Historical Fiction Books

This is a wonderful book about an unbelievable champion - the kind we need today in America. A champion that reaches into the hearts of the people, unifies us and inspires us to prevail. The men who believed in Seabiscuit were not perfect, nor was Seabiscuit but they all managed to be imperfect winners. The writing itself might be a bit flourished but it is certainly well-researched and the story is entertaining told. Hillebrand has captured the ironies, truths, the agony and ecstasy of horse-racing and life itself as well. This one will make you cheer.

I'm usually concerned about purchasing items on line, especially books. I can honestly say that this experience was worth it. I would recommend this seller to anyone interested in purchasing good quality books at extremely reasonable prices.

Buy with confidence, I did!

I can't recall the number of non-fiction books that I've read. Little matter, this is the most incredible true story that I've read!!
Laura Hillenbrand has captured a time in American History. She is a true storyteller who has done impeccable research. It must have been the time she spent in Gambier, Ohio at Kenyon College that inspired her to such great in depth writing.
For those of you who have not read this book or have not seen the excellent movie, you're in for an incredible treat. Trust Me!!
If I were writing fiction, this true story would not have been told. Charles Howard, Red Pollard and Tom Smith are indeed the Holy Trinity. Remember these names, after reading this book, you will never forget them.
One little horse, so much history!!! Incredible!!!!

I have recently read Seabiscuit and watched the film and found both to be very compelling. We dont think much anymore about the dark days of the Depression but Laura Hillenbrand puts us right back in the middle of it. The important lesson was to look to the future as Charles Howard implored, the sun will come up tomorrow.

Three incredible characters intersect with this horse of unknown promise. Howard is the wealthy owner, despondent over the death of his son and unsure how to live the life of leisure; Red Pollard is a jockey not able to break into the big-time, due to his attitude, blindness, and injuries; Tom Smith is a taciturn man who belongs in the 19th century of his youth, not the modern world. Together they develop and promote Seabiscuit, a horse of incredible bloodlines, yet given up on by better trainers due to his work habits, attitude, injuries, and size.

Eventually the Biscuit wins all the stakes in the state of California and gets a shot at a match race with the great Eastern horse and Triple Crown winner, War Admiral. Both horses are descendants of the great Man'o'war, but the eastern elites dont want to give the western upstart his chance. After a few cancellations due to injuries and prickly owners, the match race goes off in Baltimore and the smaller horse brings it home.

The book is more enlighting with respect to the fuller stories of the characters, especially the relationship between the jockeys and Pollard's romance and marriage to a Boston nurse. The movie brings the times to life. Howard and Pollard were the raconteurs who made Seabiscuit the hero of the little guys during those lean years. Dont forget, tough times dont last but tough guys do.

Ms. Hillenbrand is an equally interesting story. She suffers from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and is only able to work at a fraction of the typical writer. Here she focused her energy on this story and these times. Seabiscuit has been the story many times in film and books but Ms. Hillenbrand brings it to life for us.

Seabiscuit is a great story, book, and movie. If you have not read it, buy it today and start reading. You will not be disappointed.

A tale of growing up and acceptance with a strong female lead who shows, without being ultra feminist, that girls can accomplish anything that boys can.

Admittedly a huge fan of the "women-warrior, disguised as a man" characters, I have been disappointed time and again by peoples take on them, but not this time. The take on magic, the involvement of the gods, and the world, which holds different morals, gave to a very interesting atmosphere for the books to be set in. Alanna is a character that I couldn't help cheering for, and identifying with.

Granted as others point out, this is very obviously a first novel that will kick-off a series. And while I did enjoy it, I do prefer to have series of novels have the ability to be stand-alones.

A terrific kick-off, to what I hope to be a wonderful series.

My Mom bought me the series 10 years ago when I was 13... Since then I have read them over and over and over... I find them impossible to tire of and once I start reading I don't want to put it back down... although by now I have half the books memorized.
I started reading these books when I was 13 years old and loved them... now at 23 years old- I still love to read this series.
The Immortals series is excellent as well.

