This week, we bring you two First Impressions novels that appeal to bookish and artistic sensibilities: The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson tells the story of a community's quest to save the local library, while The Lost Notebook of Edouard Manet is Maureen Gibbon's fictional rendering of the father of Impressionism's final years.

We also have an excerpt for you from another book our First Impressions readers enjoyed: A Million Things, by Emily Spurr, a heartfelt debut following fifty-five days in the life of ten-year-old Rae, who must look after herself and her dog when her mother disappears.

Also, check out our current and upcoming book club discussions, and a new Wordplay!

Very best,

Davina

Each month we give away books to BookBrowse members who live in the U.S. to read and review. Members who choose to participate receive a free book about every 3-4 months. Here are their opinions on two recently released titles.

"June Jones works at the local library just as her mother did. After her mom passes, she still lives in her house surrounded by happy memories. She does not venture out beyond her comfort zones: the library and the house. She has few friends and does not date, but when the library is threatened to be closed June steps up and shows that she has some backbone... An uplifting story to warm any library lover's heart! As a library volunteer I appreciated how well this book showcased the importance of libraries to the local community." - Pamela C. (Boxborough, MA)

"I really enjoyed The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson, and I read it in one day. I would recommend it to those who like village cozies, small towns, comfort reads, and those who are passionate about reading, libraries, and the importance of community... I think those who've felt they're too shy or that they haven't done much with their lives, especially compared to their peers, would like this book. There are a variety of age groups represented, so I can see it appealing to those in their 20s on up." - Elizabeth D. (Apple Valley, MN)

"What a delightful read! The Chalcot Library brought back so many memories of my childhood library. From the children's reading room to the irascible head librarian, Marjorie, I was hooked... June's growth as a person was believable as she struggled to 'find her voice.' Lots of talking points for book club conversations!" - Martha G. (Columbia, MO)

"A fact-based fictional account covering the final three years of Edouard Manet (1880-83), who many regard as the father of French Impressionism. Lightly wearing a deep knowledge of Manet and his circle, Maureen Gibbon depicts the twilight of this syphilis-ridden painter as he reflects on his complicated past and suffering present, including the creation of his final masterpiece, 'A Bar at the Folies-Bergère.' ...readers with even mild interest in art history will find it an enjoyable journey through aspects of the late nineteenth-century roots of European modern art." - Julia E. (Atlanta, GA)

"Although this book is a fictional account of the last days of Edouard Manet, the many references to his actual paintings and the people who were close to him make the diary feel like a true memoir. I particularly liked how the models he used in his paintings were made real by the descriptions of their everyday life and family. Because it is written as a diary it seems more believable as some days there is one sentence and some days he seems eager to express his innermost thoughts. I had never read a book by Maureen Gibbon before but will surely look for others now!" - Carol F. (Lake Linden, MI)

"A perfect book for Francophiles...especially with artistic leanings. Although fictional, I felt, based on the author's use of some exceptional sources, this read as an actual diary of the great artist's last years... I appreciated the author's casual style and how much of the Parisian everyday life found its way into the diary. An illuminating read... Highly recommended!" - Beverly D. (Palm Harbor, FL)

The just-published issue of The BookBrowse Review is packed with new reviews and articles; plus author interviews, recommendations for book clubs and previews of notable books publishing soon.

This twice-monthly magazine is just one benefit of being a BookBrowse member.

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BookBrowse offers excerpts of almost every book we feature so you can read a little and decide if it's a good fit for you or your book club. Here is an excerpt from A Million Things by Emily Spurr that was a hit with our First Impressions readers.

Discussions are open to all, so please join us! If you would like to receive a message when a particular discussion opens, sign up for a one-time notification. You can also find inspiration for your group among our more than 150 past discussions.

Solve our Wordplay puzzle to reveal a well-known expression, and be entered to win a 6-month membership to BookBrowse.

Enter Wordplay

The answer to the last Wordplay: Like M, L D

Meaning: A daughter tends to share the traits of her mother

Some sources trace this expression back to the 1300s, but it certainly predates this time.

For example, it is found in the Book of Ezekiel, which forms a part of both the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament.