Historical Books

As the other reviewers, I was given the book, by an aunt, back in the 60's when I was in seventh grade. She said she had been searching for a copy for me to read because she had loved it. I remember doing a book report on it for my 7th grade English class (I got an A)--and it was one book I never forgot. I thought it was out of print & had been looking for it for years at garage sales and used book stores. Now I will have a copy to pass on to my new grandson. It is a special treasure of a book!

This book is just awesome....one can read it over and over and it has such a simple , sweet ending that you're left satisfied and happy....

the characterization is just apt and there are not to many characters to confuse the readers... the best part is David himself...

this is a must read.. hope u all njoy

My mother told me about this book shortly after I began my studies to become a school teacher. It had been one of her favorite books and she had loved reading it to my older brother and sister when they were children. She tried to find a copy in local book stores but had no luck. My sister, upon hearing about Mama's search, got caught up in the nostalgia and located two copies of the book from the original printing in good condition and had them shipped right away. It turned out to be money very well spent.

David is a most unusually happy, contented, naive, talented and loving boy. Almost everyone tries to change him, but the only one to stay the same is 'Just David'. Not as famous as her great 'Pollyanna' but nothing more perfectly typifies this wonderful author's warm and tender work. Eleonar Porter writes characters that do not exist - but should.

When I was young my mother told me that I was named after the boy in the title of this book. My mother loved this book and wanted her only son to be like its title character, whom she admired greatly. It pleased me to be named after someone who was the subject of a book but, for some reason, I never bothered to ask my mother for details about either the book or its principal character, although she often spoke glowingly about the David for whom I was named. After my mother's death I regretted not having queried her for more details about Just David and its hero whom she so admired. When I found that Just David was available from Amazon.com I immediately ordered a copy and read it as soon as it arrived. To my pleasant surprise I found that I shared my mother's love both for the book and for its hero. I also understood for the first time why my mother had raised me as she had. I won't pretend to have all of the virtues possessed by the hero of this wonderful book, but I believe that I have more virtues than I would have if my mother hadn't used Just David's hero as a template for rearing me. I'm deeply grateful to my mother and to this special book which I recommend highly to others. I'm also grateful that in my career as a NASA scientist I had occasion to edit a book, Heterogeneous Atmospheric Chemistry, which is also available from Amazon.com. Although my mother was not alive when this book was published I like to think that she knows of its existence and is pleased by it.

I have read many fictionalized biographies of Elizabeth I, but this one is the gold standard. It is quite remarkable that Kay is able to detail Elizabeth's entire life in under 500 pages, yet I did not feel anything important had been overlooked or shortchanged. This would be a terrific first read as well as entirely satisfying to someone already very familiar with the details of the Virgin Queen's life and reign. Kay's depiction of Elizabeth's psychology rings very true and, although she answers the age-old "did she or didn't she" question differently than many historians have, her portrayal of Elizabeth's intimate relationship with Leicester is completely believeable. Kay has managed to synthesize the "feel" of the period without bogging down in unnecessary, dry historical discourse. I felt I understood Elizabeth and her motivations and inner workings more intimately than in any other biography of her I have read. There is no white washing of her shortcomings or exaggeration of her virtues. In my opinion, this author comes as close as possible to capturing the essence of this queen, both as a woman and as a ruler. Remarkable and exceptional writing. Very highly recommended.

This book absolutely deserves all the glowing reviews it has received on this site. I am so happy my local library had a copy of it. I was hooked from the very first sentence and I didn't put the book down all day.

I have read many books on the life of Elizabeth I, but this book ranks at the top. Susan Kay's prose is stunning and her story-telling capability is masterful. Kay truly transports you back to the time of Elizabeth to such a degree that you can smell the rushes on the floor of the palace, feel the piercing gaze of Elizabeth's eyes on you, and feel the tension and danger of court intrigue.

It is a brilliant book and a must read for anyone interested in Elizabeth I. (Or anyone who appreciates exceptionally good writing) Oh, and this book has no business being out of print! It is far superior than most Elizabeth I books that are on the shelves of bookstores right now.

