Historical Fictionistas discussion

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Ancient History (Old Threads) > 2017: What are you reading?

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message 951: by Cheryl A (new)

Cheryl A | 1070 comments Happy 4th of July! I love having a three day weekend (I'm usually off Sunday & Monday) and I love having the freedom to read...see what I did there? Just finished Becoming Clementine, which was good and then started The Watch That Ends the Night, a novel in free verse for my IRL HF book club. Very engaging! Also picked up The Evening Chorus so that I didn't finish the other book too quickly and am speeding right through this one.


message 952: by Michele (new)

Michele | 352 comments Cheryl A wrote: "...then started The Watch That Ends the Night, a novel in free verse for my IRL HF book club. Very engaging..."

Cheryl, that sounds fascinating! I've TBRed it. I also have a nephew who is obsessed with the Titanic so will be recommending it to him as well. Thanks!


message 953: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1302 comments Michele wrote: "Cheryl A wrote: "...then started The Watch That Ends the Night, a novel in free verse for my IRL HF book club. Very engaging..."

Cheryl, that sounds fascinating! I've TBRed it. I also have a nephew who is obsessed with the Titanic so will be recommending it to him as well...."


Michele, for your nephew I can recommend David Dyer's historical fiction The Midnight Watch: A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian. He's quite an authority on the whole thing and not a bad writer, either! There are plenty of facts and some extra information outside of the story, as I recall.

I reviewed it last year here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 954: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1302 comments Just finished Burial Rites, the breathtaking 2013 debut novel by gifted Aussie Author Hannah Kent. The depth of the characters, the intimacies of the life, the sweep of the Icelandic landscape = 5★ from me!
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 955: by Michele (new)

Michele | 352 comments PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Michele, for your nephew I can recommend David Dyer's historical fiction The Midnight Watch: A Novel of the Titanic and the Californian. "

Patty, thanks! I'll find out if he's read it, and if not, there's his next birthday present :)


message 956: by Jackie (new)

Jackie (thenightowl) | 2033 comments PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Just finished Burial Rites, the breathtaking 2013 debut novel by gifted Aussie Author Hannah Kent. The depth of the characters, the intimacies of the life, the swee..."

The audiobook for this book was really good.


message 957: by Alice (new)

Alice | 6448 comments PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Just finished Burial Rites, the breathtaking 2013 debut novel by gifted Aussie Author Hannah Kent. The depth of the characters, the intimacies of the life, the swee..."

I really enjoyed it too. Loved the setting


message 958: by Matt (new)

Matt Stucky I am currently reading A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. The book is taking me longer to read than originally expected. I haven't discovered if there is a point yet to the book or not, which might be why I have had troubles reading much at a time.


message 959: by Michele (new)

Michele | 352 comments Matt wrote: "I am currently reading A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. The book is taking me longer to read than originally expected. I haven't discovered if there is a point yet to the book or not..."

I liked Life After Life, but haven't yet tried this, the sequel. Would be interested to know what you think when you're done.


message 960: by Faith (new)

Faith Justice | 163 comments I'm back from the Historical Novel Society Conference in Portland, OR and vacation on the west coast. The conference was tons of fun and my presentation on researching historical travel was well-received.

As usual when I travel long distances, I got through several books. Finished Monk's Hood on the trip out. Book #3 in the Cadfael series and a delightful story. Finished Scandalous Women: The Lives and Loves of History's Most Notorious Women a collection of mini-bios. I like these kinds of books for their breezy modern take and because they always introduce a woman or two I should have known about.

Also finished People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Ms. Brooks was an Honored Guest and speaker at the conference. Many folks on this forum have praised her work, so I thought I should check it out. Thank you! It's one of my favorites of the year. Still working on Seabiscuit: An American Legend my paper backup in case of low battery, take-offs, and landings. It's a fascinating and well-told story. I'll have reviews of each shortly--still recovering from jet lag!


message 961: by Matt (new)

Matt Stucky Michele wrote: "Matt wrote: "I am currently reading A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. The book is taking me longer to read than originally expected. I haven't discovered if there is a point yet to th..."

So far, I like the book. But as it follows the life of an individual, the story seems to be life, which can be slow.


message 962: by Linda (new)

Linda | -44 comments Reading The Last Days of Night. At first I didn't like it because I really don't care who invented the light bulb but after about 80 pages I am enjoying the characters so the plot became more interesting. I am also reading Love and War. I love John Jakes.


