This month, our featured discussions are of two works of historical fiction: Patti Callahan's Surviving Savannah focuses on the sinking of a luxury steamship in the mid-1800s, while Kaitlyn Greenidge's Libertie follows a young Black woman during the Reconstruction era.

We're also excited to share with you the most popular books for book clubs in 2021 according to our survey results, including novels by favorites Kristin Hannah and Amor Towles.

Plus, this is your last chance to save on a membership to BookBrowse with our 25% spring savings coupon (details below).

Very best,

Davina

When Savannah history professor Everly Winthrop is asked to guest-curate a new museum collection focusing on artifacts recovered from the steamship Pulaski, she's shocked. The ship sank after a boiler explosion in 1838, and the wreckage was just discovered, 180 years later. Everly can't resist the opportunity to try to solve some of the mysteries and myths surrounding the devastating night of its sinking.

"I was completely absorbed by the book. I’d never heard of the Pulaski. I thought the two timelines worked really well when in general I find it overused. I love the setting and rich history of Savannah. It felt like traveling in time." - dominiqueg

"I do love historical fiction and this book affirmed my love. I had never heard of the steamboat Pulaski disaster and learned much... I also love to do background research on what I am reading and this book presented plenty of opportunities. The supporting story of Everly contributed to the book's appeal. I hope to visit Savannah again someday to stop by the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum." - celiap

"I loved reading this book! I visited Savannah a few years ago with a mind toward seeing and experiencing its history after reading Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil... This book beautifully describes Savannah and all its glory, and I really enjoyed reading it." - dorinned

Set in the Reconstruction era, this unforgettable story explores one young Black woman's attempt to find a place where she can be fully herself – out of the shadow of her accomplished mother in Brooklyn and her traditional husband in Haiti. Perfect for readers of Brit Bennett, Min Jin Lee, and Yaa Gyasi.

"I thought it was an amazing book... Libertie felt achingly real to me in all her flaws. I feel that Kaitlyn Greenidge's deep research paid off--her depictions of the time period, the relationships and expectations were not sugar-coated and, like real life, were not tied up neatly at the end. My understanding is that she hewed close to the historic record, and the reality is that people's lives are often messy." - JuliaB

"I loved this book. I understood Cathy, Libertie's mother, because she reminded me of a lot of women that helped raised me. Achievers who want the best for their daughters. Black women who understand the hurdles their daughters possibly might have to endure... the essence of the book, particularly as it was inspired by a true mother-daughter story, inspired me." - valeriem

We're celebrating the first days of spring with a special offer. Use coupon code SPRING22 to save 25% on an annual membership to BookBrowse, and you'll be able to enjoy BookBrowse's full content — perfect for finding the best book club reads — for less than $2.50 per month!

Offer valid for new members, to give a gift membership or to renew a membership that lapsed at least two months ago. Sorry, this coupon cannot be used to extend an existing membership.

We recently asked BookBrowse subscribers to tell us about the books they most enjoyed discussing with their book group in 2021.

It's no surprise that novels by Kristin Hannah and Amor Towles take the top two spots. Hannah's The Great Alone (2018) was listed as a book club favorite in our 2019 survey, and her novel The Nightingale (2015) made it onto our list of Book Clubs' All-Time Favorite Books; and Amor Towles' novel A Gentleman in Moscow (2016) took the top spot on the All-Time Favorites list, and the second spot in the 2019 survey. Both authors deliver exactly what many book clubs look for in terms of rich fodder for discussion...

Discussions are open to all, so please join us! You can also find inspiration for your book club among our 200 past discussions.

Currently, we have four open discussions and more coming soon. If you would like to receive a message when a particular discussion opens, sign up for a one-time notification.

Has your book group ever become frustrated by members who join in book discussions without having finished the book -- or, in some cases, without even starting it, and then complain about spoilers?

If so, you're not alone. According to our research, 15% of reading group members say their book club has experienced problems around this issue; and a quarter of those who left a previous book club due to dissatisfaction cited frustration over members attending without having read the book...

Usually published once a month, Book Club News is one of BookBrowse's four free newsletters. We also publish BookBrowse Highlights every Thursday, Publishing This Week every Sunday; and Librarian News monthly.