I have read over a thousand historical novels,and this definitely is the best. Not just in court history, but it falls into the category of the most well written book ever to grace print. Could not put it down...

Unlike the trash heaps by Philippa Gregory or Laurien Gardner, Susan Kay actually wrote a compelling novel AND kept history intact. A tough balance act but she managed it. Ever the master of human emotion Kay builds up Elizabeth's emotional turmoil from Anne Boleyn's miserable end to the execution of her last favorite, Lord Essex. Chilling and colorful this book brings Elizabeth to life like no other novel I've read before or since. One can hate this Queen Bess at one moment only to love her at the next, like the real life queen Kay's Elizabeth keeps you guessing and when she reaches the emotional breaking point over having Mary Stuart executed one cannot help but feel for this woman. EXQUISITE in every way!

I'm going to be honest: I kind of hate this novel.

Why? Because someone else was reading it, and when I was fourteen I picked it up and literally could not put it down until I finished it.

I'd never read about the Tudors/been into historical fiction before, and this book served to instantly addict me. I've torn through any books I came across on the era, I majored in European History (rather than something PRACTICAL that would actually have made me money), and you know what?

I have never found its equal.

This was simply an amazing, deep, addictive book, which amazing writing. The dialogue was brilliant, the innuendo and doublespeak of courtiers so well-captured. It sets the standard, and unfortunately nothing I've read, and I suspect nothing I'll EVER read, about Elizabeth or the Tudors will live up to this book.

There. Thanks, Susan Kay-- and no thanks for both addicting and ruining me.

Thurber's classic about growing up in Columbus, Ohio is laugh out loud funny, even 80 years removed. Talent like this is rare. He deserves his literary reputation.

James Thurber was one of the funiest authors of all time and this book cements his reputation. I enjoyed it many years ago and after re-reading it, I enjoyed it again.

Should be required reading for all folks of any age looking for an introduction to life in these United States, for those learning to overcome despair and disaster with humor and grace, for any and all learning the English language.

Thurber is a great favorite of mine, and this was another fun book to read.

Take your mind back half a century and read these mildly amusing essays about life in the 1920s and 1930s. The style is so different from modern prose, but it is well worth the read.

My opinion of this novel echos that of the other readers. The book is wonderful! The character development is a lot more in depth than in your usual romance novel (erotic tensions aplenty, but no silly/brainless humping..thank you...) and the emotions between Jessalyn and McCady are truly heartfelt. The story grips you and doesn't let you go until the perfect ending. Ah....if love were always this sweet.
"Once in a Blue Moon" is and will be my all-time favorite love story.

I almost gave up on this book. I literally put it down and was going to stop reading when for some reason I decided to keep going. Am I ever glad I did! If I would have stopped reading, I would've missed one of the greatest romance novels that I have ever read.

The thing that separates this novel is the idea of unrequited love...a love that stands the TEST OF TIME and will not be denied. The beginning starts out slow. There are 2 parts to this story...the first being their younger beginning years, and the second being when they are 5 years older.

Jessalyn falls in love with McCady Trelawny when she is 16 years old. She loves him with an intensity that goes so far beyond just a "school girl crush". She knows that she will never love another, and in one of the most endearing speeches I've ever read, declares her love, loyalty, and devotion to McCady.

McCady is a tough one. Born of a family of "losers" (aka womanizers, gamblers, drinkers..ect) he thinks of himself no higher. He doesn't believe in love or his ability to be good for anyone. In order to "save" Jessalyn from being corrupted and tainted by him, he walks away from the gift of herself that she offers him.

Five years later nothing has changed...she loves him and he is absolutely obsessed with her. Many obstacles stand in their way of being together. Debts needing to be paid, jealous others, duty and obligation are just some of the hurdles that need to be overcome, but like with all romance novels....the ending is so sweet and satisfying that you'll be laughing through tears.

I couldn't recommend a book any higher. If you love this book..check out Tapestry by Karen Ranney...another excellent example of unrequited and timeless love.

This is an amazing book. Very beautifully written. I keep rereading and it gets better and better everytime. Highly recommend it.