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments I started "Ravens of Avalon, I misplaced my other book.


message 964: by Book Concierge (new)

Book Concierge (tessabookconcierge) For the little ones (children, grandchildren, ....) this WOULD definitely be historical...

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers – Mordecai Gerstein – 4****
Gerstein brings the sense of awe and wonder to French aerliast Pierre Petit’s amazing feat, performed in 1974 as the World Trade Center was nearing completion. Beautiful illustrations.
LINK to my review


message 966: by Michele (new)

Michele | 352 comments Faith wrote: "I'm back from the Historical Novel Society Conference in Portland, OR and vacation on the west coast..."

OMG SO JEALOUS

I did not know this was a thing. Now that I know, I will not rest until I get to attend lol


message 967: by Faith (new)

Faith Justice | 163 comments Michele wrote: "OMG SO JEALOUS

I did not know this was a thing. Now that I know, I will not rest until I get to attend lol "


The conferences are tons of fun and held every year alternating in the US and the UK. Australia has also recently added a conference. Here's the link to the main HNS webpage: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/

Events are here: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/ev...

The next US conference will be decided sometime in the next year and should be held somewhere on the eastern part of the US. I've gone to every one in the US except for one (my daughter graduated from HS that weekend). Hope to see you at the next one!


message 968: by Anne (new)

Anne Lovett | 5 comments PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Just finished Burial Rites, the breathtaking 2013 debut novel by gifted Aussie Author Hannah Kent. The depth of the characters, the intimacies of the life, the swee..."

Putting that on my Want to Read list.


message 969: by Anne (last edited Jul 07, 2017 04:43PM) (new)

Anne Lovett | 5 comments I'm reading Daughter of Empire: My Life as a Mountbatten, by Lady Pamela Hicks. It's not fiction, but knowing history can make fiction come alive. Example: I'm also listening to A Game of Thrones on audiobook. Having also listened to The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones made the story more realistic for me, for I saw the models for Martin's characters.


message 970: by Alice (new)

Alice Poon (alice_poon) I'm starting Guernica by Dave Boling.

@Faith, nice to hear you had fun at the HNS Conference! I joined the Society last September. I dithered about whether to attend or not, and in the end I gave it a pass.


message 971: by Giovonnia (new)

Giovonnia Reading "In Cold Blood" by Capote. Powerful!


message 972: by Michele (new)

Michele | 352 comments Giovonnia wrote: "Reading "In Cold Blood" by Capote. Powerful!"

Ooh, good one. Personal trivia: My grandfather is in it. A small part, but still :)


message 973: by Michele (new)

Michele | 352 comments Faith wrote: "The next US conference will be decided sometime in the next year and should be held somewhere on the eastern part of the US. "

I will be watching for it. Thanks!


message 974: by Alice (new)

Alice | 6448 comments I am reading a historical Mystery

Season of Darkness by Maureen Jennings.

Half way through very good. Set in 1940 England


message 975: by Tammy (new)

Tammy | 67 comments I have decided to reread The Exilesby William Stuart Long. I recently came across the second book to the series so...


message 976: by Carol (new)


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments I finished "Murder at the Puppy Fest"


message 978: by Book Concierge (new)

Book Concierge (tessabookconcierge) Tigers in Red Weather by Liza Klaussmann
Tigers in Red Weather - Liza Klaussmann – 2.5**
This is Klaussmann’s debut and I see a nugget of a good novel here. But the execution falters. The dialogue is tortured. And the fractured timeline and changes in point of view do little to help the story arc.
LINK to my review


message 979: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1302 comments Ginny Moon is an adopted, autistic teenager - a real handful who can't explain what she wants to her frustrated (nervous!) Forever Family. Benjamin Ludwig has given a unique voice to the voiceless in this terrific book.
Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig
4.5★ - My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 980: by Michele (new)

Michele | 352 comments Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished "Murder at the Puppy Fest""

Murder at the Puppy Fest for the click -- because with a title like that, I can't be the only one who wants to see what it's about lol


message 981: by [deleted user] (new)

Am reading lili de jong by janet benton Lilli de Jong by Janet Benton

Whirligig Whirligig by Richard Buxton

The fever of 1721 The Fever of 1721 The Epidemic That Revolutionized Medicine and American Politics by Stephen Coss

And a non fiction non historical a paris all your own A Paris All Your Own Bestselling Women Writers on the City of Light by Eleanor Brown


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments Michele wrote: "Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished "Murder at the Puppy Fest""

Murder at the Puppy Fest for the click -- because with a title like that, I can't be the only one who wants t..."


