- BookBrowse
- Posts
- Passion, Perspective & Why Reviews Matter
Passion, Perspective & Why Reviews Matter
Indigenous future, historical painting, an insider interview, and more ...
BookBrowse Highlights
Hello Readers!
Among our First Impressions reviewers, sci-fi and non-sci-fi readers alike enjoyed Daniel H. Wilson’s Hole in the Sky, a “first contact” story from an Indigenous point of view that casts a hopeful gaze on the future.
In Editor’s Choice, we bring you I Am You, Victoria Redel’s fictionalized take on the life of the Dutch painter Maria van Oosterwijck, written from the perspective of the artist’s assistant and lover Gerta Pieters. Explore other books about painters, performers, and more in our Music and the Arts category.
In our first “industry insider” discussion, we interview BookBrowse reviewer and history BookTuber Peggy Kurkowski, who talks about why book reviews still matter, how reviewing has changed, and more.
Plus, check out our list of the best books for book clubs next year, and our latest 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 recently released title.
Hole in the Sky by Daniel H. Wilson
“Hole in the Sky is a thrilling science fiction read that readers will want to sit with and rush to the ending. Wilson's new novel is addictively fun, a seamless blend of ‘new weird,’ classic disaster story, and Indigenous futurism. The story is told through the perspective of three main characters, all of whom are fully realized people in their world, making choices and acting during a time of extreme change and danger. A true page-turner with an incredible ending. Highly recommend to all fans of science fiction and thrillers, especially those who enjoyed the Area X series and Wilson's Robopocalypse.” —Jeffrey B. (Worcester, MA) |  |
“Not one to grab the latest in science fiction books right off the shelf ASAP, I was pleasantly surprised…I didn't come away much scientifically smarter but am feeling much better about the future suggested in this book…Should be great fun at a book club discussion!” —Lesley F. (San Diego, CA)
“Daniel Wilson, you have a new fan. This was my first sci-fi book, but not my last. I will forgive you for scaring me at 2 in the morning.” —Katherine H. (Indianapolis, IN)
Editor’s Choice
I Am You by Victoria Redel
Little is known about the Dutch Golden Age painter Maria van Oosterwijck, famous for her floral still life paintings. It is known that Maria began her career in Delft, a town in the modern-day Netherlands, before relocating to Utrecht and finally Amsterdam, where she enjoyed a prosperous career and ran her own studio. It is also known that she taught her servant, Gerta Pieters, how to mix her paints, and trained her as a painter. It is this story that captures Victoria Redel's imagination as she fictionalizes the life of Maria in I Am You, which is narrated by Gerta and focuses on the complex relationship between the two women. … continued Review by Rachel Hullett |  |
Music & the Arts
Victoria Redel’s I Am You is just one of 90+ featured books in our Music and the Arts category. Be captivated by the performing and visual arts in both fiction and nonfiction recommended titles. This is one of 100+ themed categories available to BookBrowse members. Non-members can view a limited version of our category lists. |  |
Q&A with Peggy Kurkowski
BookBrowse interviews longtime reviewer and history BookTuber Peggy Kurkowski about the enduring power of thoughtful reviews, how the literary landscape has evolved, and why history remains her greatest teacher.
For access to the full recording as well as live access to future industry insider discussions, become a Book Club+ Member today.
BB: Peggy, many BookBrowse members already know you from your reviews, but could you tell us a little about your background? Peggy: I’m a senior content marketing copywriter for a nonprofit higher-ed technology association, and I’ve been with the company about seventeen years. I’ve also been part of the BookBrowse community for quite a while—I came on board as a reviewer back in the days of Davina and I’ve been here ever since. I love what we do as readers, reviewers, and as a community. … continued |  |
The Best Books for Book Clubs in 2026
Ready to start planning your book club selections for 2026? We’re here to help. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary narrative or a historical one, a reflective bit of character fiction or a family saga, we have you covered. Happy reading in the year ahead! … continued |  |
Wordplay
Solve our Wordplay puzzle to reveal a well-known expression, and be entered to win a one-year membership to BookBrowse!
"B H the B"
Click for the answer to the last Wordplay (M H C to S T S B), and a detailed breakdown of its meaning and history.
Reply