Once in a Blue Moon has always been a favorite. This was my third time to purchase this book. Of course, the other two I have lend out in the past and never returned so I assumed it became a favorite to friends of mine. I fell in love with McCady and Jessalyn. Hey, I can't help it. They seem so real to me. Thanks to Ms. Penelope Williamson...cheers to you ma'am.

This book, to me, can not be rated high enough.
It is the romance of romances and I've been searching in vane for something equally magical ever since I've read it. As I feel with all of Mrs Williamsons books, she tells more than a love story. She is capable of envoking deep feelings in a way that I've never encountered in any other author. It doesn't take long to feel a deep bond with her characters and you will instinctively feel the powerfull emotions that go through them, even though this is never spoken aloud. I think it is this subtle writing style that lends such power to her books.

Once in a blue moon is the kind of book that comes once in a blue moon and I cannot recommend it highly enough. After you've read and reread it, you should also buy "Heart of the West" and "Keeper of the dream".

From the beginning, the mystery surrounding Aubrey captures the attention. Jean Luc secretly has plans for her as she runs from an abusive uncle, but his plans are thwarted by his captain, the captain of The Widow Maker as they pirate the ship Aubrey is aboard. Aubrey finds herself the captain's woman, but her heart finds its way to Jean Luc through this captivating tale. Through the turbulent storms of life and sea, their fate together is undetermined as Captain Black discovers their secret.

Wow, what an adventure! What I especially liked about this book was that it started off with a bang and before the end of the first chapter, author CC Colee had me hooked! I couldn't put it down! I felt like I was there on board the pirate ship, Widow Maker. You will forget that you are merely reading words and are not actually on the high seas in 1720. When an author can put you in the pages of the story like that, you have yourself a great book! I am ordering the second book of this great pirate adventure, RB: The Enchantress, right now!

When Aubrey decides to run away from her uncle, she never figured on being captured by pirates... or falling in love with one. The book is written with flair and excitement, so that your imagination lets you become deeply involved with the story. This is the first of a trilogy, and well worth the read, and the wait for the following books.

If you like action and adventure, you will enjoy reading "RB The Widow Maker." In this novel you have Rene Black who is the handsome but tough captain of the pirate ship Widow Maker. Aubry Malone, a timid English woman, is kidnaped by Captain Black while she is sailing on a ship to run away from an arranged marriage. Jean Luc, Black's quartermaster, is smitten by the fair beauty. Jean Luc's fate is sealed when Black learns of his forbidden love for Aubry. Mix this with a crew with a pirate mentality and you have a page turner full of adventure. It leaves you wanting more. And there is more to come in the next book, RB The Enchantess.

Who says that a romance story can't have swashbuckling action?! Certainly not C. C. Colee with this cleverly written look at pirates and love in distress! A ruse of kidnapping, the entanglement of jealousy and the threat of revenge -- explosive adventure on the high seas! Don't miss it!

Kate Rothwell's debut is a romance out of the line. One doesn't have the feeling to read just another romance book, but a real novel.
The characters are true and endearing, the plot is funny, sad and captivating at the same time.
Mick McCann, the young cop with the heart of gold, reminded my in some of his characteristics of Jamie Fraser from Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. And that's about the biggest compliment I can make to a romance heroe.
I bought the book because of the low price, and was instantly hooked! I want more!!!

looks like I'm the one bone of contention here, but I didn't find this book as wonderful as the other reviewers. I kept getting the feeling that I should have liked this book. Some of the situations just struck me as too implausible for early America.

While I liked the hero, Mick, at first, who was fairly honorable in every respect, I quickly took a dislike when he thought he'd "have a go" at the heroine because he thought she was a prostitute-in spite of her being injured AND the fact that he was almost bethothed to someone else. This one scene just threw me off the book, I'm afraid. That and the fact that, even though he's a cop, he still believes Timona is a prostitute through a third of the book? I quit at that point.

Anyway-three stars for an interesting premise, maybe I'm wrong-try it for yourself, for $3.99 you can't lose.

I am pretty tough when I rate books. So far I've only given two books a five star rating. One was a romance novel. Something Wonderful was delightful! I won't summarize the story because others have already done a great job of it already. I will just tell you how much I enjoyed this book. I loved Michael! He was a perfect hero. He didn't meet the typical romance hero requirements. He wasn't rich, arrogant, or English noblity. Nor was he a "noble crook" forced into a life of sin because of an unfair society.

Michael was unique and to me the perfect hero because he was so real. He cared about his family, neighbors, friends, animals and strangers. Whatever he had he was willing to share.

I also liked Timona. She was also atypical. She was a heiress but she accepted being rich as a part of who she was. She was open, honest, and smart. I liked that she didn't try to play mind games with the hero.

Their attraction to each other was loving and passionate. They had fantastic chemistry both physically and mentally. I liked how they really talked and shared who they were.

The story wasn't loaded down with mind games and other love interests. It was simply a powerful love story of two lovable characters.
Sensuality rating 3 out of 5.

I can't claim to be disinterested in this review, as Kate is my sister. But that disclaimer stated, I really did enjoy this book! It's fun to read. The characters are lively, funny and likable. I haven't read many romances -- it isn't my genre of choice. But if there are more like this out there, I may become a convert!

That's what Kate Rothwell's debut novel is. Her characters are wonderfully original, as is her setting. And combined, they create a wonderful story about two people from different ends of the spectrum brought together by circumstance. But they're kept together by a passion that sparks in Mick's dingy little apartment, and fuels a fire in each of them until they're certain they're where they should be - with each other.

Definitely a keeper!

This book is very good for anyone who wants to really know what Jews went through during the Holocaust. Until We Meet Again holds your attention, and is for anyone and everyone.
In the time of the holocaust under Hitler's rule there was a two teenage lovers, a boy named Meyer and a girl named Manya. They lived in the little town Hrubieszow, Poland,in a ghetto like all the rest of the Jews. Then the day came that they were transported out of the ghetto to the first concentration camp. They were torn from each other and their families as the were moved from one concentration camp to the next.But before they departed, Meyer and Manya made a promise to each other: No matter what happens, stay alive until liberation and meet back at Hrubieszow. Will they both survive the brutal and vicious days of the holocaust? Will they make it to each other in time? Read this true story of love, life and survival and find out.

-written by: Kelsey Bishop

In the small town of Hrubieszow Poland, two lovers Meyer and Manya attempt to escape to terrible hands of the German Nazi Soldiers. When many atempts to escape fail, both lovers suffer deportation, seperation, and close-to-death situations. Going to camps such as Flossenburg and Aushwits both Manya and Meyer struggle to hold on, but at the same time rely on one day being together back in Hrubieszow. When both of them believe they will never be reunited with they're families after the war has ended, Meyer and Manya's son Michael Korenblit finds out some informations on his mothers family while making this book.

This book is the most amazing, Holocaust book I have ever read. There is not one book that has takin my breath away or have drawn tears to my eyes such as this one has. Imagine having nothing to hold on to, Do you think Manya and Meyer would have survived without one another? As hard as it got, thoughts of being with eachother kept Meyer and Manya still holding on. I recomend this book to anyone, because out there there really is a God and if you ever loose everything, faith is one thing you cant loose.

I think this is an incredible book and I don't think the Editorial Review does it any justice. The Editorial Reviewer understood that the story was incredibly moving and wanted it to be written more fairy tale-like, however it is not any fantasy-like because it is and was SO REAL and I think Korenblit perfectly captures its highly-emotive atmosphere. I suggest this as a read not only for historical information about the Holocaust but as an overall life-lesson that love can make you strong and that among all evil there will always be some good.

I met M. Kornblit, received his book, and read it in two days! It caused me to be thankful for every minute I live in a peaceful country, every morsel of food I partake, every single material thing I have...It is truly the most unforgettable book I'll ever read.

