Starred Review Round-Up (8/2/19)

Surviving childhood trauma, overcoming a hostile medical system, a cultural history of 19th century Europe, 80 years of the American Dream, and German Jewish women on the legacy of racism… All in today’s starred review round-up!

GIRL by Edna O’Brien

“In a feat of empathy and imagination, the Irish writer O’Brien portrays one girl’s torments after she is taken by jihadis in Nigeria… A heartbreaking tale and a singular achievement.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“O’Brien’s bravely investigated novel of a young woman overcoming epic torture is profoundly empathic, unnervingly human, and darkly exquisite.”–Booklist, starred review

THE ARAB OF THE FUTURE 4: A Graphic Memoir of a Childhood in the Middle East, 1987-1992 by Riad Sattouf

“The difficulty of growing up in a culture you feel no commonality with is powerful in this volume and will definitely resonate with some readers. Others will be touched by the humor amid the drama. A must for most collections, especially those with the previous books in the series.”–Library Journal, starred review

“Sattouf depicts the disappointments and uncertainties of growing up in a unique multicultural world in a way that’s sometimes tense, sometimes humorous, and always brilliant.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

THE UNDYING: Pain, vulnerability, mortality, medicine, art, time, dreams, data, exhaustion, cancer, and care by Anne Boyer

“Boyer’s gorgeous language elevates this artful, piercing narrative well above the average medical memoir.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Told with brutal clarity, this is a haunting testimony about death that is filled with life.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Call it a battle cry, call it a fury-fueled elegy, call it the work of a woman who will not be denied. In every way, THE UNDYING should not be missed.”–Booklist, starred review

TRANSACTION MAN: The Rise of the Deal and the Decline of the American Dream by Nicholas Lemann

“This concise and cogent history of the theories that have transformed the American economy makes a potentially dry subject fascinating.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Through the stories of individuals, often from varied neighborhoods, businesses, and corporations, Lemann makes these ­experiences come alive. Readers can use this insightful business history to guide their forecasts.”–Library Journal, starred review

THE EUROPEANS: Three Lives and the Making of a Cosmopolitan Culture by Orlando Figes

“A powerful and essential addition to our understanding of European history and culture.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Vividly written and meticulously detailed, this book will please lovers of the history of literature and music, at the very least.”–Library Journal, starred review

LEARNING FROM THE GERMANS: Race and the Memory of Evil by Susan Neiman

“This exceptional piece of historical and political philosophy provides a meaningful way of looking at the Civil War’s legacy.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A fascinating book that assists readers in gaining a deeper understanding of the past in order to move forward. Highly recommended for all history readers and teachers.”–Library Journal, starred review