Book List

Best Culture Books of 2021

NONFICTION

WELCOME TO DUNDER MIFFLIN

by Brian Baumgartner & Ben Silverman

A true insider’s guide filled with sweet surprises for fans and the brainy charm to make new ones. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

LINER NOTES FOR THE REVOLUTION

by Daphne A. Brooks

A sui generis and essential work on Black music culture destined to launch future investigations. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

ROCK ME ON THE WATER

by Ronald Brownstein

An endlessly engaging cultural history that will resonate with anyone alive in 1974. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

BELONGING AND BETRAYAL

by Charles Dellheim

A brilliant account of Nazi pillage and the ongoing efforts at restitution. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

TACKY

by Rax King

An engaging, hilarious, unabashed look at what we love in culture and why we should value it for what it is. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE BASEBALL 100

by Joe Posnanski

Red meat, and mighty tasty at that, for baseball fans with an appreciation for the past and power of the game. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

IT'S BETTER TO BE FEARED

by Seth Wickersham

Exemplary sports journalism that examines the front office and dueling egos as much as the gridiron. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 287 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children's, and YA books; also in this issue: the 100 best Indie books of the year; interviews with some of our favorite Indie authors; 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