History: Actual, Fictional and Legendary discussion
Getting Started: Introduce Yourself
Hello to Ed and members, My name is Laureen and I love books about History, where we came from, how we got to this present day. I prefer historical fiction because it is not as dry has books by historians but I also like history books that are not only educational but inspiring and easy to read; a good story. Having got a little turned of delving into writings about King Arthur or the II World War, I decided to try historical fantasy which turned out yo be a real treat. I particularly love Juliet Marillier who has become a favorite with me.
I very much agree with Candy too. Prehistory is also good. It allows the imagination to soar and writers of prehistory like The Clan of the Bear Cave allow us to imagine another time in history altogether.
Ed wrote: "Here you can tell us something about your own history and/or what you are doing now.
Anything you want to say so that we see you as something more than a user-id. Likes and dislikes are always ..."
Anything you want to say so that we see you as something more than a user-id. Likes and dislikes are always ..."
Howdy from Texas. Just joined the group. I write a newspaper review column and particularly enjoy history, fiction plot based on fact or nonfiction. I also write. My latest book is Observer: The Colonel George Trofimoff Story, the tale of America's highest-ranking military officer convicted of spying.
Hi, I'm Sharon! I've been reading Master of the Senate, and I needed to find a place where people could relate to how strongly I find myself reacting to it.I was devastated for days upon finishing the section on Leland Olds, and I now spend each train ride to/from work despising Johnson, Russell, and the rest of the racist Senators who were so well-regarded and respected at the time (Russell has a Senate building named after him!). Caro is really terrific at getting you to love and/or hate the cast of characters and places he describes in meticulous detail.
I also enjoy historical fiction, basically anything that gives me a good idea of what it was like to live in another era, particularly 20th century US. My favorites seem to reflect that preference: Devil in the White City (non-fiction, but reads like fiction), The Amazing Adventures of Kavaliler and Clay, The Sheltering Sky.
I love it when books remind you how we can take for granted how unlikely certain outcomes were, and how lucky we are that certain events played out as they did. And I guess in some cases (like with Mr. Olds), we weren't always quite so lucky.
Hello!! It's great to find a historically oriented group that includes non-fiction, and I hope to expand my historical knowledge on several areas with this group. At current my favourite areas are Minoan, Mycenaean and Classical Greece, Canadian History and Alpine History (Liechtenstein being the main focus) but I'm always eager to read about other areas!
I enjoy historical fiction as well of course, having no real preference to a time period there.
At current I'm read 'Iron Kingdom', a history on Prussia!!
Hi, I'm Richard, and I'm currently reading 'Wolf Hall' which is extremely good. I've recently had a book published on Glastonbury and the New Age movement so I'm interested in how history gets mythologized. Cheers.
Call me Peter. I live in the Thousand Islands region of the St Lawrence in the quintessentially Canadian small town of Brockville (named after the British general who defended Upper Canada during the War of 1812. I'm one of those dilettantes who pretty much dabbles in everything, but historical themes always seem to grab my attention first. It's hard to name a favourite "historical" read but if I absolutely have to, I would rank George MacDonald Fraser's "Flashman" novels among the best. I also loved James/Jan West's "Farewell the Trumpets" trilogy.
Hi I'm A.L. I tend to read all sorts, but especially fantasy, true crime and historical. Currently I'm reading a book on true crime and the paranormal, I've just finished a book on crime in Buckinghamshire and not long completed a course on Greek and Roman Mythology. I have a background in Classical Studies, Politics, Sociology (although that was a LONG time ago). I'm also a fantasy author and poet.
Hello, I am a new member and recently completed my Observer Trilogy. Observer: The Ronnie Lee and Jackie Bancroft Spencer Morgan Story, a tale of people, greed, envy, manipulation -- even crime. It is about the Wall Street Journal heiress.
Observer: The Colonel George Trofimoff Story, the tale of America's highest-ranking military officer convicted of spying.
Observer: The Prison People; The Prison Experience.
I am most interested in what you are reading in the history and fiction based on historical fact genres. I also write a newspaper column book review.
Observer: The Colonel George Trofimoff Story, the tale of America's highest-ranking military officer convicted of spying.
Observer: The Prison People; The Prison Experience.
I am most interested in what you are reading in the history and fiction based on historical fact genres. I also write a newspaper column book review.
I am The Bridge of Deaths Revised Edition: A Love Story and A MysteryIs my book, it is free to download from August14 2015 to August 18th.
It is a pre WW II Historical, far more fact than fiction revolving around a plane crash in 1939 Denmark.
