In First Impressions, our latest title is Devil Makes Three by Ben Fountain, an expansive novel that takes place in Haiti during the politically tumultuous 1990s.

We're currently hosting an online discussion of Anthony Marra's Mercury Pictures Presents, a story of 1940s Hollywood that book club members are praising for its well-chosen details and beautiful sentence building.

We also invite you to explore our top picks, a continually rotating selection of book reviews, articles and excerpts open to both members and non-members.

With best wishes,

Davina Morgan-Witts

BookBrowse Publisher

Each month, we share books with BookBrowse members to read and review. Here are their opinions on one recently released title.

"A novel of Haiti's President Aristide's fall from power. An expat and a Haitian team up to fund a scuba business during a revolution. Along the way they...decide to become treasure hunters by exploring shipwrecks. In doing this they come upon arms trafficking, U.S. involvement of a not-so-good kind, politics, adventure and more." —Joane W. (Berlin, MD)

"This is a love story, a history lesson and a political thriller... I would recommend this book for serious book clubs that do not mind long books and like to dive in and discuss the nitty gritty, as there is so much to discuss!" —Jo S. (Tonganoxie, KS)

"Devil Makes Three is a beautifully written, unique and powerful novel that changed how I look at Haiti, at history, and at my government." —Judith G. (Greenbrae, CA)

The epic tale of a brilliant woman who must reinvent herself to survive, moving from Mussolini's Italy to 1940s Los Angeles—a timeless story of love, deceit, and sacrifice from the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of A Constellation of Vital Phenomena

"This is not typically a book that I would add to my impossibly huge TBR list (historical novels are not my favorite genre). However, it was so good! Marra writes well and I found myself engaged with each and every one of his characters... Even minor details, such as a haircut or a specific drink of whiskey are compelling and relevant." —gloriam

"Portrayals ranging from the international tensions of the pre-war period to intimate betrayals are all set out in moving and poignant ways." —shelleys

"Every sentence is a work of art." —angelaw

This issue of The BookBrowse Review features reviews and "beyond the book" articles for 14 titles, including Tom Lake by Ann Patchett, Where There Was Fire by John Manuel Arias and Happiness Falls by Angie Kim.

We also bring you recommendations for book clubs, previews of more than 50 noteworthy titles publishing over the next two weeks and much more.

Then a BookBrowse membership is for you! What you see on BookBrowse for free and in this newsletter is just a small part of what is available to members—for just $3.75/month! Find Out More!

A subscription to BookBrowse for Libraries provides remote and in-library access to all patrons and staff at a very affordable rate—an excellent book discovery resource for librarians, book club members and all those who read to expand their horizons.

BookBrowse offers a constantly rotating selection of book reviews, "beyond the book" articles and excerpts accessible to both members and non-members.

Just click to start browsing today's top recommendations.

Rudolf Diesel was a man ahead of his time. He used creativity and ingenuity to invent things that he truly believed would help society, and he remained optimistic and determined despite many hardships and setbacks. Although the circumstances of his death remain a mystery, Brunt's chronicle of his life and times raises the specter of "what if" and provides a fascinating alternative account of Diesel’s fate. Equal parts biography, military history, and political thriller, The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel weaves a tale of genius and war that will bring the forgotten story of Rudolf Diesel to a new generation.

The juxtaposition of international politics with scenes from an intimate world allows us to recognize and feel the impact that these politics have on all individuals, even if they appear to be far removed. While much noir fiction sets out a formulaic murder mystery, The Golden Gate is layered with historical intricacies and social and racial commentary. It's also an entertaining and enjoyable read with extremely likable characters and an exciting plot with many twists and turns.

Land of Milk and Honey is fiercely optimistic in what it has to say about the nature and future of humanity. Its sharply-written, revelatory moments, appearing as they do between scenes of excess and waste, serve as a reminder that the treasures of the world are unquantifiable and unpredictable, that none of us really know what will bring us joy, what will save us — or humanity. And that, sometimes, what lies on the other side of this lack of knowledge is very, very good.

Discussions are open to all, so please join us!

Currently, we're discussing Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons and Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra. Our discussion of Elizabeth Strout's Lucy by the Sea will be opening soon.

If you would like to receive a message when a particular discussion opens, you can sign up for a one-time notification.

BookBrowse Highlights is one of our four free newsletters. We also offer Publishing This Week every Sunday, and Book Club News and Librarian News monthly.

1-408-867-6500

Toll Free: 1-800-745-5306 (US & Canada)