American Historical Fiction discussion
Introductions
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This is my first month on this site and I really like it. I do wish there was a 'live' chat or something like that though. I gave up on "Jane Eyre" for now and and am reading the 'the outsi..."
Welcome! I've got Elizabeth Street on my to-be-read shelf. How are you liking it?
I'm not sure if Goodreads has a "live chat" feature for groups, but if they do, I'd be happy to add it.
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Welcome, Judy! GWTW is one of my all-time faves, too!
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Hi Gretchen, thanks for your recommendations! Please add them to the group bookshelf when you get a chance!
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Welcome, Will, thanks for joining us!
David wrote: "Hi all: David R. Gross here. I read almost anything about the Mountain Man era. Favorites are The Lewis and Clark journals, especially the volumes edited by Elliott Coues, Distant Horizon edited by..."Hi David and welcome to our group! You have a very unique interest and I'm sure it is shared by others in this group. I grew up in west Texas (El Paso) but have lived in Europe for almost forty years. When I lived there I wasn't really that interested in the local and regional history and culture but time and distance have slowly had an effect on my nostalgic juices. I find I am much more attracted and aware of my youth and the environment in which I once lived. Age and distance have an influence on old and newly acquired interests. Your reference to "Mountain Men" has sparked my interest. Could you possibly elaborate on this subject?
Hi Thom. The Mountain Man era was the western extension of the fur trade and for the U.S. started with the Lewis and Clark Expedition and lasted until about 1850 as a viable, but very dangerous, way to make money. Economics rule history and the fur trade was just that. The most interesting thing to me is that a number of the men involved were literate, although most were not, and kept journals. Think of being the first white man to see and describe the Rocky Mountains, Jackson Hole, the Tetons, Yellowstone, the Great Salt Lake. There are lots of documented adventures and many tall tales associated with this time and place. A good start, with lots of photos, drawings and general information can be found in "The Saga of Lewis and Clark, into the uncharted west" by Thomas and Jeremy Schmidt. Also "Exploring the West" by Herman J. Viola. Both are pricey but should be available from a good public library.
Thank you for the information and tips. The only novel that comes immediately to mind would have to be James Michner's Centennial as it dealt (in part) about the fur trade in the early part of the 19th century. I realize that your book recommendations don't fall under the heading of novel but are reference books. Many facts can also be learned from a well investigated novel. I haven't seen "Exploring the West" by Herman Viola here. Other works by him such as "Facing the Lion", "Counting Coup" , "It is a Good Day to Die", "Lost Childhood" and "Warriors in Uniform" are all readily available here in Europe. In any case I will keep an eye out for it and any other book on this fascinating subject.
David wrote: "Hi all: David R. Gross here. I read almost anything about the Mountain Man era. Favorites are The Lewis and Clark journals, especially the volumes edited by Elliott Coues, Distant Horizon edited by..."I hope Steven Ambrose's Undaunted Courage is among the books you've read about Lewis & Clark. It's non-fiction but it reads like a novel, great book about that unbelievable journey.
I have read "Undaunted Courage" and it is any easy read. I agree it is more like a novel than a history. Most of the salient facts agree with the more academic histories but I always feel Ambrose tries a little to hard to entertain. Just me.
It's a very good read, Undaunted Courage.
Mary wrote: "David wrote: "Hi all: David R. Gross here. I read almost anything about the Mountain Man era. Favorites are The Lewis and Clark journals, especially the volumes edited by Elliott Coues, Distant Hor..."Well, I guess I have no objection to being entertained and informed at the same time. :-)
I agree, just a comment, didn't mean anything negative. He sells a lot of books and rightfully so.
Recently some of you mentioned My Name Is Mary Sutter, and on your recommendation, I downloaded it to my Kindle. I very much enjoyed it. Love the medical stuff, especially childbirth, but even the amputation details. Yeah, gory, but very interesting. A super book. Thanks for leading me to it, everyone.
Hi,Some of my favorite eras for historical fiction are late 19th and early 20th Century. Mostly U.S. and English, but I'm open to other eras.
I'm a writer and drawn to writing historical fiction. I like the research involved, the way that reading history will spark a scene or challenge for my characters.
I'm currently reading The Paris Wife by Paula McLain and enjoying it very much. The fact that I've read so much Hemingway probably helps, as it's a novel written primarily from the first-person perspective of Ernest's first wife.
I like most of Peter Ackroyd's fiction. I seem to have fallen in love with a few lesser known novels that never quite made it to the top of the charts, but I still hold them dear.
Gretchen wrote: "Recently some of you mentioned My Name Is Mary Sutter, and on your recommendation, I downloaded it to my Kindle. I very much enjoyed it. Love the medical stuff, especially childbirth, but even th..."Glad you enjoyed it, I read it and loved it so I posted it to Donna. We also read The Widow's War and Bound which go together that I think you would like.
Kathleen wrote: "Hello, I'm Kathleen and am an avid reader. I especially love novels set around the turn of the twentieth century but there aren't many periods I don't find fascinating. I loved Caleb Carr's books. ..."Kathleen, re your interest in Salem, MA, have you read Kathleen Kent's Heretic's Daughter? Fabulous book. She's also written a prequel to it called The Wolves of Andover. These are fiction but based on her real-life 10-greats grandparents. Good, good reads.
Sundry wrote: "Hi, Some of my favorite eras for historical fiction are late 19th and early 20th Century. Mostly U.S. and English, but I'm open to other eras.I'm a writer and drawn to writing historical fictio..."
Hi Sundry. Your mention of The Paris Wife drew my attention. I recently read two reviews of this book at the NY Times online. Here are the links:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/boo...
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/boo...
I have the book on my "keep-in-mind" shelf. It sounds interesting. Let us know how you liked it. I'll look forward to your review.
Hi everyone. My name is Sherry. I read about 3 books a month. Usually Historical Fiction, but if I get a book that has a great story and is commended to me. I would surly read it. Right now I just finised a book that was recommended from this site. Goast Fox. It was interesting, About an white girl taken from her home by American Indians, and how she coped. It was OK.Now I am waiting for the book by Follett. His new book that is on the best seller list. I should get it any day. I live in Los Angeles. I love to read.
Thanks, have a good day.
Cheryl wrote: "Hi everyone. My name is Sherry. I read about 3 books a month. Usually Historical Fiction, but if I get a book that has a great story and is commended to me. I would surly read it. Right now I just ..."Hi Sherry,
Welcome to the group. Since you like reading historical fiction you might be interested in my book "Sophie Paraskova." It is the story of a beautiful Jewish woman who flees Russia in the 1880's and arrives on NYC's Lower East Side where she becomes an anarchist and turns 19th century America on its ear. It is available on Amazon. Here is the link:
http://www.amazon.com/Sophie-Paraskov...
[Ghost Fox] It was interesting, About an white girl taken from her home by American Indians, and how she coped.Has anyone read Songbirds Are Free by P. M. Terrell? It's also about a white girl captured by Native Americans.
Suzanne Adair
Just stopping to say hello....I just joined the group. I enjoy many genres, but always lean to historical fiction.Cant wait to look around and see suggestions!
I just recently started John Adams
Fascinating biography!
Rose Ann wrote: "Just stopping to say hello....I just joined the group. I enjoy many genres, but always lean to historical fiction.Cant wait to look around and see suggestions!
I just recently started [book:J..."
May I suggest my novel, "Sophie Paraskova," about a beautiful young Jewish anarchist in late 19th century NYC. It is available in paperback and on Kindle at Amazon.
Mod
McCullough writes excellent biographies.
Hi! I'm Amy. I'm 28 and have three young children: a 2 1/2 year old daughter and twin 9 month old boys. Before my life as a stay-at-home mom, I was a high school English teacher. I love a broad variety of books, but especially American classics. I also prefer bestsellers and books that will allow me just to sit, relax and enjoy! My days of deep analytical works are done for now.