Follow Bill and Maggie as they cross THE BRIDGE OF DEATHS into 1939 to uncover the mystery behind the plane crash of the G-AESY. A blend of historical fact and fiction takes the reader through well-known and little known accounts leading up to WWII.
In the winter of 2009-2010 a young executive, Bill is promoted and transferred to London for a major International firm. He has struggled for the better part of his life with nightmares and phobias, which only seem to worsen in London. As he seeks the help of a therapist he accepts that his issues may well be related to a ‘past-life trauma’.
Through love, curiosity, archives and the information superhighway of the 21st century Bill travels through knowledge and time to uncover the story of the 1939 plane crash.
Hey guys, my name is Caleb. I write horror (and dabble in some thriller). I mostly write short stories, but i'm currently working on what will either be a novella or a novel (depending on how long it is)
Hello, from JoAnne. I have read very few historical fictions and boy have I been missing out! I am loving reading your comments and reviews on so many great books. I have already added several to my list. (love this app). I was gifted Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker and am just struggling staying focused in it. But I won’t give up.
Hello, my name is Sophia, I write under a pseudonim "Sophia Newtown".I am fascinated by History, because to me it's a vibrant tapestry of events - huge and small, repeating themselves or becoming milestones.
I am not too educated on the subject, but somehow even when I read a simple article on the Maya or Ancient Rome - I feel being transported there, as if I can see their daily routine - what they thought, what they dreamt, what they liked and disliked about their world. It's easy for us to judge them, but only because we already know how it all folded out over the centuries. But try getting into their minds without knowing that a mountain is going to erupt, that the Spain is going to intrude, etc. This is absolutely fascinating!
I guess, that is how I became a writer - my imagination takes me places...
In fact, I've recently published a book, that has a little of everything, including Alternative History (probably fantasy) - I was trying to create a satiric world and show how easily History gets forgotten, misinterpret, and how religions are founded. Probably not a Historic book, but my fascination with it has certainly leaked in there.
Hi. I'm Michele I love Regency Romances and am interested in the Napoleonic wars. Henry the eighth's times are another favourite. I like historical mysteries in this period like the CJ Sansome books. to my shame I still haven't read Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies!a lot of periods interest me. I've read most of the Cadfael books and I'm currently reading The 20th in the Susanna Gregory Bartholomew series having read all the others. I'm also attracted to romances set in Scotland with heroic main characters.
I sometimes read historical non fiction as well.
I'm looking forward to discovering books on more historical places and periods.
Hi, I'm Julian Bell, living in London, UK. I work as an English teacher. my special interest is in 20th Century History. As I get older, I find myself more and more interested in the era my parents grew up in (1930s and WW2) and also the era of my own childhood (the 1970s). I love quality historical fiction and social history especially. The first novel in my trilogy set in the twentieth century is published by Amazon on September 12th - called Whatever You Say, Say Nothing, it's the story of a love triangle set in Dublin in 1920 amidst the violent struggle of the Irish people for independence. I'm finishing the sequel, My Enemy's Enemy, set in London during the Blitz in 1940, and am also working on the third volume, Ourselves Alone, set in London amidst the political and economic chaos of the early 1970s. My favourite historical novel is A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry (about Ireland in WW1) - my favourite history book A People's Tragedy by Orlando Figes (about the Russian Revolution).
Hello, my name is Rebekka, although any and all of my posts are under Dr.Bekkafina. I live in the USA, currently attending college for my sophomore year. I don't have any particular time period in history I like to read about; they're all fascinating to me. I've read some historical fictions, although if you asked me to list them off I couldn't. I hope I make some worthwhile contributions!
As an author of historical fiction, I'm glad to join this group.
At the annual meeting of the American Library Association in San Francisco this summer, the historical thriller, "The Cottoncrest Curse," which runs from the Civil War to the Civil Rights era, received the IndieFab Gold Award as the best thriller/suspense novel published by a university or independent press in 2014.Published by the award-winning LSU Press, "The Cottoncrest Curse" has received plaudits from Publishers Weekly ("a gripping debut mystery"), the New York Review of Books ("“gripping thriller [that] captures universal themes"), and the Southern Literary Review ("“literary fiction” taking “readers on an epic journey").
Learn more: http://amzn.to/1hGwsnt
Hello, just joined Goodreads. I really enjoy both history and historical fiction. Also read historical mysteries. I'll be adding a bunch of books that I've read to my list. Definitely interested in suggestions for this category of book.
