASMINE

by Winston Aarons

A well-crafted tale of passion, loss and the dangers of obsession. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    PETRA

    MAY 25, 2012

PETRA

by Subhi Alghussain

Highly recommended for anyone interested in architecture, classical history or travel photography. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    SECRETS OF THE APPLE

    JUNE 15, 2012

ROMANCE

SECRETS OF THE APPLE

by Paula Hiatt

An exceptional first effort that captures the harmony of two beating hearts. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    CICADA

    DEC. 6, 2011

  • FICTION

    ONE BLOOD

    NOV. 29, 2011

FICTION

ONE BLOOD

by Qwantu Amaru

A gutsy book that blazes trails, plotted at a breakneck speed that won’t let up. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    THE STOVEPIPE

    OCT. 1, 2011

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE STOVEPIPE

by Bonnie E. Virag

An inspirational story of survival and the loving bond between sisters. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    SLICK!

    NOV. 1, 2011

  • FICTION

    East Side Story

    SEPT. 30, 2010

ROMANCE

East Side Story

by Martha Tarcici

Vivid period details and a forthright heroine help smooth the rough edges of this rags-to-riches story. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    LIVING THROUGH CHARLIE

    FEB. 9, 2012

FICTION

LIVING THROUGH CHARLIE

by Rebecca Woods

An irreverent but stylish critique of a privileged social milieu. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE TEN

    FEB. 12, 2012

THE TEN

by Leland Myrick

An exemplar of storytelling and character-driven adventure. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    TWO OUT OF THREE

    OCT. 6, 2011

FICTION

TWO OUT OF THREE

by M. M. Silva

A well-constructed story that lays a promising foundation for the rest of the series. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    HEART'S BLOOD

    MARCH 20, 2012

FICTION

HEART'S BLOOD

by Elizabeth Zinn

An eloquent, refreshing perspective on the struggles faced by those living along the Mexican border. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    NOTES TO THE BELOVED

    JAN. 15, 2012

  • FICTION

    HACKED

    FEB. 19, 2012

HACKED

by J. D. Allison

An original voice that’s initially disorienting, but given time, Allison lyrically creates an intriguing world. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    LIVING PROOF

    MARCH 22, 2012

BUSINESS

LIVING PROOF

by John Capecci Tim Cage

Highly readable, this engaging manual never veers from its focus of providing the basic skills one needs to tell a story... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    WALK IN 'E MOON

    JUNE 10, 2010

  • FICTION

    MEMORIA

    MARCH 26, 2012

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

MEMORIA

by Elizabeth Segrave

Multiple genres come together to form a rewarding, incomparable novel. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    LYLA LYTE AND THE LI'BERRY FRUIT

    JAN. 17, 2012

CHILDREN'S

LYLA LYTE AND THE LI'BERRY FRUIT

by I'deyah Ricketts illustrated by Katie Williams

An impressive story about a girl whose courage transforms a town. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    WHERE THE PINK HOUSES ARE

    NOV. 28, 2011

  • INDIE

    BEAMISH BOY

    JUNE 1, 2012

BEAMISH BOY

by Albert Flynn DeSilver

A beautifully written memoir of awakening and self-acceptance. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    THIS WAY OUT

    SEPT. 23, 2011

NONFICTION

THIS WAY OUT

by Diane Light

Fans of Eckhart Tolle, Pia Mellody and Deepak Chopra will enjoy this unique and powerful book. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    The Kronos Interference

    JUNE 30, 2012

  • INDIE

    PHOENIX ROSE

    DEC. 3, 2009

PHOENIX ROSE

by Michael Bailey

An engrossing blend of creepy atmospherics, gory jolts and mind-bending conundrums. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE SECRET SENSE OF WILDFLOWER

    APRIL 22, 2012

THE SECRET SENSE OF WILDFLOWER

by Susan Gabriel

A quietly powerful story, at times harrowing but ultimately a joy to read. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE METROPOLIS ORGANISM

    NOV. 4, 2011

THE METROPOLIS ORGANISM

by Frank Vitale

A superb pictorial and video meditation on the life of cities. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    FALL FOR YOU

    FEB. 10, 2012

FALL FOR YOU

by Cecilia Gray

A compelling mix of action, drama and love. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    ROOM FOUR

    APRIL 5, 2012

ROOM FOUR

by A.J. Knauss

Witty and engaging, this short novel will provide readers a dose of hilarity and a quick cure for the workaday blues. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    BITOPIA