I did not realize when I bought these books that they were for young adults, I still thoroughly enjoyed reading about Alanna's adventures, friends and family. Alanna proved to the men again and again that "anything you can do I can do better". A great message to put out there for young girls. And even though it took me 1 day to read each book I just couldn't stop until I was done!

Is no one bothered by the essential lack of values in this book? Getting what you want is more important than honesty or respect for others. The main character threatens others with horrible, supernatural punishment, tricks her father, lies outrightly, and that's just in the first chapter.
What about integrity, justice, truth as foundations of doing right?
Compare this heroine with Jonas in The Giver, Frodo in The Lord of the Rings, Andy in Wolf Rider, or Karana in The Island of the Blue Dolphins.

My mom had given me this book saying, "This is what a real prince charming should be like." I looked at her funny when I realized what the story was about and was a little hesitant.

The book was fantastic! I couldn't put it down for one second (I stayed up till' three in the morning reading it). Even for those who aren't christians, I think any girl would enjoy reading about Michael's character. He's, in my opinion, what every girl wants in a man. He's loving, caring, gentle, compassionate, honest, romantic, and loves Angel more than anything in the world.

Considering that Angel is an ex-prostitute you have to expect some references to what her job was. There are also a few parts where her and Michael are making love, but it's after they have been married and Francine Rivers doesn't go into any details.

All in all, I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone who dreams of true love and likes reading inspirational stories. No matter what those other reviewers say, christian or not, just try it and I'll guarantee you'll be glad you took the time to read it.

I think it's important that I preface this by saying that I am not a Christian (which had a definite effect on my opinion of this book, if only because I was able to look past the intended "inspirational message" and appraise it as a novel.) This book was recommended to me by multiple (devoutly religious) relatives on the grounds that I would like the love story and that they had cried over it.

First of all, "Redeeming Love" is poorly written to the extreme. It's full of choppy sentences and far too many melodramatic sentence fragments. All of the characters, and especially Michael and Angel, are incredibly dull: Angel is your stereotypical, self-loathing prostitute, while Michael marries her because a very articulate and surprisingly talkative God tells him to, displays no depth to speak of, and seems completely unable to think for himself. The plot is excessively repetitive and annoyingly redundant, and none of the "twists" were even mildly surprising.

Secondly, the book was a poorly disguised vehicle for marketing Christianity, which in my opinion degrades both the book and the religion. Some of the reviewers claim to have been moved by Angel's spiritual journey; personally, I felt Rivers relied on the faith of her target audience and the tragedy (or horror, if you prefer) of some of the concepts in the book- such as children sold into prostitution- as opposed to her strength as a writer or the relatability of the characters to produce that effect.

Many of the reviewers complained about the "graphic" sexual content in the book. I have no idea what they're talking about- the book I read was not graphic, and all the sex was either vaguely referenced or simply just implied. Much of it was in the context of marriage: I don't understand how the idea of a married couple having sex can be considered shocking.

I cannot believe that this book received over five hundred five-star reviews. It is not worth your time, it is not worth your money, and honestly, it is not worth the effort of five hundred people to type up a few mindlessly praising words on Amazon.com.

I am not an avid reader but found out about this book through a friend that told me how it changed her life. I was skeptical but still very curious so I bought the book. I finished it in three days. WOW. All I can say is that for the first time in my life I began to hear the Lord speak to me through this book! I could literally feel the presence of God's love all around me as I read this book. "Redeeming Love" has caused me to fall in love with my Savior all over again! It is a new and fresh love that I now have in my heart for Him! If you feel like you have fallen away from Him and miss His love and presence then you HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!!! I promise, it will re-ignite your love for Him. He has always been there waiting on you to fall in love with Him again. HE NEVER STOPS LOVING US! It is US who falls away from Him! This book will prove that to you!

To give you an idea of how this book affected me, I have been an Amazon user for years and this is the first review I have ever left.
I actually bought this book somewhere else and only bought by it accident. I was really after another book that had no Christian leanings. I found this book by accident and hoped I would have a good weekend read. I started at about 9 or 10 pm Friday night and didn't stop until 5:30 am Saturday morning. After reading this I read some in my Bible to cofirm some of what the book talked about and I cried for I think a good hour or so after I read the book.
This book shows a beautiful example of God's love for us.
This is suprisingly the best book I read have on accident in my life. I have never read anyting by this author, but I will definately check out her other work.
Note: The NIV refernces are ok, but to get the beauty of the verses quoted check out the KJV of the Bible.