Cheers,
Hi, I'm Chris and I'm sort of an 18/19th Century girl. My female forbearers set me on a path with Georgette Heyer many years ago, and although I've strayed far and wide, it's still my comfort genre. I've been on a Victorian mystery kick for awhile, and maybe it's time to try some alternate history.I was a history major in college, although I never had the good fortune to work in that field, I've always stayed close through reading.
This appears to be a group with a lot of variety and I look forward to reading lots of new topics.
Hi, I'm Jonita Mullins, new to this group. I have been an avid reader all my life and particularly love historical fiction. So much so that I also write historical fiction. I have two novels completed - Journey to an Untamed Land and Look Unto the Fields. I write about Oklahoma history and try to give a different perspective than the typical Western novel.
Hello, I have been on Goodreads as an author since 2013, but first time posting to this group. Two of my works are historical fiction. This week my latest book is out, called The Good Doctor. The background is the end of WW2. I like to consider what an average person would be doing to survive at these great moments of crises. When I write historical fiction, I don't knowingly set out to develop a female character as my main protagonist, but that has happened both times. My book Liberte takes place during the time of Napoleon and then the War of 1812, and I thought it would be fun to introduce a strong woman trained for combat into that mix. I have another story in the form of a screenplay that I may eventually put into a book that crosses historical events through time. Perhaps historical fiction is simply the love of history and the love of creating. I have read quite a few of the books mentioned here, and am currently reading Embracing Defeat (once again, a book that deals with what people do in the midst of great change, in this case the Japanese).
If any of this is of interest, please check out my link, and I invite you to read and leave feedback. Thank you: http://bit.ly/DanielParker
Hi all, I'm Charlotte - just joined the group and looking forward to the chance to discuss all things historical with you all! I read widely but history - both fiction and non-fiction - is my first love. Particular interests are Renaissance, medieval and classical periods but I'll give most things a go! Best wishes
Charlotte
Hi everyone, I have only just come across this group. I have a strong interest in historical non-fiction, particularly the 18th century, but also encompassing almost any time period, any where in the world.I am also a writer of historical fiction and to date have written Storks in a Blue Sky set in 1764 in Devon, England, and Alsace, France, and a sequel to it, Hecate's Moon, also set mainly in Devon, 1794, during the French Revolution.
Hey everyone, I personally read all kinds of novels but historical fiction is one of my favourites because it makes me excited to learn more about events in the past and to figure out what's true and what isn't. The first book I ever read in reference to this genre was Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Shecter and since then I've loved reading about medieval and ancient history.
Hello, everyone. Thanks, in advance, for accepting me to your group. I'm the author of the Transform to Freedom book series, and other books of investigation, factual research and cultural examination. I recently published my book Sex, Lies and Teaching in Japan, which is based on 8 years of life and work experience in Japan. My newest project is examining the culture & lifestyle of the Philippines. Of course I'm trying to get exposure for my books, but am joining groups merely of get to know people; what they read; what is popular and simply to discuss literature as a life-long lover of books. I agree with the statement "I learn as much from historical fiction..." A well researched/composed book will offer plenty of interesting information whether fiction, or non. I look forward to interacting with everyone. Best wishes, Elliot Sabino.
Hello, everyone! My name is Diana, and I am an author of several books (including one about the Titanic, a great love of mine). I am a HUGE fan of anything English history, but especially Tudor England and the War of the Roses-era. I love it so so much!
I have been all over the state of North Carolina exploring historical sites. My favorite experience was seeing a set of baby footprints in the brick of an old slave house circa 1850. Wow! I felt so privileged. If you want to check it out yourself, check out "Historic Stagville Plantation" in the heart of Durham. So many amazing historical treasures practically in our backyard!
One of these days I'll go to Williamsburg, Virginia (a lifelong dream of mine). Anyway, I digress. Nice to meet you all! Feel free to add me as a friend (I love making friends!).
Hello, Diana. I'm interested in your book about the Titanic.
It would be interesting to read how much you know about it.
For a start, the Titanic was never sunk. It was switched with the Olympic and the whole thing was a set up (1900 people killed) in order that JP Morgan and his cronies could commit insurance fraud to save their White Star shipping line, after Olympic had been in three major accidents.
You can read all about it, here: www.transformtofreedom.com
Ed wrote: "Here you can tell us something about your own history and/or what you are doing now. Anything you want to say so that we see you as something more than a user-id. Likes and dislikes are always ..."
I'm Ashley, I just started my Goodreads account after stumbling onto it. I've never joined any online group or anything like this, but it seems like a great idea to be able to have in depth discussions about literature. I love history, fiction or factual, as well as most kinds of books. Having a cite like this is great especially since appreciation for literature as a whole seems to be declining. Really it's one of the greatest source of knowledge and pleasure there is, and I can't wait to share that with others here. I guess I'll just see how this goes!
Diana wrote: "Hello, everyone! My name is Diana, and I am an author of several books (including one about the Titanic, a great love of mine). I am a HUGE fan of anything English history, but especially Tudor E..."
I write a weekly newspaper column on Oklahoma history and ran across an interesting connection between Oklahoma (then Indian Territory) and the Titanic. A local merchant and his family had been visiting England and planned to return home on the Titanic. Their luggage was put aboard, but one son had a fever so the family wasn't allowed to board themselves. Their luggage went down with the ship, but the family was gratefully left behind to get home on a later ship.
Hi, everyone,I'm Maddie. When I saw the listing for this group, I had to join! I was a history major in college, so I'm familiar with studying history in academic settings and modes. I'll have to say, though, I learn so much about history from fiction, too! There's something about putting something in story form that makes experiences relatable. Why is that? Something about narrative storytelling is really engaging and elevates the reader from being an observant student to being a participant.
One book that I think encourages this discussion is Devil in the White City by Eric Larson. Has anyone read that? I want to read his other books, too, like In the Garden of the Beast.
Anyhow, hello, all!
MaddieThe Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed AmericaErik Larson
Thank you Maddie, and welcome. I have this book added to my to read list. It's sounds just like the sort of book I look for. Something new, that I know nothing about.
Hey Everyone,I'm Nabeel. I joined this group because I just became a member of Goodreads and well I am a big fan of novels based on History whether fiction or non-fiction.
I am currently working on a Novel series and also decided to upload a series of Poetry that will feature short stories about different characters that are from the same fantasy world that my novel is based on.
Its a YA fantasy series so you might want to check out the Short stories and poems if that would be something you are interested in.
Other than that this group is pretty cool and although I have just made this account, haven't had a proper chance to view all the posts, I can't wait to get to know all you guys and get some insight maybe learn a thing or two from this community of readers.
Great to be apart of your discussions and finally meet some likeminded individuals.
Cheers
Greetings fellow history nuts,I fell in love with history when I was in junior high. Like many guys, it was the American Civil War that got me into it. Now, it's the British Isles, especially Ireland and Scotland, that take up most of my time. I even got a Master's in history when I was in my forties, just for the love of it.
Although I am an American, I lived on the Isle of Man for five years and loved it. It definitely gave me a different perspective.
I am doing the final editing of my novel about late 6th c. and early 7th c. Ireland and Western Scotland. Being one who picks apart inaccurate books and movies, I've been reluctant to put my work out there, but am ready to take the leap.
I look forward to finding more novels out there that are worth reading. Some I've read of late have not been.
Slainte
Hi everyone. I love historical fiction of all stripes, but especially if it deals with massive social shifts, such as the American Revolution, World War 1, the Reformation, etc. Those people are us, just removed in time. I think Neil Stephenson's Baroque Cycle is the hf standard.
Hi Maddie,I read Larson's book and loved it. You may have seen recently that DiCaprio is attached to the forthcoming movie project.
Maddie wrote: "Hi, everyone,
I'm Maddie. When I saw the listing for this group, I had to join! I was a history major in college, so I'm familiar with studying history in academic settings and modes. I'll have to..."
Maddie wrote: "Hi, everyone,
I'm Maddie. When I saw the listing for this group, I had to join! I was a history major in college, so I'm familiar with studying history in academic settings and modes. I'll have to..."
Greetings, fellow history lovers! I have been a regular member of GR for a while now but have only recently began developing my Author presence here. I used to write children's non-fiction on spec but have transitioned into self-publishing fiction. My interest in history dates to junior year in college, when I discovered history was not at all boring - it was the teachers and textbooks that made it so. I focused on pre-1900 American history with a special love for New World exploration and women's history, but honestly, any type of history rings my bell. As for book recommendations, someone mentioned Eric Larson who is amazing. Also Laura Hillenbrand of course. Recently I enjoyed Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy by Karen Abbott and Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman. I was digging through my TBR list on GR looking for historical fiction and just don't see much, so I think I need some recommendations!
I did catch news of the movie project but didn't know about DiCaprio being involved. I'm even more excited about it coming out!Lissa wrote: "Hi Maddie,
I read Larson's book and loved it. You may have seen recently that DiCaprio is attached to the forthcoming movie project.
