We've currently got four discussions open in our book club forum, the most recent to open is about Kristin Harmel's The Book of Lost Names, a gripping tale of forgery during World War II.

Our latest First Impressions selection, Everybody by Olivia Laing, is a fascinating work of historical nonfiction delving into questions of freedom and human bodies.

Also, be sure to check out upcoming discussions and a new Wordplay!

Very best,

Davina

Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II, a young woman with a talent for forgery helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis in this unforgettable historical novel from the New York Times bestselling author of the "epic and heart-wrenching World War II tale" (Alyson Noel, #1 New York Times bestselling author) The Winemaker's Wife.

"I really enjoyed this book. I have read other books set during World War II, and The Book of Lost Names added another layer of knowledge. I typically read at night when I go to bed, and this book kept me up later than usual because I so wanted to know what happened next." - Patricia Ann

"Learning about a different aspect of World War II was interesting and compelling. The story told a realistic tale of the heartbreak and challenges faced by so many. The author also included the triumphs, victories and hope-filled moments that were such an important part of this time in history." - Theresa

"I have read quite a few books recently set during WWII and found this one refreshingly different in that it delved into topics I didn't know much about. I love when a book interests me so much that I do extra digging into the historical back story." - Gabi

About the Book / Discuss

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 one recently released title.

"Olivia Laing has taken a unique approach, exploring the human body and its freedom from the points of view of several controversial figures from the late 30s through the 70s. From Freud and Wilhelm Reich, to prominent writers and activists, the author writes of how psychoanalysis and sexual identity, illness and freedom of the body itself evolved across decades... Ms. Laing presents a disturbing and thoughtful point of view about how society reacts to social upheaval and change when perceived norms are threatened. Most alarming is how the body and its freedom are once again being threatened and how history really does repeat itself. Excellent read." - Barbara O. (Red Bank, NJ)

"Laing takes us on a sweeping odyssey to explore the effects of liberation on the human body. Her prose is evocative and her research impressive. This book would be a great book group selection to provoke thoughtful discourse." - Rosemary C. (Golden, CO)

"Everybody is an interesting, extensively researched book about the human body and freedom. Laing has the exceptional ability to make connections among events and thoughts of particular times and to point out the struggles of individuals and of societies... This book gave me a better understanding of some of these events, especially related to sexual orientation and rights, feminism, civil rights, the prison system and immigrants." - Patricia W. (Desoto, TX)

BookBrowse offers hand-picked read-alike recommendations for more than 4,000 books and 3,000 authors. All visitors have access to a limited number of results; and members have full access. Members (and patrons of libraries that subscribe) can also browse for books by genre, time period, setting and a wide range of themes.

Below are read-alike recommendations for one recently published title:

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.

The answer to the last Wordplay: A S I T closet

Meaning: Despite appearances to the contrary, there is a well-hidden secret that could be damaging or embarrassing.

This proverb traces back to the prolific 19th century English novelist and satirist, William Makepeace Thackeray. In 1845 he wrote in Punch: