News - Book Reviews

News - Book Reviews

February 5, 2021

WHY WE BELIEVE by Agustin Fuentes was reviewed by the Journal of Anthropological Research. Jonathan Marks writes: “Fuentes articulates his ideas in thoughtful chapters on religion, economy, and love. A reliable anthropological foundation for theologians and philosophers to work with.” Yale University Press published the book on September 24, 2019.

January 29, 2021

Historian Audrey Clare Farley’s biography of American socialite Ann Cooper Hewitt, THE UNFIT HEIRESS, has received its first trade reviews. Kirkus calls the book “Shocking […] a disturbing yet thought-provoking tale of family strife and ethically unsound medical practice,” and Publishers Weekly writes: “Farley sets a brisk pace and persuasively reimagines the dynamic between Ann and Maryon. This is an eye-opening portrait of an obscure yet fascinating case.” Grand Central Publishing will publish the book on April 20, 2021.

January 29, 2021

Kirkus praises THE WASTE-FREE WORLD by Ron Gonen, writing: "Advocating a point without descending into mere rhetoric, [Gonen] ventures a well-reasoned case for changing our ways as producers and consumers. Green-minded readers will learn much from Gonen’s investigations." Portfolio will publish the book on April 6, 2021.

January 29, 2021

Author of TELL ME LIES Carola Lovering’s next suspenseful thriller, TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, has received a starred review from Kirkus. The magazine affirms that Lovering’s sophomore novel “more than lives up to the promise of her debut,” and calls the book “[a] nifty cat-and-mouse thriller that doesn’t stint when it comes to twists, turns, and ‘gotcha!’ surprises…Lovering, a master of manipulation to rival her own characters does a skillful job of gradually unspooling her intricate tapestry of psychological intrigue while deftly juggling her multiple narratives. And neatly nested in this tale of just who is deceiving whom is a none-too-gentle critique of our system’s rigid social and economic inequities.” St. Martin’s Press will publish the book on March 2, 2021.

January 15, 2021

Joss Lake’s debut novel FUTURE FEELING is featured on The Millions’ “Most Anticipated: The Great First Half of 2021 Book Preview.” They write: “Like every ambitious literary visionary, Lake uses his delirious imagination and potent narrative gifts to sharpen the mirror on how we live and feel now.” Additionally, Publishers Weekly praises the book: “Pen’s fairy tale ending hits the spot… [T]his coming-of-age journey through the surreality of gender will please readers seeking speculative queer fiction.” Soft Skull will publish the book on June 1, 2021.

January 15, 2021

In a starred review, Publishers Weekly calls Jakob Guanzon’s ABUNDANCE “a harrowing story of a man’s desperation and unyielding love for his son… This one hits hard.” It was also featured on The Millions’ “Most Anticipated: The Great First Half of 2021 Book Preview,” Electric Lit’s “27 Debuts to Look Forward to in the First Half of 2021,” and St. Paul Pioneer Press’ “We may still be stuck at home this spring, but we’ll have plenty to read.” Graywolf will publish the book on March 2, 2021.

January 15, 2021

The New York Times raves about Arvin Ahmadi’s HOW IT ALL BLEW UP in a roundup of young adult novels with crossover potential for adult readers. They praise the novel’s “frank and often funny insight” and “an immediately likable [protagonist] with whom we empathize… I could not put this book down.” Viking Books for Young Readers published the book on September 22, 2020.

January 15, 2021

The New York Times Book Review praises THE REVOLUTION ACCORDING TO RAYMUNDO MATA by Gina Apostol. The reviewer writes: “Virgil should offer libations to the gods in thanksgiving that Gina Apostol writes about the Philippines’ founding stories instead of Rome’s…She writes historical fiction like Hilary Mantel on acid….[a] marvelous welter of Filipino storytelling.” Soho Press published the book on January 12, 2021.

January 15, 2021

Kiese Laymon's HOW TO SLOWLY KILL YOURSELF AND OTHERS IN AMERICA was reviewed by Jerald Walker for the New York Times. He writes: "I must say, Kie…by adding six rich new essays, deftly curating seven from the original book, and reworking the chronology, you have made a once solid collection superb.” Scribner published the book November 10, 2020.

January 8, 2021

Publishers Weekly praises Lynn Berger’s SECOND THOUGHTS in an enthusiastic review. They write: “Journalist Berger debuts with a gorgeous rumination that combines her thoughts on becoming a mother for the second time with insight into the development of siblings. Berger’s thoughtful inquiry eloquently illuminates the complexities of second-time parenthood.” Henry Holt and Co. will publish the book on April 20, 2021.