Reading books is a fulfilling, engaging pastime. Reading what other people have to say about books is just plain fun, and an enticing way to find your latest great read. BookBrowse's First Impressions program brings honest, informative reader reviews to discerning book lovers. By only accepting reviews from members, who receive books months ahead of publication, we ensure that the ratings and opinions given are free from outside influence and reflect the personal perspectives of readers.
In 2024, our First Impressions readers reviewed more than 30 books. From those, we’ve chosen the most well reviewed selections to feature below. We hope you enjoy exploring these titles, plus the hundreds in our archives, and we look forward to bringing you more reader-reviewed books in 2025!
Wild and Distant Seas: A Novel
by Tara Karr Roberts
Paperback Jan 7, 2025. 304 pages
Published by W.W. Norton & Company
"What a wonderfully written debut by Tara Karr Roberts! This piece of historical fiction truly captures the rich atmosphere of a Nantucket seaside town and inn...Although it somewhat follows the tale of Moby-Dick, this novel's focus is on women spanning over four generations." —Beatrice M. (West Islip, NY)
"What a concept! Take a literary classic, add some incredible women, and then, as a final flourish, stir in a dollop of magic...Evangeline Hussey deserves to take her place among strong and unusual literary heroines, as do the other women in this book." —Sue P. (Albuquerque, NM)
"Fortunately, you do not need to be a lit major or even read Moby-Dick to understand and appreciate Roberts' debut novel. The multi-generational story of Evangeline and her heirs, with their unique 'magical' traits, is compelling and intriguing as they each navigate their life paths and mother-daughter relationships." —Melissa H. (McKees Rocks, PA)
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Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung
Hardcover May 2024. 400 pages
Published by Berkley Books
"Eve J. Chung's debut novel, Daughters of Shandong, offers a poignant and compelling narrative of a mother and her daughters' courageous escape to Taiwan during the turbulent times of the Communist revolution in China. Set against the backdrop of civil war and political upheavals in 1948, the Ang family, particularly the four daughters, becomes the focal point of the story." —Betty T. (Warner Robins, GA)
"It's a book of faith, hope, charity and lots of luck. I loved every minute. It's also a great book for book clubs because it will spark a lot of discussion, especially about gender inequality." —Rebecca G. (Havertown, PA)
"As a Chinese daughter myself, I resonated deeply with Hai and many of the struggles she went through in trying to reconcile her identity with her culture." —Lee L. (Los Angeles, CA)
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Becoming Madam Secretary
by Stephanie Dray
Hardcover Mar 2024. 528 pages
Published by Berkley Books
"Frances Perkins was the first woman who was appointed to a cabinet position, under Franklin Roosevelt...She faced many of the obstacles that women still face today but managed to change society towards helping those less fortunate and the elderly...Good read!" —Janet T. (Westford, MA)
"A book worth reading for your personal illumination as well as one destined for book clubs and the many different directions the conversations can flow." —Carole A. (Denver, CO)
"A very private person, Perkins did not leave much information about her emotional life; author Stephanie Dray does a fine job of using what records remain, including love letters and poems, to describe what Perkins may have experienced as she fought against misogyny and elitism to protect vulnerable people at all levels of society." —Deborah C. (Highland Park, NJ)
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The Flower Sisters
by Michelle Collins Anderson
Paperback Apr 2024. 368 pages
Published by A John Scognamiglio Book
"This debut historical novel based on the tragic Bond Dance Hall explosion of 1928 is a multigenerational masterpiece...The devastating, mysterious details of the tragedy are revealed through flashbacks by the twin Flower sisters, Rose and Violet, and other prominent townspeople. Now in 1978, Rose's granddaughter, Daisy, an intern for the town paper, is obsessed with getting the scoop on the dance hall explosion for the 50th anniversary. Through interviews Daisy delves into the compelling backstory of the upbringings and choices of the victims and survivors of the 1928 explosion. The Flower Sisters, a twisting, psychological mystery, is a study of twin connections, the search for identity, and survivor guilt." —Dorothy S. (Carrollton, TX)
"There were some wow moments that I did not see coming. Great read for any book club. I would recommend this to anyone." —Monica W. (Pottstown, PA)
"Ms. Anderson's imagination easily pulls you into the story line with characters that are well-drawn with varied personalities and her novel flows easily. I'm looking forward to reading more from this talented author." —Laurette A. (Rome, NY)
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Leaving: A Novel
by Roxana Robinson
Hardcover Feb 2024. 344 pages
Published by W.W. Norton & Company
"Sarah and Warren were young lovers who split when Sarah objected to Warren's adventurous plans for their future. Decades later, a chance encounter at the opera brings them together. Sarah is long divorced, Warren is married to a woman he tolerates, but does not love. They quickly fall in love again, and begin to plan a future together...Leaving is most impressive in uncannily illuminating a complete personality in just a few short scenes. Warren's daughter Katrina and Sarah's daughter Meg are fully realized characters despite their relatively brief appearances in the book." —Laurie B. (Santa Monica, CA)
"Fans of Edith Wharton and Henry James will find this novel's central conflict particularly appealing as it plays out in a contemporary framework. Book clubs, too, will find grist for spirited exchanges on the merits of choosing personal happiness over 'doing the right thing.'" —Teresa R. (Colorado)
"The author keeps the sequence of events so real that it is impossible to guess the final outcome before the end of the book. This is a book to treasure and reread." —Shirley T. (Comfort, TX)
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