This week in First Impressions, we bring you Flesh & Blood, an honest, warm and witty memoir by N. West Moss about her illness resulting in a hysterectomy.

We also have new books for members to request, current and upcoming book club discussions that anyone is welcome to join or follow, and a new Wordplay.

Plus, if you haven't accessed our latest e-zine issue, which is free for all to enjoy, we invite you to do so at any time (link below).

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 one recently released title.

"I thoroughly enjoyed Flesh & Blood by N. West Moss and consider it an outstanding memoir! ...Ms. Moss is a beautiful and poetic writer. She honestly shares her emotions and feelings about infertility and the daunting health challenges that she bravely endured. I loved the stories about her mother and grandmother, both remarkable women. Although much of the content is serious, the author has a sense of humor, and some sections are quite funny! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in women's issues and to anyone who loves a good memoir." - Sarah M. (Lancaster, PA)

"This was an amazing little book. The title, Flesh & Blood, carries dual meaning - not only the literal flesh and blood of the author's illness but also the "flesh and blood" of her family connections, and the discussions on family legacy. Beautifully written. Serious yet witty and humorous at times. Highly recommended for all women, not just those who live with infertility and loss... Well worth reading and sharing. Could be a great book for book clubs." - Kay D. (Strongsville, OH)

"I have to admit, it took me a while to pick up this book... it is not my usual genre and I was afraid I could not relate or would be overwhelmed with sadness. Instead it felt as though I was on a weekend retreat with a friend I had lost touch with years before, where I could be encouraged and uplifted by her self-awareness, confidence and vulnerabilities as she leisurely told me of her experiences while we shared a cocktail." - Barbara P. (Mountain Center, CA)

Members! This month's First Impressions and Book Club books are available now. Request at bookbrowse.com/arc before end of Saturday, October 16.

Books are provided to members free of charge with the understanding that they'll do their best to either write a short review of a pre-publication book or take part in an online discussion forum, depending on whether the book is assigned for First Impressions or the Book Club.

Due to publisher restrictions, books are only available to U.S. residents. Members who take part fairly regularly generally receive a book about every 3-4 months.

If you're not currently a member and wish to become one, join and request a book before end of Saturday and you will receive it. If you are a past member, you can renew here.

If you haven't yet taken advantage of your full and free access to the latest issue of our twice monthly e-magazine for members, we invite you to check it out now.

Anyone can view this most recent of The BookBrowse Review, packed with reviews, articles, previews and much more.

You can access it at bookbrowse.com/mag/free

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: Pull Y U B Y B

Meaning: To succeed on your own

Traditionally, boots had a loop or tab, known as the bootstrap, at the top which the wearer used to pull the boot on.

While it is physically impossible to pull oneself up by the bootstrap, the metaphor has a long history dating back to at least the mid 19th century. Some sources point to The Surprising Adventures of Baron Munchausen for the origin of the expression. These fanciful stories mostly based on folk tales were first published anonymously in the late 18th century. But actually, while the ever inventive Baron does pull himself and his horse out of a swamp by his own hair, we have been unable to find any reference to him pulling himself anywhere with his bootstraps...