American Historical Fiction discussion
Introductions
Welcome to our group Stephen. I wish you both good luck with your book and good times with this group!
Hi everybody, I'm very interested in learning more about US history. From the moment I'm learning about US history I'm more than happy.
I do not know any author of American fictional novels about US history.
Can someone recommend me some good ones just like 'Alison Weir who wrote books about the Tudors.'
Thank you.
Mod
MarjorieI am interested to know what the fascination of New Mexico is for you. I grew up in the southwest (El Paso) and traveled throughout the area. With the exception of the death of Billy the Kid and the visitors to Area 51 I can’t think of what would grab, much less hold, a reader’s interest.
Margorie,Look for Glorieta Pass by P.J. Nagle. It's historical fiction about the battle of Glorieta Pass (outside Santa Fe about 20 miles near Pecos), the farthest west battle of the Civil War. It's very readable. I love Santa Fe as well, in fact I'm leaving for there tomorrow to go to Indian Market!
Mod
Marjorie wrote: "Anybody got any recommendations about quality historical fiction about New Mexico, particularly dealing with the period when the U.S. was taking over from Mexico? I've read Willa Cather's [book:D..."
Hi Marjorie:
I am in the process of finishing a book of historical fiction that exactly fits this inquiry. Here is the elevator pitch for the book "Man Hunt":
The Espinosas, members of a secret brotherhood known as the Penitentes, rampage through Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico robbing and killing only Gringos. Tom Tobin an illiterate hunter, trader, rancher, Indian fighter and sometimes U.S. Army guide leads a small detachment of soldiers to hunt the Espinosas. Tobin tracks them down, uses his Hawken 54 caliber rifle to kill them at long range then cuts off their heads. He returns to Fort Garland with the grisly trophies but refuses the large reward for killing them. Why were Gringos the only targets of the Espinosas? Why did Tobin hunt his wife's cousins? How did the doctrine of Manifest Destiny result in the annexation of New Mexico by force and the legal thievery of land by Americans? The Mexican-American War and events leading to and following provide the backdrop for this story of revenge, redemption, repentance and brutality.
I hope to have this ready to publish within the next 2 months.
Yes, most of the incidents and people in the book are historically verified, obviously dialogue between the characters is fictional.In the late 1860's the U.S. Army was charged with getting rid of the Penitentes. The local American politicians didn't like the organizations, that were very local, because they exercised some political power. The Penitentes in my story were responsible for organizing a land grant in El Rito and provided the community services you noted.
Would you be willing to preview the novel prior to publication and give me your thoughts?
Hi! I adore Historical Fiction, especially American history romance novels, but they're hard to find on the shelves these days. Guess everything goes in cycles. Anyway, I have several written by friends in a pile waiting to be read. Reading had been delayed somewhat because my Civil War romance novel, Thorns of Eden was just published. Last week I finished a second book and have buckets of editing to do the next couple of weeks. I can't wait to go through these posts and see what books you all are reading and recommend!Diana Ballew
www.dianaballew.com
Mod
I too am fascinated by upper New Mexico. I've focused on the pueblos in the Santa Fe area, especially in the era when the Spanish came to stay (1598). (One of my novels is set there and then.) I focused on Cochiti Pueblo of that era, though it's of course a novel. And then there's Bandolier Natl. Monument and the ponderosas. Wonderful area.
Marjorie wrote: "Anybody got any recommendations about quality historical fiction about New Mexico, particularly dealing with the period when the U.S. was taking over from Mexico? I've read Willa Cather's D..."</i>
Sorry to be so late in coming to this conversation. I live in southern New Mexico and my novel takes place both in northern and southern New Mexico in the years 1898-1900. This is the time period in which a great struggle for statehood was taking place. Tierra Red is not only historical but a great suspense novel as well.
Kathy
[book:Tierra Red
Thom wrote: "MarjorieI am interested to know what the fascination of New Mexico is for you. I grew up in the southwest (El Paso) and traveled throughout the area. With the exception of the death of Billy the ..."
I was fascinated by your remark about New Mexico being known only for Billy the Kid and Area 51 (which is in Nevada). The history of New Mexico is very complex and the present day is even more so. Perhaps you would find New Mexico Past and Future by one of our state's foremost historians, Thomas Chavez, enlightening.
It isn't called the State of Enchantment without cause :)
Kathy
Tierra Red
Could you be thinking of Roswell, New Mexico? (The reference to Area 51). Since that's where the aliens "crashed" before they were taken to Area 51. (So the story goes, right? I do not believe.)
