Book List

Best True Stories from Indie Books of 2013

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

A Redlight Woman Who Knows How to Sing the Blues

by Mary Sisney

With allusions to the black literary canon and chapter titles drawn from African-American music, Sisney’s tragicomic memoir... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

KEEP FOREVER

by Aleksandr Konstantinovich Sokolenko translated by Alex Lane

Skillfully portrays the bleakness of the prison system with an appreciation for the dark humor that allowed the author to... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

LOVING ANDREW

by Romy Wyllie

This cleareyed, intelligent memoir is an invaluable resource for anyone whose life is affected by a developmental disability. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

ME AND MURDER, SHE WROTE

by Peter S. Fischer

A warm, affectionate autobiography that will likely appeal to TV history buffs. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

Mind Twisters

by Ernest Töttösy Helen M. Szablya

A courageous account of torture and insanity that beams with hope of a soul’s survival. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

MUSTS, MAYBES, AND NEVERS

by David V. Picker

A thoroughly entertaining look at how artistic visions, strong personalities and business acumen can create great films. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

PLACES

by Philip Shabecoff

A must-read for anyone interested in the environment—shouldn’t that mean everyone? Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

Sets, Lights, & Lunacy

by Lloyd Burlingame

A consistently intriguing backstage glimpse of Broadway’s brighter past and a must for theater buffs. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
THE MIDDLE KINGDOM RIDE

by Colin Pyle Ryan Pyle

Enthusiastic, archetypal travelers whose informative story is worth the ride. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

The Powers That Be

by Gordon Utgard

A unique memoir that provides a rare window into the Saudi kingdom. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

The Wrong Kind of Muslim

by Qasim Rashid

A harrowing yet hopeful story of modern-day religious persecution. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

Twenty-Seven Dollars and a Dream

by Katharine Esty

Relentless and inspiring, the life of Muhammad Yunus shows how capitalism and conscience need not be at odds. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

More Book Lists

The Magazine: Kirkus Reviews

Featuring 258 industry-first reviews of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, and YA books; also in this issue: the 100 best fiction and 100 best nonfiction books of 2024, author interviews, 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