I cannot explain the impact that this book has had on my life. I was lent this book and after telling a friend 'I'm really not that into Chritian fiction' read the first page and kept reading the entire night. I am now reading it for the second time and ordered my own copy. I think this should be required reading for anyone who has ever fallen in love. Francine Rivers' classic retelling of the book of Hosea is beautifully written, she presents God's love for his people in a way that leaves no doubt that there is nothing we can do to make our Father love us less.

The character of Michael Hosea is absolutely mesmerizing. The love trust he has in the Lord as well as his commitment to his very worldy wife, Angel (Sarah) is inspirational. Although she has had a tumultuous and very difficult life, Michael listens to the Lord that this is the wife He has chosen for him, refuses to give up on her, and trusts the Lord in all things in their relationship.

After reading this book, I have decided to walk with the Lord in a much closer way. I think that it would be impossible for any woman to read this book and not wish that her own husband/boyfriend etc. (no matter how wonderful he may be) was a little more like Michael! This book serves as a model of what a relationship and life based on the Lord should look like. If you read one book this year, please let it be this one! You will NOT be sorry!

Was purchased due to a requirement by my childs school. He has informed me it is a good book.

I was a little disappointed by the ending and the fact that Homer Hickam gave John Kennedy the idea to go to the Moon but other than that I couldn't help but root for the band of misfits.

I bought this book and the audio tapes and my son and I listened and read this amazing book together. Our plan was to read for 30 minutes a night...however it was sooooooo good we listened and read for 5 hours!

We are now going to rent the movie that was made from the film! All systems go....we enjoyed the adventure!

... "On June 4, 1960, the Big Creek Missile Agency, fresh from its medal winning performance at the National Science Fair, is sponsoring a day of rocket launches at its Cape Coalwood range. Everyone reading these words is invited..." This quote can be found on page 356-357 of a book called Rocket Boys; this statement showed me that the success of the main characters was a result of personal hard work and teamwork.

"Rocket Boys" by Homer H. Hickam, Jr. is a nonfiction account of a group of friends from Coalwood, West Virginia in the early 1960's who have a fetish for making rockets. Homer and his friends have a dream to shoot a rocket up into the clouds. This story gives the reader a message that dreams really can come true.

Rocket Boys is one of the strongest books I have ever read. The author accomplished his goals to tell people that team work is one of the most important things to know in your life. This book is recommended for people that like space and rockets and who want a hopeful book to read. Reading Rocket Boys really gets you thinking about team work and how far you can get with it.

Homer Hickam grew up in a rural isolated mountain town but went on to win the National Science Fair.

This book is his story and how he was successful.

I bought 24 copies of this book to inspire my advanced 6th grade Reading class. They loved the book. In our discussions they mentioned never giving up. Homer and his friends kept trying until they had success.

Thank you for sharing your life with us, Mr. Hickam.

Having never read The Count of Monte Cristo and only faintly recalling a movie of some years ago, I was prepared for a swashbuckling epic of swordplay and derring-do. My expectations were entirely inadequate. The Count of Monte Cristo is rather a tale of revenge through the artifice of intrigue and cold calculation. Dumas creates a broken man, betrayed by a trio of duplicitous schemers, and devotes the bulk of the book to the complex machinations employed in retaliation.

The phrase "intricately detailed" does not begin to describe the plots and sub-plots which carry this classic forward. Like all novels of its period, the author relies on what the modern-day reader would consider implausible convenience. This doesn't detract from its worth. To create such a tightly-laced weave, some liberties must be granted. The reader gladly forgives Messr. Dumas.

On par with The Brothers Karamazov, Anna Karenina, and the works of James Fenimore Cooper, The Count of Monte Cristo is wonderfully thick and magisterially constructed. Set primarily among the preening social elite of post-Napoleanic Paris, yet ranging from Rome to Normandy, it is a 5-star reading experience.