Marjorie wrote: "Kathy -- your book sounds v. interesting. Have put it in my TBR list.Thanks for the Chavez reference too.
I think a lot of folks may not realize how really "old" "New" Mexico is.
What got me ..."
New Mexico has an amazing history. I recently wrote a blog entry that highlighted the following quote: "To bring the Old West into true focus, not many realize that Santa Fe, New Mexico was ten years old when people landed at Plymouth Rock. While the new folks back East were trying to clear timber, plant crops and win their independence, the Old West was being explored, being stocked with horses and cattle, learning to cope with little water, vast prairies, and the fact that no one cared if they were independent or not."
You can read of this article in its entirety at http://amarillo.com/news/local-news/2...
Please do let me know when you have read TIERRA RED :)
Kathy
Tierra Red
I am looking forward to your recommendations for historical fiction. I suppose a well done biography is my absolute favorite, but if it becomes too dry I often wish it was re-done as historical fiction.A great story about a woman of character and courage is tops for me. But I like to feel challenged, provoked to stop and think in some way by what I read, not just informed.
Mod
Hi, I'm Mary.I like historical fiction (preferably not with romance - lol). I should say, I like American historical fiction. I think my favorite periods are Civil War, Revolutionary War, Great Depression; in that order.
Hi Everyone,My name is Yvette and I am new to the group. I love books, all genres, but my favorite is historical fiction. I love all types of historical books, but American, especially Latin American are my favorite. Great group, can't wait to explore it...
Mod
Thank you for the warm welcome. Oh, I will definitely check out that thread, thanks!
Just signed on and so happy to have found this group. I tried last year to start a local group for historical-fiction readers but it never got off the ground. I've just completed my US History PhD (defense in 2wks) and I will finally have time to read things that aren't required!
Suzanne wrote: "Welcome, Susan. Tell us more about your PhD.Suzanne Adair"
Hi, Suzanne. I'm a historian of the American South, concentrating on the period between 1865-1920. My diss is titled "Chain Gangs, Roads, and Reform in North Carolina, 1900-1935." It covers most of the areas I'm interested in...the intersection of race/class/labor/reform.
Marjorie wrote: ""Chain Gangs, Roads, and Reform in North Carolina, 1900-1935."What a fascinating subject!
I read recently about a prison inmate in Alabama who tried to order a book on a similar subject -- [boo..."
Yes, I saw that in the NYT. That just shows you why this stuff is still relevant, among many other reasons.
My name is Ken Consaul, new to Goodreads and looking for those with common interest. I write historical fiction and just completed my author page. I'm researching the gold rush in ca for the next installment and am also fleshing out a crime thriller set in Newport Beach, Ca.American history non-fiction fan. Find and read non-fiction, then look for fiction from the period. Mostly I like the testosterone aisle at the book store.
Hi Ken, welcome to Goodreads! I am not new to GR, but I am new to this group. I love historical fiction - it's my favorite genre. I am usually not in the testosterone aisle, although I have enjoyed some good war books :) I look forward to reading some of your books. Much success!
Susan, I agree with Marjorie that your dissertation sounds fascinating. I'm curious what you thought of the classic movie "Cool Hand Luke." Supposedly one of the writers had been on a chain gang. CHL is a little late for your period, but the movie definitely has chain gangs and roads in it. :-)And I sent you a Goodreads friend request.
Suzanne Adair
Hi Ken, welcome to Goodreads and the American Historical Fiction group. I've sent you a Goodreads friend request.Have you read Steve Bartholomew's novel Gold: A Tale of the California Gold Rush? Steve was a guest for the Relevant History feature on my blog back in August. An eyeopener for many readers was learning that most people who caught the gold-rush fever traveled to California via ship. Hollywood has left us with images of wagon trains stretched from coast to coast. :-)
Suzanne Adair
Welcome, Susan. I still remember thirty years ago when I'd finished my MA in American history, I spent the next year or so reading Harlequin romances for mindless relaxation. Only then was I ready to pick up something more challenging!
Mod
Susan, your dissertation sounds fabulous. Good luck!
Suzanne wrote: "Susan, I agree with Marjorie that your dissertation sounds fascinating. I'm curious what you thought of the classic movie "Cool Hand Luke." Supposedly one of the writers had been on a chain gang. C..."I like the movie a lot, Suzanne, but that could have something to do with the casting...lol. I do reference it in my diss as sort of the iconic popular view of both the American South and the chain gangs, and I think that's pretty true.
