Starred Reviews for Curtis Sittenfeld, Eve L. Ewing, Kiyoshi Shigematsu, Carl Zimmer, and more!

“Engrossing, thrilling, and just downright fun.” —Booklist, starred review

“Amidst a markedly
growing genre of cozy feline-themed fiction, Shigematsu’s tales, colloquially translated by Kirkwood, noticeably diverge from tidy, feel-good endings. That unresolvedness, however, is what unmistakably enhances the lingering poignancy of these resonating stories.” —Booklist, starred review

“Younis’ glorious satire is shot through with emotional heft, and the final section will move even the hardest of hearts. A vital, warm, and hilarious story from a brilliant new author that is deeply thoughtful about the issues Iraq faces in the twenty-first century.” —Booklist, starred review

“Debut novelist Amherst’s words matter as they limn Daniel’s life in beautifully realized, psychologically acute, and nearly granular detail. Daniel is often ambivalent, although he prays to be made “normal” and to be loved. Will readers love him? Will he be the hero of his own story? It may be enough to say that he is an unfailingly fascinating, memorable character. A reader can’t ask for anything more.” —Booklist, starred review

“There isn’t space enough to highlight each of Sittenfeld’s stories, all of which are compelling, relatable, and worthy.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Kennington’s gripping debut romantasy starts with the risky, disobedient act of a princess, follows with an abduction, and keeps the action going until the blood-soaked end, leaving readers eager for more from the novel’s pair of doomed lovers.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Book clubs will enjoy this wonderful novel about family, friendship and inner strength. It is a must-read for those who like the work of Kristin Hannah and Jojo Moyes.” —Library Journal, starred review

“A sharply written novel with surprise comedic twists. Readers will enjoy this tale of two ex-lovers who are reunited by espionage and who ultimately find true love as they race through the beautiful streets of Italy, trying to stay alive.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Binge’s (Ascension) latest offers a profound depth of ideas wrapped in a thrilling sci-fi story.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Fans of Dennis Lehane’s Mystic River, as well as readers who appreciate their crime fiction served straight up with no chaser, will be mesmerized by Currie’s latest.” —Library Journal, starred review

“McCluskey’s gripping debut features an isolated island with a brooding, storm-tossed atmosphere, reminiscent of Ann Cleeves’s “Shetland Island” mysteries. The violence and collusion lead to a shocking conclusion.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Qin’s delightful debut is full of witty, snarky characters in a fantastical Calgary; a good pick for urban fantasy readers.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Poetic language expertly describes the mysterious geography of Jeju as Han movingly illustrates how the massacre affected survivors as well as subsequent generations. The memory of a devastating episode that must not be forgotten is revived.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Breathtaking facts plus superior science writing equals engaging, essential reading.” —Booklist, starred review

“Reflecting on mourning rituals in various traditions, while chronicling the dramatic, lonesome, and restorative beauty and spirit of the island, Brooks, with arresting precision, sensitivity, and candor, takes deep soundings of her grief and evolving perceptions and feelings in a generous and resonant remembrance.” —Booklist, starred review

“Worth picking up for Gay’s introspective yet inclusive introduction alone, this new collection provides accessible entry points into feminism and offers even advanced scholars new ways of viewing the complex, intersectional histories of feminist thought, literature, and action.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Vulnerable yet acerbic, this moving interrogation of the stories that helped Chihaya survive in a predominantly white environment validates the real and raw ways in which books shape people’s internal and external identities in personal, political, psychological, and social ways.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Readers interested in the Catholic Church and religious history will enjoy this insightful work. Contributions from top theologians about the roles that various women played in papal households add considerable depth and detail to the stories of the popes.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Ewing’s profound work is a must read for politicians, school board members, education administrators, and teachers. It would also be an excellent addition to professional development and teacher education programs.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Brilliant, unflinching, and written with the same heady, literary sophistication as Yuknavitch’s novels. Compounded by real moments of narrative vulnerability, this memoir is as much an act of dismembering as it is of remembering.” —Library Journal, starred review

“The lack of books on the Boy Scouts largest summer camp makes this deeply personal, captivating, and accessible title an essential addition to true crime collections.” —Library Journal, starred review

“This is one of the year’s most satisfying popular histories, and one that will appeal to a broad range of listeners. Stevenson’s voice isn’t melodic, and it’s toughened with age. But few narrators are as attuned to the rhythms and nuances of a narrative, or closer to its heart.” —AudioFile Earphones Award