This week, we bring you our First Impressions readers' takes on Metropolis, a character-rich novel from B.A. Shapiro that unrolls in the unlikely setting of a Boston storage warehouse.

Meanwhile, our book club members are diving into a discussion of Kim Michele Richardson's The Book Woman's Daughter, sequel to the popular The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.

We're also pleased to share that BookBrowse is featured in a recent article on HowStuffWorks about how to keep your book club together and thriving — check it out via the link below!

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. Members who choose to participate receive a free book about every 3-4 months. Here are their opinions on one recently released title.

"I seldom fall in love with a book that is almost totally character-driven, but Metropolis is the exception. Six main characters, six problematic lives, all becoming intertwined in a Boston storage unit makes for fascinating reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!" - Sandra L. (Great Neck, NY)

"Writer B.A. Shapiro weaves an intensely immersive tale. Disparate people live or work in Metropolis, a huge, castle-like storage warehouse in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Rose, the office manager, allows people to live there and pay her under the table. Lawyer Jason has his office there. Marta is avoiding ICE and writing her dissertation; Liddy is avoiding her wealthy and abusive husband; Serge is avoiding people while creating brilliant photographs. Then there's Zach, who purchased Metropolis to launder drug money. Legal problems and love bring these people together, their difficulties escalating until it seems they have no way out. Discovering how, or if, these characters solve their problems kept me reading... The writing is filled with intriguing details about the people and the place. Ultimately, Metropolis shows how hard it is for most people to survive and make a living when faced with poverty, abuse, mental illness, or the forces of giant corporations and bureaucracies. The story, however, is more enthralling than any of these concerns." - Judith P. (Ithaca, NY)

"I loved this book and I read a lot. The storyline drew me in, as did the characters... I loved the way the author developed her characters and told their stories. Detail development will draw you in, too. This book is the best of the year so far for me. I highly recommend Metropolis, including for book clubs." - Martha S. (Mentor, OH)

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek!

Bestselling historical fiction author Kim Michele Richardson is back with the perfect book club read following Honey Lovett, the daughter of the beloved Troublesome book woman, who must fight for her own independence with the help of the women who guide her and the books that set her free.

"It's been a while since I read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, and I was concerned about reading this sequel without first refreshing myself. But this book can definitely stand alone, and much of the previous book came back to me as I was reading this one. I enjoyed both books very much, and thought this one held up well." - Deb

"I read The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek with my book club. It was a book we all enjoyed and found historically enlightening. We had little knowledge of the blue-skinned people of Kentucky, and the Pack Horse librarians. Knowing the background, I found The Book Woman's Daughter to be more of a page-turner. I connected immediately to Honey and was rooting for her success on every page. I couldn't wait to read the next chapter of her journey... Riveting!" - mmr

"Wow! This is a book that encourages you to look at your own circumstances with a different lens... The story is a definite page-turner and a good read." - julief

The just-published issue of The BookBrowse Review is packed with 16 book reviews and Beyond the Book articles; plus author interviews, recommendations for book clubs and previews of notable books publishing soon.

An individual membership is just $3.25/month with an annual subscription.

We also offer library subscriptions providing full access for all patrons and staff from any device, anywhere.

On our Award Winners page, you can find books that have received awards from BookBrowse along with winners of other prizes, including the (recently announced) Pulitzers, the Booker and National Book Awards, and more.

"Every year, I try to read the award winners from different categories. I changed it to your 20 Best of the Year nominees this year. I am on #9 of 20 and have loved every one of them. BookBrowse is the site that I trust the most. The books have been a welcome escape from life for a while. I'm so glad I am a member!" - Anthony C, Maryland (BookBrowse member since 2019)

In their recent article "7 Tips to Keep Your Book Club From Falling Apart," the website HowStuffWorks features advice from BookBrowse based on the research we've conducted with book club members.

Check out the article to learn about the importance of keeping your club focused, designating a facilitator, choosing books for your club and more.