Each year I reflect on books read, often with a few comments on the story, my perspective and a recommendation. As mentioned in another post, my reading has been challenging this year. At times I’ve been unable to find a novel that suits or I’ve chosen a book, read 50 or so pages and decided that it’s not for me.
In preparation for releasing my latest novel, That Was Then – a contemporary thriller, I read quite a few thrillers, in part for inspiration and in part to understand the competition. Historical fiction is always on my go to list, however, when times are challenging, I find that even this favourite genre can be a challenge.
Here’s my legend: LR = light, enjoyable read; SS = a so-so read, not likely to recommend; GR = good, several caveats; ER = excellent; OR = outstanding; DNF = did not finish; NMT = not my type
33 books in 2024, although I’m sure I’ve missed one or two. As in past years, this is post one of two.
More great books on the next post. What books do you recommend?
Here’s a link to the books I read in 2023. And you can search ‘a year of reading’ in the search field for other years. Or you can use this link to read a review of The King’s Intelligencer, or this link for a post prompted by Monica Wood’s How to Read a Book, or this post on Twilight of Democracy.
FOR MORE ON READING & WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION FOLLOW A WRITER OF HISTORY. There’s a SUBSCRIBE function on the right hand side of the page.
M.K. Tod writes historical fiction. Her latest novel THAT WAS THEN is a contemporary thriller. Mary’s other novels, THE ADMIRAL’S WIFE, PARIS IN RUINS, TIME AND REGRET, LIES TOLD IN SILENCE and UNRAVELLED are available from Amazon, Nook, Kobo, Google Play and iTunes. She can be contacted on Facebook or on her website www.mktod.com.
8 Responses
I doubt you saw mine since it was published just before Xmas , The Peacock’s Legacy by Sasha M Stevens. It is indie published and available on Amazon. It has two 5 star reviews ( Reedsy Discovery and the onlinebookclub) and has been accepted for review by the Historical Novel Society .
Many thanks for your recommendation, Sasha. And congratulations on your new novel.
My relationship with historical fiction is a very curious one. As a young man I loved historical fiction, especially the works of Irving Stone. Indeed they, in part, inspired me to become a professional historian. Indeed I spent about a half century in the classroom teaching history, the vast majority of the time as a college professor. But then there was a problem– yes, I regularly assigned historical novels to complement other non fiction assigned books and eventually became an author of historical novels, the Sino-American Tales, I myself largely stopped reading historical novels because I was afraid their content might confuse me when I was teaching. But happily, having recently retired I am in a position to enjoy actually reading one of my favorite genres of fiction writing, historical novels. Steven Leibo
It’s great to hear of your background, Steven. I think your journey could make a good guest blog post – are you interested??
Whether reading historical fiction or writing it, I love delving into other times. A problem is reading old newspapers. I start looking for particular facts to bolster my plot or shape it and get caught up in every little thing, from ads for clothes and groceries to obituaries. A whole afternoon can go by with me acquiring one fact I needed but a whole bunch of fun unrelated material.
Where do you source these old newspapers, Carolyn? I’m curious for the next novel I’m just now sketching out.
I appreciate you sharing this list with us. I’ve added several to my To Be Read collection. Thank you!
Wonderful!! Please let me know if there are some you would recommend.