First Impressions

Hi Morrison,

This week, we explore books that delve into the inner workings of situations that may not be exactly what they appear. Our First Impressions reads are Julie Clark's The Lies I Tell, a cat-and-mouse thriller featuring two women reckoning with past experiences, and Louis Bayard's Jackie & Me, a fictional account of JFK and Jackie Kennedy in the time leading up to their marriage, narrated by the couple's friend Lem. Horse by Pulitzer Prize-winner Geraldine Brooks, our latest Editor's Choice pick, moves between the modern day and 19th century Kentucky to examine the world of American horse racing and its connections to slavery. With best wishes, Davina Morgan-Witts BookBrowse Publisher

First Impressions

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 two recently released titles.

The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark "Meg Williams, grifter, living by the girl code. ('We have to look out for each other because no one else will.') Kat Roberts, journalist, obsessed with exposing her. Lies pepper the lives of these two complicated women who forge a bond, despite painful pasts and desires that draw a fine line between justice and revenge. This is an interesting exploration of their psyches and the forces that molded them." - Bev C. (Latrobe, PA) "Incredible! A chilling ten-year plan of skillful revenge. Find a comfy chair, buckle your seat belt and delve into The Lies I Tell by Julie Clark. The author leads readers on a merry chase as crafty and resourceful Meg Williams plots a complicated con artist jigsaw. This book won't be quiet! Your mind will revisit the story time and again. I'll wager your next step will be identical to mine: I immediately ordered the writer's two previous novels and anticipate another memorable reading experience." - Beth B. (New Wilmington, PA) "I didn't think Julie Clark could top The Last Flight, but top it she did! In Kat and Meg, she has given us two main characters about whom I as a reader came to care perhaps more than I should, given the human flaws of each. This book had me questioning even the very title. Whose lies? ... The plot details are intricate enough to hold the reader's interest throughout. I look forward to more from Julie Clark." - Julia A. (New York, NY)

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Jackie & Me by Louis Bayard "A historic novel from an unexpected narrator's view. Jack Kennedy's best school friend, Lem, tells the story of his introduction to Jackie Bouvier by JFK, and the unusual 'courtship' years of the early 1950s...It's a fascinating look at Jack and Jackie's acquaintance up through their wedding. Lem proves to be as good a friend to Jackie as he is to Jack. He helps the relationship continue, in many ways far better than Jack...The story will make for interesting discussion, as the early years of the relationship are certainly not what I ever would have imagined...I encourage you to enjoy this quick tale." - Theresa P. (Arkport, NY) "I was in high school/college during the 'Kennedy years.' They were almost like royalty to me. Reading Jackie & Me brought back so many memories of their lives and mine! I had to keep reminding myself that this book was fiction. The author's language and writing style swept me into the characters' emotions, actions, and time. I found myself wondering 'what if.' I found it to be a convincing read, a read I would recommend to book clubs, and a thoughtful portrayal of a man both loyal and lonely." - Martha G. (Columbia, MO) "Oh my! This has been a deliciously fun book! Louis Bayard has written a story that readers will consume eagerly. Although we know going in this is a novel, it's tempting to conjecture what parts are true or based in truth...Louis Bayard has done well with his foray into romantic storytelling. He remains one of my favorite writers." - Jennifer B. (Oviedo, FL)

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For Members: The BookBrowse Review

The just-published issue of The BookBrowse Review is packed with 18 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.

The BookBrowse Review

Editor's Choice

Horse by Geraldine Brooks Review and article by Jane McCormack Geraldine Brooks creates a powerful backstory for 19th-century thoroughbred racehorse Lexington, weaving a rich tapestry of historical and current-day narratives that aptly reflect how the legacy of slavery still ripples through America. The novel begins in 2019 with the dueling narratives of Theo, a Nigerian graduate student of the arts working on his thesis, and Jess, a white scientist working for the Smithsonian. Theo salvages a painting of a horse from his neighbor's garbage; Jess unearths horse bones discarded in a neglected attic space. These discoveries bring the characters together and a romantic relationship ensues, complicated by their divergent racial heritage. On the heels of Jess's and Theo's narratives comes Jarrett's, or as Brooks notably titles these sections, "Warfield's Jarrett," reflective of Dr. Warfield's ownership and underscoring Jarrett's status as a slave. Jarrett's story, beginning in 1850, narrates Lexington's time as a foal and Jarrett's deep and abiding connection with the horse... continued Visit BookBrowse for the full review, excerpt, our accompanying Beyond the Book article "Black Jockeys: The Foundation of American Horse Racing" and more.

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Book Club: Current Discussions

BookBrowse's forums-based discussions are open to all, so please join us! We currently have four open discussions, with the newest being Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell and Matt Goldman's Carolina Moonset. These are the last discussions to open before September, as we're taking a break to focus on preparing for our exciting fall season! Click below to see all past and current discussions.

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