This week in First Impressions, we bring you two books built on events viewed from a child's perspective.

In her memoir The Critic's Daughter, Priscilla Gilman reflects on the complicated relationship she had with her father, the literary and theater critic Richard Gilman, while growing up.

Margaret Verble's novel Stealing is narrated in the voice of Kit, a young girl of Native heritage left motherless in the 1950s, who must piece together the truth of her own experiences.

We also have a list of recommended book podcasts for serious readers; and 40 copies to give away of Anne Tyler's latest novel French Braid—if you're in a book club, you could win up to 12 copies for your group; and if you're not, you can enter for the chance to win four copies—one for yourself and the others to share with friends.

With best wishes,

Davina Morgan-Witts

BookBrowse Publisher

Each month we give away books to BookBrowse members who live in the U.S. to read and review. Here are their opinions on two recently released titles.

"Priscilla Gilman is the eldest daughter of Richard Gilman, renowned theater critic, and Lynn Nesbit, an accomplished literary agent. She and her sister seem to have everything - a large apartment in New York City and summer home in Connecticut, education at the best schools, and a rotating list of house guests from the theater and literary worlds. When Priscilla is ten, her mother divorces her father, and her world collapses. Her father suffers greatly, and she feels responsible for saving him from a dive into deep depression. Gilman's writing is evocative and beautiful. I read this memoir in one sitting, as I was wrapped up in the NYC setting and the extensive literary references. Gilman vividly describes growing into this new relationship with her father, working through his fears, and making peace with who he is. The road is not easy, but the results are moving and satisfying." - Julie Z. (Oak Park, IL)

"When I started this book, I knew nothing about the critic Richard Gilman or his work. The world that the author, his daughter, describes - New York City intelligentsia, artists and writers - is equally unknown. Yet I reveled in the vivid descriptions, and the touching memories of a well-loved father; it kept me awake remembering my own father. The writing is exquisite." - Peggy H. (North East, PA)

"While I'm a few years older than Priscilla Gilman, I too grew up in the '70s in New York and could relate to so many of the stories shared in this beautifully written book. Ms. Gilman eloquently captures the complexity of emotions experienced by a little girl through her adult life and the impact of her special relationship with her famous, late father. A stunning memoir." - Melissa C. (Saint Johns, FL)

"I found Margaret Verble's novel Stealing to be enjoyable on many levels, however, I particularly enjoyed the easy-flowing exchange of dialogue and narrative that gradually unveils multiple layers of this story. The main storyteller, Kit, starts us on that journey as a young girl who is living a mostly carefree life. While her mother has died, her father provides for her as a typical working father in the 1950s would have - with all his soul but not a lot of personal involvement or emotional support. Kit wanders, fishes, daydreams and overthinks as any child will when left on their own, and after a new resident moves in nearby, a natural curiosity leads her to investigate and meet the neighbor. Sadly, when actions are misconstrued and rumors are spread, Kit is forced to see that a larger worldview exists - and has existed for her Native American family over many, many years." - Stephen

"This heartbreaking novel has several intensely emotional scenes and the complex characters reach through the pages and tug at the reader's heart. Margaret Verble said in an interview: 'Writing historical fiction is a process of merging [the facts] with the imagination.' The same is true of Kit's life, as she uses her journal to sift out the truth from the imaginings of her life. This is a powerful novel that will stay with the reader for a long time after the last page has been read." - Emily C. (Naples, FL)

"Verble authentically captures the voice and perspective of Kit, a character that reminded me of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. I found Verble's writing insightful and enjoyable, and am looking forward to reading more from her backlist. I would recommend Stealing to fans of This Tender Land or The Nickel Boys." - Karen B. (Crestwood, KY)

From the beloved best-selling, Pulitzer Prize–winning author - a funny, joyful, brilliantly perceptive journey deep into one Baltimore family's foibles, from a boyfriend with a red Chevy in the 1950s up to a longed-for reunion with a grandchild in our pandemic present.

"Lushly imagined, psychologically intricate, virtually inhalable...At every leap, Tyler balances gracefully between tenderness and piquant humor, her insights into human nature luminous. Tyler is a phenomenon, each of her novels feels fresh and incisive, and this charming family tale will be honey for her fans." - Booklist (starred review)

"Tyler returns with a dry and well-crafted look at a family that inexplicably comes apart over several decades...Tyler's focus on character development proves fruitful; a reunion organized by the wistful Robin in the '90s is particularly affecting, as is a coda with David during the Covid-19 pandemic. As always, Tyler offers both comfort and surprise." - Publishers Weekly

"Tyler draws her characters and their interactions in such specific and revealing detail...More lovely work from Tyler, still vital and creative at 80." - Kirkus Reviews

We have 40 paperback copies of French Braid by Anne Tyler to give away. If a winner is in a book club they will receive a copy for each member of their group (up to a maximum of 12 copies); if a winner is not in a book club they will receive 4 copies (one for themselves and three to share with friends).

This offer is open to residents of the USA only. The winners will be contacted after the offer closes and sent free copies by mail. Offer ends Feb 27.

The latest issue of the BookBrowse Review features reviews and "beyond the book" articles of 14 books, including the novels The World and All That It Holds by Aleksandar Hemon and Ghost Season by Fatin Abbas, as well as Greta Thunberg's handbook for taking action against climate disaster, The Climate Book.

We also bring you previews of notable books publishing soon, our recommended list of 17 Insightful Coming-of-Age Books for Adults, and more.

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

Membership is just $3.75/month. Find out more!

We also offer Library Subscriptions so that patrons and librarians have full access to all of BookBrowse's book discovery resources from any device, anywhere at any time.

If you love reading, listening to book podcasts can be a great way to spend your spare time. Whether you choose to follow along with a conversation about a book you've enjoyed, an author interview or an author reading, book-based audio content makes for pleasant entertainment at home or on the road. And as reading is often a solitary activity, podcasts can offer a much-needed sense of connection and help stoke your excitement about reading or discussing books with others.

But with the podcast still being a relatively new listening format, and one that's detached from traditional media, it can be tough to know where to start. So we've put together a list for you of some of the best book podcasts out there.