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ToniS wrote: "Misfit, I think I found it on your 5-star list. I went through your bookshelf months ago and added a bunch to my TBR. I'm just working my way through them. Vikz, I haven't really analyzed the int..."
Hi Toni,
I majored in Womens Studies (now Women and Gender Studies, with a concentration in Historical Perspective. I totally agree with your thoughts on the dryness and exclusivity (exclusive of women's experience and actions, and exclusive of *anyones* experiences) of high school history classes.
It is refreshing to read both fiction and non-fiction accounts of real life through history...sometimes a bit frustrating to see the slow progression of women's agency being acknowledged, documented, voiced...being taken seriously!
Gianna wrote: "ToniS wrote: "Misfit, I think I found it on your 5-star list. I went through your bookshelf months ago and added a bunch to my TBR. I'm just working my way through them. Vikz, I haven't really ..."
Sorry, that should have been adressed Toni, et al!
Hi, my name is Gianna and I have a special passion for women's history and history in general. I just don't appreciate that much of history is told through a male, conquorer, lens.
Hi all. I'm a teacher, a long-time history buff, a children's literature enthusiast, and a children's historical fiction author. Fancy finding this group!(I won't spam, but I'm always willing to swap a free download for feedback or a review, and coming from fellow history enthusiasts, this would be most welcome!)
Hi all! I'm Sarah Shaber, from Raleigh, North Carolina. I've been a fan of historical fiction since I first read The Count of Monte Cristo at age 10. I don't think I'm supposed to mention my books here, but they involve history, I promise! There is nothing that interests me more. Looking forward to participating here.
Thanks for adding me to the group Jenny. :) Hello Everyone! My name is Lisa. I mostly tend to read historical fiction and fantasy books, but since becoming a member of Goodreads and joining a few different book clubs, I've been branching out a bit. Currently I'm reading a few historical non-fiction books. My TBR pile is growing by leaps and bounds! I'm looking forward to piling a few "American Historical Fiction" books onto my Mt TBR too. :)
Mod
Hi, I enjoy reading historical novels with real historical figures, my first was My Thomas, a story about Thomas Jefferson. I prefer the Civil war era and have recently read books that featured Clara Barton, Louisa May Alcott or her characters. I also enjoy the romantic type of historical novels such as Phillipa Gregory books and the Outlander series. I look forward to discovering some new authors as well.
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Sarah Shaber wrote: I don't think I'm supposed to mention my books here, but they involve history, I promise!Sarah's first mystery series is about a current-day history professor named Simon Shaw who solves murders from the past. Simon is an engaging protagonist, and the books are a lot of fun. The first book of Sarah's new series, set in WW2, is due out in a couple months.
Suzanne Adair
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Sarah's first mystery series is about a current-day history professor..."
Great! be sure to post about it in the WWII thread when it comes out!
Hello! I'm new here. I'm and author and reader of historical fiction. I write the Billy Boyle WWII mystery series (from Soho Press). I'm currently reading Field Gray, by Phillip Kerr.
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Hi Everyone,I am Susan Denning and so excited to have found Goodreads and this group. Thanks to Jenny for staring this group and watching over it.
I have often wondered why so much historical fiction is Euro-centered. Not that I don’t like reading any kind of historical fiction, but I grew up reading books like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Gone with the Wind, Anne of Green Gables, and loved exploring our past through fiction. If the story is well researched, I believe readers can learn a great deal about our history from fiction. While I was teaching at our local county college, I discovered how little my students remembered about American history. They explained that it was taught as dates and wars and was boring. I suggested to my chairperson we write a history book that was a compilation of vignettes about individual historical events. She liked the idea, and I decided to focus on the Transcontinental Railroad and began my research. After three years of primary research (I even drove a covered wagon; the video is posted on the website www.nolimitpress.com), she left our department, and the plans for the book went with her. I took all that knowledge and wrote my own historical novel, Far Away Home. As a novel rather than one chapter in a history book, it includes far more than the railroad. I don’t know what I enjoyed more, the researching or the writing, but I hope readers enjoy the book.