I'll admit that this book started out a little slowly for me, but by about chapter 18, I began to be drawn more and more into the story of teenage sweethearts Manya and Meyer, Manya's little brother Chaim, and their friends (even though the writing style employed wasn't always that dramatic or riveting). The story begins when Manya and one of her brothers, Chaim, make the very difficult decision to leave their family in the hiding place in the wall of their house in the ghetto of Hrubieszow to join Meyer's family hiding in a haystack, in 1942. Perhaps I would have been more drawn into the story initially had it begun earlier on and slowly introduced the characters and situation, instead of starting off rather in media res. And perhaps the events might have come even more alive for me had the book been written in the first person instead of by two secondhand parties. It also kind of kills the dramatic surprise by revealing at the beginning that Chaim was discovered in early 1982, with the reader knowing all along he survived instead of only saving it for the epilogue, when it would have had far greater dramatic effect.

All that said, however, the book does a rather good job at conveying the increasingly trapped and horrific situation the characters found themselves in. Many of the decisions they made, and breaks from outsiders they got which ended up contributing to their eventual survival, could be attributed to only luck, since many other people in similar situations might have had far different fates for making or not making those same decisions. After leaving the haystack, Manya, Meyer, and Chaim returned to the new ghetto in Hrubieszow, where they were put to "legitimate" work, though always in constant danger of brutality and deportations. Sometime in 1943 (the book isn't very good at all about giving a specific timeline of when exactly a lot of this stuff happened), Chaim was taken, and then a bit later on Manya, Meyer, and a few of their friends were deported as well. Initially the young lovers were in the same camp, but were eventually separated, promising to meet again in Hrubieszow at the end of the war. The two of them went through a seemingly endless stream of camps over the next two years, suffering bestial treatments and conditions, but got through with a little help from their friends, and, most importantly, their love for one another. Under such intense times, what would have been just a routine teenage romance in ordinary time turned into something much more serious, emotions magnified as people turned and clung to those they already had a powerful connection to, nurturing and keeping alive the one remaining thing that they still knew for sure, that kept them sane, human, hopeful, normal. It seems amazing to people living in comfort in the present day that love could have survived and even flourished under such awful inhuman conditions, but after reading a powerful story such as this one, it doesn't seem like a surprising phenomenon at all.

I have just been introduced to Beverly Jenkins books. I wasn't much of a romance novel reader, but I bought Jewel and was so impressed by her writing style I ordered every book I could. I've just finished reading Vivid and I must say she has recruited a fan for life. I love the way she ties African American history into her stories, I'm in awe of the history I'm learning. This book was well over 300 pages and I was so disappointed when it ended. Beverly Jenkins writes the ultimate "take me away" books with the added history lessons.

This is the type of book you can read and re-read again and still get excited about reading it. As an African-American female med student, this book really intrigued me. To read how women of the 1800's, and not just African-American women, faced many obstacles just so they can live their dreams. It gave me motivation and pride to know females such as Elizabeth Blackwell and Rebecca Lee paved the way. I love, love, love the characters in this book. Vivid is sassy, independent, and intelligent. I liked the fact she knew everything about the human body like how to amputate a leg or give stitches but was clueless about the passion a man can give a women. Nate Grayson is that man to show her the way. Nate was so funny in a subtle way. He's strong, powerful and very passionate. I like the small town feel and how everyone looks out for each other. The unexpected twist and turns in this book will come as a surprise. You will feel the passion in this book so go get it!

Beverly Jenkins is awesome. Not only are her love scenes hot but you are given a wealth of historical knowledge regarding the reconstruction and subsequent jim crow period in our history. She is able to make you proud of our contributions and especially proud of our black men and the way they treat their families and women. She is great and the stories have plots that hold your interest and keep you wanting more.

I loved this book just like the other Beverly Jenkins books that I've read. Nate with his smokey gray eyes and Viveca with all of her stories just captures you and holds you. I've read and re-read this book and past it one to my friends. Beverly has done it again. Nate is such a realistic man, I've even used his line "I love you like the trees love spring rain" on my husband. Let's just say he smiled for weeks! I loved all the characters in the book and how well developed they were. This goes down as another favorite.