Maddie wrote: "Hi, everyone,
I'm Maddie. When I saw the listin..."
Hello Slainte,You mention novel recommendations - I read Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch earlier this year and loved it. It's one of those books that simultaneously inspires you to achieve that level of skill, and squashes your motivation because you may never write anything anywhere close to that good.
R.L. wrote: "Greetings fellow history nuts,
I fell in love with history when I was in junior high. Like many guys, it was the American Civil War that got me into it. Now, it's the British Isles, especially Ir..."
Thanks, Laureen, and I hope you enjoy!Laureen wrote: "Thank you Maddie, and welcome. I have this book added to my to read list. It's sounds just like the sort of book I look for. Something new, that I know nothing about."
Well in all my excitement to join the conversation, I overlooked a great historical fiction recommendation: the book I am currently reading. D'oh! It's Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell (author of The Sparrow for you sci fi fans). Epitaph is a fictional account of the events surrounding the infamous shootout at the OK Corral. I'm a huge fan of Westerns, of which Tombstone is a personal favorite. I suspect Russell and the writers of the Tombstone screenplay used many of the same sources as there are many familiar names, places, events, references. It's a great read so far. Highly recommend.
D'oh! It's Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell (author of The ..."God, I love Mary Doria Russell. "Sparrow" is, IMHO, one of the best scifi novels ever written, as is its follow-on, Children of God. I read her A Thread Of Grace, about the Italian resistance in WW2, but didn't think it was her best work.
YES!! Me, too re Sparrow. Blew my mind. I have seen some rumblings about making it into a movie, but so far, nothing has happened. Wouldn't that be awesome???D. wrote: "D'oh! It's Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell (author of The ..."
God, I love Mary Doria Russell. "Sparrow" is, IMHO, one of the best scifi novels ever written, as is its follow-on, [book:Children of G..."
Hello fellow readers & thinkers. I am new to this site, looking forward to what should prove to be some stimulating conversation. A bit about myself, I am very much interested in military history. I also read a lot of science fiction.As far as likes and dislikes are concerned, here is a brief list.
Likes: Heavy Metal, clarity, deep thought, cheap thrills.
Dislikes: Ambiguity, conformity, mass consciousness.
Again, Hello to all of you!
Hello everyone,I'm new to the group. I've enjoyed learning history ever since elementary school. What captures my interest is getting to know people and places that may no longer be around and see that sometimes we/things aren't that different.
Recently I wrote a book on my family history. In doing the research, I learned so much more about relatives I will never meet and also the area in which they and I were raised.
Outside of history, I enjoy writing fiction and exploring different things and places. I'm looking forward to being in the group.
Ed wrote: "Here you can tell us something about your own history and/or what you are doing now. Anything you want to say so that we see you as something more than a user-id. Likes and dislikes are always ..."
Thanks for inviting me to introduce myself. I am Virginia R. Bensen, and I am fairly new to Goodreads and really new to the groups.
I enjoy reading, but during the past three years I have been busy reading, American history that has been required for my Masters In American History program. Many of those books, I probably would never have read or discovered had it not been for the masters program.
My research focus has been about American women during the 19th century. Lately I am expanding that into the early 20th century.
I've started to add the books that I've read to "my books."
One of my favorite history authors is John Ferling.
Hello all,You may be interested in the Historical Fiction Daily e-newsletter published by the Historical Novel Society. A recent edition is here: http://paper.li/histnovel/1311169881?...
Lisa - recommendation of NewWorld exploration is "The California Trail" by George Stewart. Get A map and follow the harsh days if immigrant travel in 1842 through 1849.
R.L. wrote: "Greetings fellow history nuts,I fell in love with history when I was in junior high. Like many guys, it was the American Civil War that got me into it. Now, it's the British Isles, especially Ir..."
R L - In the Irish history, "The Irish Way" by James R. Barrett 2012 is not a novel but historical compilation of the Irish emigrants to the U.S< in early 20 C. Also, for folklore Michael Scott's book, of 1994, "Irish Ghosts and Hauntings" Is a fun understanding of folk tales.
History: Actual, Fictional and Legendary
Books mentioned in this topic
I, Lafayette (other topics)Apocalypse Of The Realm: The Wrath Of The Elephant (other topics)
Deare Sister (other topics)
From Waterloo to Water Street (other topics)
Priests of War (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Gore Vidal (other topics)Erik Larson (other topics)
Louis Bayard (other topics)
Rebecca Pawel (other topics)
Jo Walton (other topics)
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There is nothing like researching a book to help you understand the period and the people.