This week's First Impressions read offers a contemplative escape: Polly Samson's A Theater for Dreamers invents a fictional scenario around a group of real-life artistic types on the idyllic Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s.

If you would prefer a higher-intensity escape, you may be interested in Julie Clark's thriller The Last Flight, which we're revisiting our discussion of from last year now that the novel has been released in paperback.

Also, in a recent blog post, we share resources on how to have productive book club discussions about race.

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 love, love, loved this book. What a fabulous read and the perfect escape for these times. Polly Samson's new novel is a wonderful snapshot of a glorious time (in the early 1960s) on the Island of Hydra. The descriptions are so poignant and accurate (I was there 3 years ago). Narrated by 16-year-old Erica, it features an eclectic group of writers, poets, painters and musicians. Led by the writers Charmian Clift and her husband George Johnston, their entourage includes Axel Jensen, a destructive writer, his gorgeous wife, Marianne, and the young Leonard Cohen." - Beth M. (New York, NY)

"Readers will enjoy digging into the evocative details of this place and might find themselves wanting to know more about the writers and musicians, including the iconic Leonard Cohen. Guided by desire, the characters form their lyrics and stories from their amorphous days on the island, and yet, so much is left unsaid by the artists. They become like figures in a mythic Greek drama, complete with their muses and mistakes. A Theater for Dreamers exposes the emotional price artists pay for their artistic expression." - Laurie S. (Lakeville, MN)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the book and during this pandemic it was great to get lost in a little history with some very famous people, no matter how outlandish I thought they were. I look forward to Ms. Samson's next book." - Arlene I. (Johnston, RI)

Last year, BookBrowse's book club discussed The Last Flight by Julie Clark. It received many positive comments, so we're revisiting it now that the book is released in paperback.

For fans of Lisa Jewell and Liv Constantine, The Last Flight is the story of two women - both alone, both scared - and one agonizing decision that will change the trajectory of both of their lives.

"This book was fantastic! My first five star read of the year! I couldn't get it out of my mind and even persuaded my husband to read it (he usually reads about one book a year), and he really enjoyed it as well. The writing was great, the pace was perfect, and I just couldn't figure out what was going to happen next." - LindaB

"The Last Flight, full of plot twists and interwoven characters, was a fun read. It held my attention as I tried to unravel what was happening, and then just when I thought I had it, some new twist complicated matters again! The ending was something I did not expect. Very nice." - Crisandy5

"This book is riveting from beginning to end! I wouldn't make such a statement about most of the new titles I have read. The author immediately draws the reader into her plot. The writing is excellent and very fast-paced. Often it is difficult to follow two storylines happening at the same time in novels, but I had no such issues with this one. Definitely a five star recommendation from me." - JudyW

The discussion of The Last Flight took place last summer, so the forum is closed for new posts at this time, but you can read the almost 200 comments on 22 topics, or explore more about the book, via these buttons.

Over the past year, BookBrowse has been contacted many times by book club members asking for advice on how their group should approach discussing potentially sensitive topics, particularly relating to racial issues. With this in mind, here are some resources that BookBrowse's editorial team recommends to help these discussions be productive.

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.