    FEB. 27, 2012

BITOPIA

by Ari Magnusson

All the fun of a children’s book, coupled with the razor-sharp wit and potent insight that seasoned readers crave. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE NEXT TO LAST DRINK

    MARCH 7, 2012

THE NEXT TO LAST DRINK

by Lois Mathieu

A powerful story that approaches a happy ending—or at least a hopeful one. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    LOOKING IN THE MIRROR OUT

    MARCH 23, 2012

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

LOOKING IN THE MIRROR OUT

by Nora Nita Bates

Part memoir, part journal, part plan-in-progress, Bates has no time for self-pity, preferring instead to celebrate all that... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE DUCHESS OF THE SHALLOWS

    MARCH 2, 2012

THE DUCHESS OF THE SHALLOWS

by Neil McGarry Daniel Ravipinto illustrated by Amy Houser

A fresh, compelling twist on fantasy, without magic or sorcery. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    Repeaters

    SEPT. 17, 2011

Repeaters

by Erica Ferencik

The gripping pursuit and protection of the love of a lifetime. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE GLASS SKY

    JUNE 1, 2012

FICTION

THE GLASS SKY

by Niko Perren

An exciting, well-written and compassionate eco-thriller with real heroes and a mission worth caring about. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    CHASING DIETRICH

    MAY 12, 2011

FICTION

CHASING DIETRICH

by Michael Mears

A solid, page-turning throwback to the golden age of detective novels. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    BLACKHEART'S LEGACY

    JUNE 23, 2010

FICTION

BLACKHEART'S LEGACY

by Sally Copus

Middle-grade readers (boys especially): Don’t dillydally; grab this nearly flawless book. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    A REAL MOTHER

    MARCH 12, 2012

NONFICTION

A REAL MOTHER

by Denise Malloy

A quick, lighthearted romp through the joys of motherhood as told by a real, honest and very funny mom. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    LAY SAINTS

    APRIL 23, 2012

LAY SAINTS

by Adam Connell

A stylish reimagining of the psychic mystery genre. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE FINAL RACE

    AUG. 14, 2012

  • NONFICTION

    THE JOURNEY HOME

    JAN. 21, 2010

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

THE JOURNEY HOME

by Radhanath Swami

A straightforward, engaging spiritual quest and life adventure. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    TENEMBRAS

    APRIL 24, 2012

  • INDIE

    IMPORTANT NONSENSE

    APRIL 12, 2012

IMPORTANT NONSENSE

by Steven Brutus

A fine philosophical text to aid in considering the big ideas. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    PADD YOUR WEALTH

    NOV. 10, 2011

BUSINESS

PADD YOUR WEALTH

by Keith Fevurly

Easily situated to be the primary source for getting your financial life in order. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    GALYA POPOFF AND THE DEAD SOULS

  • INDIE

    LATE BOOMER

LATE BOOMER

by David Benson

Several wealthy middle-aged Manhattanites—the baby boomers of the title—have been gruesomely murdered, and Detective Carina... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    FENG SHUI FOR FIDO

    MAY 13, 2011

FICTION

FENG SHUI FOR FIDO

by Josanne Wayman

Though the pages are few, Wayman’s practical, sunny advice is plentiful. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    I'M NOT PERFECT. SO WHAT?

I'M NOT PERFECT. SO WHAT?

by Julie Dahnke

A wonderful confidence-booster for kids at home and school. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    Sea of Crises

    APRIL 10, 2012

Sea of Crises

by Marty Steere

A stellar thriller that handily juggles its formulaic elements to achieve near-perfect liftoff. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    THE ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER

    NOV. 17, 2011

  • FICTION

    KINGDOM

    MAY 10, 2012

FICTION

KINGDOM

by Anderson O'Donnell

For fans of noir-laden science fiction in the vein of Philip K. Dick that is in equal measures suspenseful, gripping, darkly... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    CAPTAIN NO BEARD

    APRIL 12, 2012

CAPTAIN NO BEARD

by Carole P. Roman

Roman charms with an imaginative, whimsical picture book that will entertain even the oldest pirates. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE WATER THIEF

    APRIL 23, 2012

  • FICTION

    LIFE IN CONTINUUM

    MAY 18, 2012

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

LIFE IN CONTINUUM

by Kirk Ward Robinson

A classic in the making, this collection of time-traveling sci-fi stories mixes gripping human narratives with provocative... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    YOU SHOULDN'T CALL ME MOMMY