NOTE: I really hate that Amazon includes reviews from several editions of the same book under one heading. Some editions are abridged for this novel, and that truly is an injustice and the reviews show that. The Oxford Classics version - which I read - is an UNABRIDGED version, and my review is based on that.

This story revolves around Edmond Dantes, a young man who seemingly has everything going for him. His employer has much regard for him and is about to put him as captain of his own ship, he is about to marry the woman he loves, all is right in Dantes world. Unfortunately, this type of happiness and success breeds jealousy and envy, and Dantes finds himselft falsely accused and imprisoned. He does escape, and therein the true tale begins.

The story weaves back and forth and entangles lives - but central is the thirst for revenge. Dumas certainly has a way of telling a story, even a long one, and keeping it interesting a fresh. There are twists and turns and an entire host of interesting characters. One moment I found myself cheering for Dantes and the next I was hoping he wouldn't do what I thought he would. However, one can never be too sure of what might happen next or where the story might go.

I had put off reading this novel because of the length for so long, and I now regret having done that. Although the tale of revenge is an old one, Dumas has managed to weave a story filled with mystery, adventure, and excitement with just a touch of romance - what more could a reader possibly want?

I saw the recent movie, (The Count of Monte Cristo - 2002, staring - James Caviezel) and loved it so much, I ordered the book, and this is the version I choose. Unfortunately, this is the first book I've ever read that the movie is actually better! The abridged version is so limited it misses the very crucial points in this wonderful insightful story. If you're an adult I suggest reading an unabridged version in order to get the profound message this book addresses.

I bought this book for one of my children for a summer reading project. I needed a specific version and was glad I could search Amazon by ISBN. The book arrived quickly and the price was reasonable. I'm sure other family members will enjoy the book when the projcet is complete.

except for the Bible, this is the best.
It is the full and undiluted version from the first english translation.
read it, learn it,live it.
j

What a summer ride I've been on reading Lonesome Dove. I don't know where I've been the last 15 years to only now discover this absolutely amazing story. I smiled, laughed, and cried my way through it. I will surely miss the Hat Creek Cattle boys keeping me up at night. What an adventure!

It took me several attempts after several years to get through the first chapter -- don't ask -- but I am so grateful I persisted. What a wonderful book and great masterpiece. Simply satifying on every level. What a joy!

I wish I could have given this grossly over rated book zero stars. Even one star is being too kind. Having heard so much, I felt totally let down. Lack of development of characters, slow pace, no excitement. Come on, when we read a western we want a John Wayne kind of a western. Good story, emotions, actions. Want to read westerns? Try finding the SUDDEN series. Now thats what was required. What we are handed out is trash. Do yourself a favour. Avoid at all costs.

This novel is like the Rio Grande river, where the story begins: Long, wide, but only a few feet deep.

I read almost 400 pages, waiting to be gripped, but then I gave up and rented the miniseries on DVD instead. It's terrific -- four stars!

The next time I want to read a Western, I'll get a Louis L'Amour. Fun, well-written, packs a punch, and done in two days.

I need the book-equivalent of methadone to wean myself off the the genius that is Lonesome Dove.

Phantom This book is by far one of the best written and emotionally enveloping books I've ever read. You feel the seductiveness of Erik and find yourself falling in love with him also. I have the 1989 copy and read it after seeing the movie. It ties in with the movie, the stage production, and the 1911 classic by Gaston Leroux especially. Sure there are a few discrepancies, when compared to other versions, but this book rounds out the life of Erik, from beginning to end and leaves you mourning his death and wanting more. You will miss him, as I do.

I've always had a sort of obsession with The Phantom of the Opera ever since I was a kid. My parents would play the music when we took long trips during our vacation. When I was older, I found a copy of the original novel by Leroux, and loved it. I heard from others who loved the play, book, and music about this book, and they all recommended it, so I read it. I can't tell you how amazing it is! To finally get Erik's history, and to hear things from his point of view, was simply beautiful. My only complaint would be the epilogue, but other than that, anyone with an interest in the story should read this! :)

My sister was insistant that I read this book, but I really wasn't interested...I had seen the movie and ofcourse I loved it, but my reading interests were somewhere else. However, after being told how wonderful it was I finally gave it a shot...Can I say, LOVED IT!!!! I was angry, sad, happy and totally in love with the Phantom...I loved this book so much that I was searching for it and I really didn't care that I spent $40.00. If you are a person who believes in impossible love this is a must read...