An example of fierceness and determinaton despite obstacles and objections during the era of fighting for womens' rights and equal opportunites. Dr. Lancaster was a ball of fire and a force to be reckoned with. She was dedicated to her profession as well as the members of the community, regardless of what the menfolk thought. If you're looking for a great read that exemplifies fearlessness and how we ought to be as individuals in the face of adversity...you won't be disappointed. Not to mention falling in love with a fine, strong man who accepts you for who you are and not what society says who you should be. Oh, and I must mention Magic..what a delight. Beverly Jenkins never fails on delivering great work.

I enjoyed reading about Archer, Zahra(the Union spy), Arminata(Hariett Tubman), Archer's brothers, and mama. As always there is our history(black America), told by one of us, and a little erotica. However, the erotica is not lewd and is simply a small part of the story.

I love the Le'Veqs! I could hardly wait for this one to come out after I read the profile and found out it was about one of my favorite families (it's a tie between them and the Vachons). This one is defintely in my BJ's Top 5. 1. Indigo, 2. A Chance at Love, 3. Before the Dawn, 4. Winds of the Storm, 5. Jewel.

This series is Stellar. Not only are they well written and identifiable romance novels, they also take you on a journey in the life of the people of those times. It is a truly remarkable and educational reading experience. These period pieces are my all time favorite!

Another Beverly Jenkins hit. I've just about read all of Beverly Jenkins books and trust me this woman can deliver the best...it's never a disappointment with anything she's written. This is a wonderful historical romance book, if you are interested in black history and what black people have done to make the many contributions that we've had to this country, read this book. Beverly does an extensive amount of research when she writes historical books, or any book for that matter and is excellent with providing further insight and websites to further your knowledge. This is another book that doesn't disappoint.

Indigo was the first book I read by Beverly Jenkins. Afterwards, I purchased most of her books. I've also purchased a couple of the books that she lists in her Author's Note. Her characters are so life-like. Sometimes I wish I could be transported back in time to see what life was really like for 19th century African Americans.

Yellow Star is excellent. The book is written in first person, from the authors interviews of her aunt who was one of the only children who survived the Lodzer Ghetto. I was deeply moved by her writing, not only as an avid reader, but as a person who lost an extensive family in Lodz during WW2 .

This book is recommended reading fr anyone who wants to now what happened during those horrific times.

Manny Litwak

This is a must read for children and adults alike. As an adult I have been enjoying reading the books written for children lately. They tell the truth of what really happened but they are not so graphic as to totally terrify a child.

I found this book very encouraging and moving. Please read this book with your children and grandchildren, talk about it and let us never forget so this will never happen again.

Beautifully written.

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy is about a young Jewish girl named Syvia Perimutter who is forced by the Nazis to live in a ghetto under impossible conditions during the Holocaust.

In 1939 the Germans invaded Lodz, Poland and forced the Jewish population to live in a ghetto. 270,000 people where forced to live in these death threatening ways. At the end of the war, about 800 people survived, 12 being children. One of those 12 was Syvia. This story is about how Syvia Perimutter survived during WWII.

Syvia's personality changes many times during the story. She is sad and lonely when she is told she can never leave the room. Syvia also goes from scared to hopeful and brave to happy as the story goes on.

I like this book because it was exciting and helped me learn more about the conditions that people lived in during World War II.

The author retells her Aunt Syvia's story of surviving in the Lodz Ghetto during WWII. The book is based on Syvia's true story, although the author has fictionalized some events. Told in a series of vignettes that are vivid and poetic, the story begins during the fall of 1939 and ends with the liberation of Lodz in 1945.

Each of the book's five sections starts with a short factual introduction that puts Syvia's story into a historical context. Then, told in first person, each of Syvia's short but vivid memories helps the reader understand the true horror of the Holocaust. Syvia's story is wonderful and terrifying and wise.

Told from a child's perspective, the story uses simple and powerful language. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for children and adults.

I am always trying to educate myself on The Holocaust since I teach a unit over it during the school year. This year I attended an educator conference for teaching The Holocaust and one of the speakers highly recommend this book, so I went home and ordered it. When I received it, I sat on the couch and started to read it. Two hours later I got up feeling like I had just lived through a horrible nightmare. This book is amazing. You are there feeling and seeing everything. If you have any interest in stories about The Holocaust, this is one to add to your library.