    JUNE 12, 2012

YOU SHOULDN'T CALL ME MOMMY

by Susan Tsui

A compelling narrator drives this strong, sympathetic tale that begets metaphysical soul-searching. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE KENNEDY RIFLE

    JAN. 9, 2012

  • FICTION

    JIRO'S DREAM

    JULY 25, 2011

FICTION

JIRO'S DREAM

by Philip Groves

Lively, illuminatingly exotic and richly told tale of life during wartime. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    A FATHER'S ANGELS

    JUNE 21, 2012

A FATHER'S ANGELS

by John Waldron

A timely, compelling story that challenges the traditional definition of family. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    YOUNG PRB

    JUNE 27, 2012

YOUNG PRB

by Elisabeth M. Lee

An illuminating look at an influential artistic period, which may well inspire readers to pick up their own pen or... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE RIGHT TAXI

    JUNE 21, 2012

THE RIGHT TAXI

by William J. Rewak

Warm, wistful and occasionally weird; a subtle, carefully crafted book of poems. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN MALE

    JAN. 13, 2012

HOW TO MAKE AN AMERICAN MALE

by Chuck Henry

An honest, funny and occasionally troubling look at socially bewildered masculinity in the 21st century. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS

    AUG. 11, 2015

THE CHESTERFIELD HOURS

by Gwyn Parry

The only unsatisfying feature of Parry’s debut is that it ends. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    MATERIAL WITNESS

    JUNE 6, 2012

MATERIAL WITNESS

by L.A. Mondello

Terrific escapist entertainment, as good as anything in Janet Evanovich’s oeuvre. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    THE IGUANA SPEAKS MY NAME

    SEPT. 1, 2012

  • INDIE

    THE GUGGENHEIM FILE

THE GUGGENHEIM FILE

by Sylvia Griffiths

An inspirational, fascinating chronicle of a family’s will to survive. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    RUTTING SEASON

    JUNE 26, 2012

RUTTING SEASON

by Roy Ness

An uplifting read that informs, enlightens and satisfies. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    LIVING THE LIFE YOU LOVE

    SEPT. 1, 2012

NONFICTION

LIVING THE LIFE YOU LOVE

by Paula Renaye

A self-help guide with real-world value and applicability, which proves it’s never too late to grow up. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    CONFESSIONS OF A TRANSSEXUAL PHYSICIAN

    JULY 16, 2012

  • INDIE

    THE PIG WAR

    MAY 26, 2012

THE PIG WAR

by Mark Holtzen

Clarity, engaging characters, and a surprise or two make for a delightful tale for young readers. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    MARGINAL MORMONS

    JULY 31, 2012

FICTION

MARGINAL MORMONS

by Johnny Townsend

A perfect read for the election season, though its appeal will endure. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    DEAD END JOB

    JUNE 19, 2012

DEAD END JOB

by Ingrid Reinke

A refreshing, humorous read that strikes a winning balance between chick lit and light mystery. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    SAVING MARS

    JULY 26, 2012

SAVING MARS

by Cidney Swanson

A sci-fi novel that soars along with a teenage heroine whose imperfections help make her believable and endearing. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    MR. RUEHLE, YOU ARE A FREE MAN - A BROADCOM SAGA

    AUG. 21, 2012

MR. RUEHLE, YOU ARE A FREE MAN - A BROADCOM SAGA

by William J. Ruehle

An effective indictment of governmental abuse of power written by an unlikely but excellent source. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    TULIPANO

    AUG. 29, 2012

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

TULIPANO

by Walter De Hoog

A lush, unsparing narrative that honors history and emotion. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    BLACK ART

    OCT. 30, 2012

MYSTERY & DETECTIVE

BLACK ART

by V.T. Davy

An extremely satisfying read, as thrilling as it is humane. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • INDIE

    ANATOMY OF A HUSTLE

    AUG. 15, 2012

ANATOMY OF A HUSTLE

by Clinton Galloway

A stinging indictment of urban politics-as-usual. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • CHILDREN'S

    NEIGHBORS

    DEC. 10, 2011

CHILDREN'S

NEIGHBORS

by George Held illustrated by Joung Un Kim

Charming critters in collage and poetry for people of all ages. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 346 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s and YA books; also in this special Indie Issue: a celebration of the rich diversity of indie publishing, interviews with indie authors, and 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