John McMurtrie

Best of 2025 | Kirkus Reviews

Happy to share with you Kirkus’ Best Nonfiction Books of the Year: www.kirkusreviews.com/best-of/2025...

The beauty of Oakland

4 New Nonfiction Books That Will Bring You Joy | Kirkus Reviews Enough with the bad news and doomscrolling. These new releases are guaranteed to lighten your mood.

Some nonfiction books to counter the dread:
www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-fea...

Such a thrill to present Scott Anderson with the 2025 Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction last night in New York.
You can read about all the winners here.
www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-fea...

A midnight blue LaSalle, circa 1940

I’m biking on a beautiful afternoon, the trees alive with the setting sun, and I see an older man in saffron robes on the sidewalk, his gentle gait and head held low making me think, “This guy gets it.” Then, passing by him, I see his forefinger, just as gently, scrolling down the face of his phone.

Here are the finalists for the 2025 Kirkus Prize. Today, Kirkus Reviews announced the 18 finalists for the 2025 Kirkus Prize, in the categories of Fiction, Nonfiction, and Young Readers’ Literature. Finalists are chosen from the pool of writers wh…

Behold the 2025 Kirkus Prize finalists!
lithub.com/here-are-the...

‘A mighty redwood of a man has fallen.’ Remembering Malcolm Margolin, founder of Heyday books Writer, editor and publisher Malcolm Margolin, who promoted Indigenous cultural renewal across California, died Wednesday. He was 84.

So many of us are indebted to Malcolm Margolin, who did much to celebrate the culture and history of California. I’ll miss his passion, his wisdom and his wit — and his endearing Boston accent. May his memory be a blessing.
www.berkeleyside.org/2025/08/20/m...

Farewell to a master satirist. #tomlehrer

Pride Month Reads: 5 New LGBTQ+ Nonfiction Books | Kirkus Reviews These essential titles shed light on queer lives, past and present.

Kirkus Reviews nonfiction editor @johnmcmurtrie.bsky.social recommends "More Butch Heroes" in a Pride Month round-up of new standout LGBTQ+ titles:

These lines from Dawn Staley’s “Uncommon Favor” (Atria/Black Privilege Publishing, May 20):
“Every fiber of my soul screamed sports, sports, sports. Before long, my family nicknamed me ‘Dirt’ because it became clear I’d rather play ball than bathe.”

Wayne Thiebaud’s delicious “Nine Books,” 1991-92, at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco.

San Francisco beach artist (with rake)

Hanging out with my buds.

Randomly met this beauty today: a 1968 Citroën DS.

Oakland

The Women of the Black Panther Party Mural, Oakland

Beautiful day in the neighborhood

MORE BUTCH HEROES | Kirkus Reviews Living as themselves—and often punished for it.

"A creative resurrection of people around the world who broke gender norms." — Kirkus Reviews

Ria Brodell's ingenious project celebrating queer lives continues in "More Butch Heroes," coming this April:

I found a redwood branch that fell during a storm. I brought it home, where it now shines.

And the best book title of the year (so far) goes to…

Pico Iyer Talks About the Power of Silence | Kirkus Reviews In his latest book, ‘Aflame,’ the peripatetic writer extols the virtues of the contemplative life.

I so enjoyed speaking with Pico Iyer about his outstanding new book, “Aflame: Learning From Silence.” @Riverheadbooks.bsky.social is publishing it today.
www.kirkusreviews.com/news-and-fea...

The richness of redwoods at sunset.

Rest in peace, Jimmy Carter. I had the honor of interviewing him twice. He was lighthearted and laughed easily and was as warm as anyone I’ve ever met. In 2015, he played along with me for this photo I took of him.

Joyeux Leon!

RAISING HARE | Kirkus Reviews Made more humane by a hare.

Raising Hare, by Chloe Dalton, is an extraordinary book. Here’s the Kirkus review. www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews...

Solid!

Keeping up with the kids. #spotify

Fire in the neighborhood