This is one of the best written, engaging novels I have ever read. I took on the task of reading it to a grade 8 Humanities class, and although it took me a full 10 months to read to my class, they were absolutely enraptured with it! A 13 year old male student asked where he could purchase his own copy (and if you know 13 year old boys, that's saying something!). I highly recommend this book, you won't be able to put it down.

I'm not going to bother writing a long review about this book; other reviewers have done an eloquent job. I just want to say that this book gives an extremely plausible explanation about the 49 years (give or take) leading up to the last year of Erik's life as depicted in the classic tale. Kay does a good job of clearing up the mysteries to which Leroux alludes. I found this an extremely satisfying story, where Erik, in all of his maniacal glory is still, in the end, a sympathetic character. This is most definitely a book that all lovers of the original story should read.

This book was absolutely incredible! I could not put it down!! I have since ordered 5 more copies to give to friends and my mom because the book is that good! It is such a testiment of how faithful the Lord is and I learned so much about stories in the Bible from the way she includes scripture in the story. I felt like I was in the book and could relate to every character. Francine River has a beautiful gift from the Lord to put his grace and faithfulness into perspective throughout Mark of the Lion. Besides Redeeming Love, they are the best books I have ever read.

Rivers began as a romance novelist, and she remains one. Mark of the Lion is predictable, hits all the hot-button issues (abortion, homosexuality, right-to-die, etc.), and gives the reader a steady diet of evangelical Christian reinforcement. That said, the books are quick, easy reads, plot-driven and pleasant. If you enjoy happily-ever-after endings, historical fiction, and a persistent Christian message, you'll probably like these (my mother loved these books--she's a Nicolas Sparks fan). If you are interested in excellent literary craftsmanship, look elsewhere.

The mark of the lions series is probably one of the best series i have ever read. I couldnt put the books down! I was constantly in my bedroom reading for hours. The books have everything in them from spiritual to action to romance; and Reading about Hadassah's faith for the lord just makes your faith grow even stronger and to see how she faces such terrible promblems in wich i couldnt even imagine , she still clings to her faith .


This is truly an amzeing book. I would recommend it to anybody.

I absolutely love these books. I can't believe how good the writing is, how amazing the love story is, and how much I love the characters. They are an easy read that will suck you in and never let you go. They are my favorite books of all time and such an inspiration.

I could probably write a book about this series of books! In fact, my book club just finished talking about the second one last night! These are great Christian fiction literature. Rivers ties the characters together so well, and really does NOT make the characters too "fictionalized". You can really see the struggles that they go through, it could be real.
I really love all three of the books... probably my favorite Francine Rivers books.

i had to read this book for a literature class in jr. college . i had only about a week to read it (that's super fast for me) and write a report . i thought it would be an undertaking . to this day i don't know how to twist my way around the title . i felt heartened by the fact that the 1934 ? film version of the HUNCHBACK was one of my favorite films (and remains so) . this is a truly wonderful book . i was lured into a book larger than a novella (a daunting thing for me) and completely swept away by an obvious master . so , if you must read this ample book , fear not . i made little of my brief college life , but this read ranks as a triumph on all fronts .

It was a marathon, reading this book. It was worth it. Friends have said to me that getting through the first portion about the bishop was difficult, but I actually enjoyed it. It was beautiful. If you are considering it, I encourage you to pick it up. The length might be intimidating, but it's not a difficult book to read. If you're just beginning with it, press on and you will be rewarded.

This book is simply amazing. After a slow start I wondered why people had always said to me that the book was great. Then the story began to grow on me. The characters have such depth and as you watch their lives intertwine and change you cannot help but be swept away by the fantastic story. Though some people may be bored by histories and descriptions, as I sometimes found myself, they are absolutely essential to the story. Three of my friends who have read the book still can't describe how wonderful it is. My mother, father, brother, grandfather and aunt are all in line to read it. The book has a myriad of meanings but a few themes are: redemption, revolution, deperation, forgiveness and morality. This book is my favorite and trust me I have read many.