I just review A Reliable Wife and The Kitchen House, both American and historical. I liked The Kitchen House, very original idea and seemed well researched. I tried to read The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott recently, but after 87 pages, I felt like nothing was happening and perhaps that summer should have remained lost. I like to finish books I start, but I’m beginning to believe life is too short to be bored.
Hi Susan,Welcome to the American Historical Fiction group. Jenny started a group for us on Facebook, so you can look us up there, too.
I discovered how little my students remembered about American history. They explained that it was taught as dates and wars and was boring.
Goodness, yes. That was why I started the Relevant History feature on my blog. The week of 1 - 7 July, it'll be all guest authors and Relevant History dealing with the Revolutionary War. Stop by and check it out.
I've done some interesting things as a Revolutionary War reenactor, but I've never driven a covered wagon. Kudos to you!
Suzanne Adair
Hi Suzanne,Thanks for responding. I will definitely check out the Facebook page and your blog. It's great to connect with other authors and readers.
Susan Denning
Hello Everyone,I'm Marilyn and I belong to a few other groups on GRs. Some of you I recognize by your names.
I joined awhile ago but never bothered introducing myself. I love reading, especially anything historical. One book I would like to bring to your attention is Oh Promised Land by James Street. The book is so old you'd probably have to dig through all the used books places like Alibris in order to find it but I promise you, it is excellent. It deals with the family saga of the Dabneys who migrate from Georgia to French held Louisiana just after the Revolutionary War. James Street grew up in Mississippi and wow, did he ever do his research. He wrote a sequel called Tap Roots which Hollywood made into a movie but it is his first book which is so very good. I cannot imagine anyone who likes American History coming away from reading it and feeling disappointed. I think it should be added to this group's Bookshelf. (Crossing fingers).
Hi all! I'm Holly and I read everything historical fiction. I occasionally read fantasy, literary, classics and a few other genres as well but mostly historical. Excited to be part of this group. I have decided to read all American historicals for the month of July :)
Mod
Susan, I used to feel the same way about finishing books, but there are just too many I want to read and I no longer feel bad about giving up on the ones that don't hold me!
Marilyn, I will add those books to the shelf, but all group members are welcome to add their favorites to the shelf themselves, so if you come across a few more that aren't there, feel free to add them!
Holly P wrote: "Hi all! I'm Holly and I read everything historical fiction. I occasionally read fantasy, literary, classics and a few other genres as well but mostly historical. Excited to be part of this group..."*waves*
Hi Holly, glad to see you here.
Susan, I wasn't so enamored of the LMA Lost Summer book either. I'm with Jenny, if the book isn't grabbing you it's time to bail and move on. You can always pick it up and try another day.
Hello! I have been watching this group for a month or so, and have finally had some time to let you know I am here! My name is Heather and I am a teacher/librarian. I got hooked on historical fiction when I began to require the reading of it from my students. I especially enjoy the Revolutionary and Civil War eras but enjoy it when something new grabs my attention and I can learn about a time or event of which I knew little or nothing. I am a huge fan of Ann Rinaldi and promoting her to my students who say they "don't do" historical fiction. I just started reading The Women Jefferson Loved in anticipation of a trip to Monticello later this month. I look forward to looking at what you are reading and adding those titles to my TBR lists!
Heather, it is always good to have a teacher and librarian among us. Your always welcome in any discussion and any suggestions will be welcome. I plan to look in on your current read as it sounds very interesting.
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Welcome to the group! Monticello is lovely! I haven't been there since I was a kid, but I plan on trying to visit this fall when the weather is cooler and the trees will be most colorful. It's only an hour and a half away, so I really have no excuse for not visiting more often!
American Historical Fiction
Books mentioned in this topic
Fortitude (other topics)Black City Demon (other topics)
Black City Saint (other topics)
Bridget, A Father's Daughter (other topics)
The Winds of War (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
J. Arthur Moore (other topics)Robert Krenzel (other topics)
Robert Krenzel (other topics)
Roy Underhill (other topics)
John Jakes (other topics)
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Good book! A few of us read that last year, and I thought it was beautifully written. Welcome to the group!