No puppies were harmed in reading this book :)


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Ginny Moon is an adopted, autistic teenager - a real handful who can't explain what she wants to her frustrated (nervous!) Forever Family. Benjamin Ludwig has given..."

I am reading a preview chapter of this book. I will probably want to read the whole book.


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "Michele wrote: "Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished "Murder at the Puppy Fest""

Murder at the Puppy Fest for the click -- because with a title like that, I can't be the only..."


I suggest starting at the beginning with A Pedigree to Die For (Melanie Travis, #1) by Laurien Berenson


message 985: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1302 comments Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "PattyMacDotComma wrote: "Ginny Moon is an adopted, autistic teenager - a real handful who can't explain what she wants to her frustrated (nervous!) Forever Family. [author:Benjamin ..."

It was the first chapter (excerpt) that piqued my interest, Jayme, and I have to say I was not disappointed!


message 986: by Carol (new)

Carol Keefer | 74 comments Just started The Paying Guests and feel transported in time to 1922.


message 989: by Laura (new)

Laura | 52 comments Carol wrote: "Just started The Paying Guests and feel transported in time to 1922."

oooh, i loved The Paying Guests! Sarah Waters is such a good writer! The Little Stranger was one of my favs of hers.


message 990: by Carol (new)

Carol (carolfromnc) | 9753 comments I'm in 18th Century Paris with Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind, and 19th century Great Britain with The Statement of Stella Maberly by F. Anstey.


message 991: by Zoe (new)

Zoe Radley | 735 comments Am currently reading still life by louise penny it's a bit cliche and some characters are a bit off as in they feel exaggerated but hopefully the series gets better so far it's like a lumbering slow giant


message 992: by Pamela (new)

Pamela Grimm (idafrans) | 12 comments Doing a Philip McCutchan binge-read fest. Just read all the James Ogilvie books and am about to start on the seafaring ones. LOVE it when there is more than one book about a character!


message 993: by Pamela (new)

Pamela Grimm (idafrans) | 12 comments Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "I finished Blindby Rachel DeWoskin and starting Murder at the Puppy Festby Laurien Berenson"

Omigosh, it's been years since I read the Covenant books -- time for a re-read. Thanks for the reminder!


message 994: by Pamela (new)

Pamela Grimm (idafrans) | 12 comments Michele wrote: "Matt wrote: "I am currently reading A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. The book is taking me longer to read than originally expected. I haven't discovered if there is a point yet to th..."

Loved Seabiscuit, but am especially inspired by the author's story. The incredible research Laura Hillenbrand does while being confined to her home for the most part is awe-inspiring.


Jayme(theghostreader) (jaymetheghostreader) | 3120 comments Ida wrote: "Michele wrote: "Matt wrote: "I am currently reading A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson. The book is taking me longer to read than originally expected. I haven't discovered if there is a..."

I loved the movie


message 996: by PattyMacDotComma (new)

PattyMacDotComma | 1302 comments #WeNeedDiverseBooks Tania Duprey Stehlik's picture book, Violet, has brightly and inventively illustrated kids, by artist Vanja Vuleta Jovanovic.
Violet by Tania Duprey Stehlik
I shared several illustrations - great addition to libraries! 4★
My review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 997: by Jackie (new)

Jackie (thenightowl) | 2033 comments I finished Lexicon, which was quite the ride. Now, I'm switching back to HF and reading Rebel Queen.


message 998: by Book Concierge (new)

Book Concierge (tessabookconcierge) Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Hamlet – William Shakespeare – 4****
I’ll dispense with the summary for this classic tragedy by William Shakespeare, but as I’ve said before, I really dislike reading plays. I much prefer to see them performed live by talented actors, the medium for which they are written. There are hundreds of editions of this work, and I recommend that readers get one that is annotated.
LINK to my review


message 999: by Carol (new)

Carol (carolfromnc) | 9753 comments I started Yesterday by Maria Dermoût. It takes place in turn-of-the century Java.


message 1000: by Faith (new)

Faith Justice | 163 comments Ida wrote: "Loved Seabiscuit, but am especially inspired by the author's story. The incredible research Laura Hillenbrand does while being confined to her home for the most part is awe-inspiring. "

I admired her writing in Seabiscuit: An American Legend and gave her several kudos in my review. Had no idea she wrote primarily from her home. Makes her accomplishments even more impressive!


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