I didn't realize there are different translations of this work. I got half-way through this one, left it at home, visited the library in another city and checked out the book there, which turned out to be a different translation, one much more difficult to follow! In fact, I gave up and returned that book, and waited until I got home to take-up-where-I-left-off with this translation. Hugo certainly isn't an "easy read" (no brain-candy, this!) but I'm quite satisfied with my purchase.

I have read this incredible work of art several times and never cease to be amazed by the enormous impact it has on me. The first time I ever read it, I cried off and on for about three days, I was so moved. Victor Hugo tapped into something profound when he penned this story. It is long, yes, but I find that every little rabbit trail Hugo goes down has a very important point. I can just read the first chapter and feel humbled and challenged by his description of the way the bishop lived his life for God. It is better than most Christian devotionals I have read. Most people think of this as a somber story and indeed in many ways it is, but I am always surprised how much humor is infused into it as well. I have said it to many people and I say it here: every Christian should read this book. It is a perfect fictional example of how Christ can change anyone and of how believers should relate to their fellow man. I have even given it as a wedding present, considering it an excellent guide to living selflessly for another person. I challenge people to read it and see if they are not in some way changed.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. This was the book that got be hooked on historical fiction, and although the cover (imo) does the book an injustice (making the novel look old and boring), this is a wonderful read. Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt are flesh-and-blood characters, leaping off the page to bring you along in a 14th century adventure.

If you have any interest in the 1300s, Chaucer, English history, or even just romance stories, I think you'll like this.

This was the first "romance" novel I ever read. I must have been 10 or 11 at the time. Since then I have read countless historical novels but this one is still my favorite. I just finished re-reading it and I was as enthralled now as I was years ago. If you enjoy good historical fiction (Philipa Gregory, Diana Gabaldon, Sharon Kay Penman), you will enjoy this book.

Katherine makes me want to drink ale. There is breakfast ale. There is ale as remedy for a wan complexion. Ale for lunch, dinner...good ale, poor ale, everyone drinks it! I bought Katherine on recommendation from so many reviewers here who loved it. And I agree that it is a fantastic book, transporting me back to the medieval times of Katherine Swynford, John of Gaunt and Geoffrey Chaucer. I have now become a student of medieval British history, thanks to Anya Seton's books, which contain adventure, love affairs, wars, magic, religion. I am addicted, and Katherine did not disappoint; I love Ms. Seton's writing style and attention to detail. I loved Katherine and the depiction of "a woman's lot" in these troubled times. I hurt for her when she was a teenaged bride, forced to marry a rough brute whom she could never love. Yet, unlike another reviewer who found Hugh Swynford's character unsympathetic, I did come to have compassion for him. Yes he was loathsome, yes he was selfish and abusive. Yet Ms. Seton somehow dredged a grudging sympathy for him out of me. She wouldn't allow him to be a total villain. I also understood Katherine's need for penance for her affair with the duke; I found stunning parallels to my own life experiences in this. Overall this was an entertaining, beautifully told tale of triumph over tragedy.

I first read this book about 25 years ago. Recently a friend discussed how she just loved the story, and that's what stirred me to find the book again. The choice of Dante Rosetti's painting, Veronica Veronese, for the cover image of the latest edition is wonderful.

Anya Seton was gifted at her crafting of words. Often I find myself rereading sentences that seem unusual and beautiful. It's an enjoyable way to travel back in time. Reading a history book can be interesting, but an historical novel puts a face and character to the names that usually get only a brief mention.

I am an avid avid reader, especially about English Historical Fiction. I just finished this book,,,and of all the amazing authors I have read, including Phillipa Gregory and Margaret George, Anya Seton has taken first place in quality historical fiction. Here attention to detail and her development of 3 dimensional characters is unsurpased and I was torn between rushing through the book..and yet reading it slowly to savor it like an amazing piece of cake. This was the first book of hers I've read and I intend to read all of them!!!