BookBrowse Highlights
Hello Readers!
This week, our First Impressions members share their thoughts on Bellosio by John Shekleton, an intense political fantasy about a future civilization on the brink of change.
Our Editor’s Choice selection is the latest from BookBrowse favorite Ariel Lawhon: The Pirate Queen fictionalizes the fascinating life of Irish leader and pirate Grace O’Malley.
We also bring you a “beyond the book” article on female serial killers relating to Plant Lady by Minyoung Kang, a recent First Impressions selection and an acclaimed success in South Korea.
Plus, take a look at our fall discussions lineup and our new Wordplay!
Thanks for reading,
The BookBrowse Team
First Impressions
Each month, we share books with BookBrowse members to read and review. Here are their opinions on one recent title.
Bellosio by John Shekleton
“An intense fantasy that takes you to a new world somewhere around the year 2800. We find ourselves on an unknown planet named Bellosio and, as one says, things are ‘a changin’.’ We all know change can cause a great deal of angst in some people, and the inhabitants of Bellosio are no different. Leaders are getting older; the youth want change, and of course there are all kinds of different species living there involved in the outcome of this great upheaval. The characters are presented in detail, and you should sit back to take in all the complexities of their wonderful personalities.” —Barry_E
“The politics of the world of Bellosio are intricate and masterfully written. I particularly like the conflict between the faith-based cultures and the logic-based cultures. The characters are simultaneously fleshed-out and mysterious. Having the deity figure be an alien is unique and highly intriguing.” —Kathleen_K2
“I found myself comparing this book's theme to what is happening in today's political world. Oh, to have mind-reading capacity and a staff that could be called into action in order to make things better.” —Ann_H
For Members
This issue of The BookBrowse Review contains reviews and "beyond the book" articles for 14 titles, including Dèy by Edwidge Danticat, The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon, and The Song of Stork and Dromedary by Anjet Daanje.
We also bring you an interview with author Tayari Jones, the latest book news, and more.
Not Yet a Member? Do you love to spend your reading hours immersed in captivating storytelling and intriguing ideas?
Then a BookBrowse membership is for you! What you see on BookBrowse for free and in this newsletter is just a small part of what is available to members—for just $5.00/month! Join Today!
Editor’s Choice
The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon
The Pirate Queen starts with a powerful image—a young girl cutting off her braid in defiance—and ends with the same image many years later, only the girl is now a woman, the defiance has turned to resigned surrender, and the braid, once fire-red, is silver gray.
In between, Ariel Lawhon, celebrated for other historical novels such as The Frozen River (2023), draws the history of one of Ireland's most well-known figures: Grace O'Malley, Gráinne Ni Mháile in the Irish language she grew up speaking, the sixteenth century woman who defied English rule, commanded ships, and controlled the Irish seas through trade, piracy, and an iron will. … continued
Review by Alicia Calvo Hernández
Beyond the Book
Our Fascination with Female Serial Killers
Minyoung Kang's novel Plant Lady follows shop owner Yoohee, who carries out a series of murders to liberate her customers from the abuse of men. The book was an immediate success when it was published in the author's native South Korea in 2024, and translations into at least nine different languages have been ordered. It may seem odd that a story about a female serial killer should strike a chord with such a wide audience, but our morbid fascination with the topic is not new.
Perhaps the greatest reason for society's keen interest in female serial killers is simply how rare they are. … continued
Article by Callum McLaughlin
Discussions
Discussions are open to all, so please join us! If you would like to receive a message when a particular discussion opens, you can sign up for a one-time notification. You can also find inspiration for your book club among our more than 200 past discussions.
Currently, we’re discussing The Magician of Tiger Castle by Louis Sachar, among other books.
Starting September 17, we feature All Her Beautiful Deaths by A. Rushby.
Wordplay
Solve our Wordplay puzzle to reveal a well-known expression, and be entered to win a one-year membership to BookBrowse!
"Y A S N Y"
Click for the answer to the last Wordplay (K is P), and a detailed breakdown of its meaning and history.
Want to play even more word games? Try our daily book trivia and see if you can get to the top of the leaderboard.