Susan wrote: "Just signed on and so happy to have found this group. I tried last year to start a local group for historical-fiction readers but it never got off the ground. I've just completed my US History Ph..."Welcome--and good luck with your defense!
Jenny wrote: "Welcome, Ken! Check out our Old California and Gold Rush book discussion thread for some recommendations.Susan, your dissertation sounds fabulous. Good luck!"
This goodreads is quite the challenge in navigation around. Just where are the Old California and Gold Rush discussions? Did some searches and came up empty. EDIT: Found the discussion, didn't see the little tiny miniscule pull down tabs
Thanks all for the warm welcome
Suzanne wrote: "Hi Ken, welcome to Goodreads and the American Historical Fiction group. I've sent you a Goodreads friend request.Have you read Steve Bartholomew's novel [book:Gold: A Tale of the California Gold ..."
Mary wrote: "Welcome, Susan. I still remember thirty years ago when I'd finished my MA in American history, I spent the next year or so reading Harlequin romances for mindless relaxation. Only then was I ready ..."
I'd, in the review of Men to Match my Mountains, said Stone's book, was my inspiration for taking up the pen. From the accounts I have read, during the peak of the overland gold emigration, the procession was pretty steady from the Missouri River to Ca. One Diary I read had the author meandering from one group of emigrants to another.
Regretfully I haven't made a lot of progress in following my protagonists while in CA. 3-4 thousand words and some notes for scenes. It was a lot of work just getting them to CA. Thanks for the welcome to you and all.
Megan wrote: "Hello! I'm Megan and I love all books. I am 17 and I just finished reading 1984 which made me realize how boring all these modern books are getting. I really liked how smart the book was and how mu..."I guess '1984' from your perspective, is historical. When I read it, 1984 was in the future. 'Animal Farm' would be in the same genre as '1984' but in an Aesop's Fables kind of way.
When I read 1984, it was the present. LOL
Barbara Anne wrote: "I am looking forward to your recommendations for historical fiction. I suppose a well done biography is my absolute favorite, but if it becomes too dry I often wish it was re-done as historical fic..."I'll recommend 'The Dollmaker' By Harriet Arnow. This is meat and taters for someone who likes strong woman characters. Keep the tissues handy.
Exec summary: During WW2 an Appalachian family pulls up stakes and moves to Detroit where her husband works in one of the war effort factories. They live in a factory town. Gertie struggles to keep her family intact and her family traditions alive.
[Cool Hand Luke] I like the movie a lot, Suzanne, but that could have something to do with the casting...lol. I do reference it in my diss as sort of the iconic popular view of both the American South and the chain gangs, and I think that's pretty true.Agreed, Susan. Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin. Amazing casting. The movie's been spoofed, and everyone "borrows" from it, particularly the iconic line, "What we have here is a failure to communicate," a statement of the mid-1960s cultural challenges. But I hope they never do a remake of that movie.
I teach a workshop on creating archetypal characterizations. Luke is a great example of a tragic hero, but I cannot always tell my students that because it gives away the movie's ending for those who haven't seen it. :-)
Suzanne Adair
What interesting conversations lately! I love historical fiction of all time periods and all locales - European, Asian, American..New Mexico is beautiful from what I have seen. I've only been able to visit Sante Fe and Albuquerque. Kathy - I really like the cover of Tierra Red
I think it is wonderful that there are so many authors in this group. I am always looking for new recommendations!
Mary
Mod
Howdy! My name is Jim, and I have discovered that my long train commute is perfect for reading. I have long been a fan of historical fiction, with my most recent example being "Devil in the White City." I'm looking forward to being tuned into great new reads or novels that I may have missed.
I thought Devil in the White City was non-fiction?
Mod
Devil in the White City certainly describes some documented events. However, the personal details that are included in the story put it into the fiction category for me. There are far to many accounts that are probable, but not proven, for me to consider it non-fiction. I'd be interested to know what the author intended, however.
American Historical Fiction
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My name is Stephen, and I'm a reader and author. I am currently pitching my first novel THE DUTIFUL SON.
My favorite historical fiction takes place in the 20th century, specifically between 1930 and 1970. Books with civil rights themes are a big fave.
My novel is historical fiction, taking place in the Catskills in the 1930s. It deals with New York City's creation of a reservoir system and focuses on the impact of that work on the people displaced.
For more about my novel, visit www.stephendagostino.com
Looking forward to being a member of this group!