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My Top 10 Historical Fiction Books of All-Time

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  • Опубліковано 20 лис 2022
  • This is my all-time favorite historical fiction reads. I'm hoping I'll find some new ones to add to my list in 2023! Please let me know if you have any recommendations for me on ones I should try.
    Booktubers Mentioned:
    ‪@OnTheMiddleShelf‬ - • My All-Time Top 10 Fav...
    Watch More:
    - Historathon 2022: • HISTORATHON TBR // 9 H...
    - Popular Historical Fiction Try a Chapter - • Looking For My Next 5 ...
    - 2021 Fiction Favorites: • Top 10 Fiction Books o...
    Books Mentioned:
    Where the Lost Wander - amzn.to/3XofMXe
    From Sand and Ash - amzn.to/3gjm3TH
    Dear Mrs. Bird - amzn.to/3giK7pP
    City of Thieves - amzn.to/3Xj42Wa
    Salt to the Sea - amzn.to/3OrqbNK
    Between Shades of Gray - amzn.to/3hZKUMP
    The Nature of Fragile Things - amzn.to/3OwYnYv
    As Bright As Heaven - amzn.to/3ErIgqx
    Outlander - amzn.to/3OrAgdH
    The Nightingale - amzn.to/3tNml8l
    The Book Thief - amzn.to/3hTSOXL
    Number the Stars - amzn.to/3AvztCY
    A Voice in the Wind - amzn.to/3gvskLQ
    Beneath a Scarlet Sky - amzn.to/3XwGVrk
    A Gentleman in Moscow - amzn.to/3EPWWkJ
    _______________
    Libro.fm referral link: libro.fm/refer...
    (I'll earn a free audiobook when anyone uses my link to start a new membership! No pressure, just wanted to let you know!)
    *Links to Amazon are affiliate links where I can earn a tiny commission if you purchase through that link.
    Find Me:
    📚 Goodreads - / gloriazay
    📚 Storygraph - app.thestorygr...
    ✨ Instagram - / gloriazthompson
    📧 Email - zaytsev.gloria@gmail.com
    📲 Voxer - gzthompson
    ✨ Wishlist - amzn.to/3q9tKOi
    Equipment Used:
    📷 Camera - Canon G7X Mark II
    🎬 edited on iMovie, thumnbail w/ PicMonkey

КОМЕНТАРІ • 227

  • @NovelOpinions
    @NovelOpinions Рік тому +21

    So many good books here! Outlander, book thief, Salt to the Sea, Gentleman in Moscow, Beneath a Scarlet Sky, Nightingale- love them all!!

    • @AD_2314
      @AD_2314 Рік тому +2

      Yessss! All are great! 👌

  • @BookwormAdventureGirl
    @BookwormAdventureGirl Рік тому +8

    A great list! Loved Where The Lost Wander, The Nightingale and The Book Thief. I really want to read more Amy Harmon and I also want to read a Gentleman in Moscow. Dear Mrs. Bird sounds like one I would enjoy. 😊💙

  • @jefrizelle
    @jefrizelle Місяць тому +1

    Just stumbled across this video and I know I'm two years too late but I highly recommend the book Chinese Cinderella, it's a historical non-fiction set in China and tells the story of Adeline Yen Mah's life, it's tragic, inspiring and heart-wrenching. This book isn't fiction but I first read it when I was a teenager and it's what got me hooked on the historical genre in general. Chinese Cinderella is targeted towards teens, but the author also wrote a longer autobiography of her life called 'Falling Leaves' which is for an adult audience. Either one I recommend though!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  24 дні тому

      Thank you so much for this recommendation! Never too late.

  • @pagesofblessings
    @pagesofblessings Рік тому +8

    Added a few to my tbr!
    I just read The Nightingale this month and really enjoyed it. It’s hard to go into a rating of a book that has soooo many reviews and not be a tad influenced by them. Maybe try the audiobook for your reread? I enjoyed the narrator and her French accent.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +2

      Actually the first time I read it, I listened to the audiobook of it and loved it. So I might try reading it this time. But I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it!

  • @ritah3443
    @ritah3443 Рік тому +2

    I love when vloggers focus on nonfiction or historical fiction. Thanks for your thoughts on these, a few I read and a few I definitely added to my wishlist, topping it Salt to the Sea.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Thanks Rita! Those are my top two favorite genres, and I'm always on the hunt for new favorites from both categories. I hope you enjoy Salt to the Sea when you get to it.

  • @Shellyish
    @Shellyish Рік тому +10

    Yay!!!!!! City of Thieves is one I’d love to get my hands on! 😊
    The Book Thief is incredible. ❤

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I have a feeling you might enjoy that one! And I’m looking forward to my reread of Book Thief. I hope I still love it the second time around.

  • @wills2652
    @wills2652 7 місяців тому +3

    Thanks I want to read more historical fiction books! This is great!!

  • @mizsuzee
    @mizsuzee Рік тому +3

    A FANTASTIC historical fiction book where the author and main character is a person of color was The Yellow Wife. Excellent read !! I'm an Amy Harmon fan also! I tried Gentleman in Moscow and put it down, but I definitely plan to try it again.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I read Yellow Wife last year and really enjoyed it! I voted for it in the Goodreads choice awards last year. Great recommendation!

  • @JessMcGlynn
    @JessMcGlynn Рік тому +4

    So many books to add to my wishlist! I haven’t come across a couple of these authors so thank you for the recommendations.
    Cannot recommend A Gentleman in Moscow enough…one of my all time favourite books and Amor Towles is one of my all time favourite authors as a result ❤

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Thanks for watching my video! I have been meaning to read it for so long, and I finally just picked it up this month!

  • @Leo_Jhonys
    @Leo_Jhonys Місяць тому

    Great. You have a very comforting and pleasant voice!

  • @thequintanashow5058
    @thequintanashow5058 Рік тому +2

    Just what I was looking for. Thanks, and you’re doing great work - keep it up!

  • @debbieperleberg8230
    @debbieperleberg8230 Рік тому +2

    I can’t remember if you have read these or not but Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi, Burial Rites by Hannah Kent, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, were books that I’ve read over the last few years that were very impactful and that have stuck with me. Where the Lost Wander, The Nightingale and Outlander are on my top 10 list as well.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Sparks Like Stars has now been recommended multiple times. That one is going on the priority list for 2023. Burial Rites I own and will be on my winter TBR, and I've read Homegoing and really enjoyed it! Looks like we have much in common with some stand out reads. Thanks Debbie!

  • @panktimodi5866
    @panktimodi5866 Рік тому +1

    I have to read few of the books which you have suggested. I am adding remaining in my tbr list. I love historical fiction but after reading one usually I need something light as many of those covers heavy topics.
    These are some of the books which covers part of lesser known history(Some of these books are famous and some less so)
    A Thousand Splendid Suns/The Kite Runner
    Pachinko
    Homegoing
    Moloka'i
    The Great Alone
    The Vanishing Half
    The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane/The Island of Sea Women
    Purple Hibiscus
    The Henna Artist
    A Fall of Marigolds
    Before We Were Yours
    Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI
    Orhan's Inheritance
    The Mountains Sing
    The Other Einstein
    Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet
    I hope you enjoy some of these.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +3

      Thank you so much for these recommendations! I’ve read several on the list and own many of the others that are still waiting to be read. I hope to prioritize them for 2023!

  • @Readingindarknesss
    @Readingindarknesss Рік тому +3

    I loved the kitchen house if youre looking for diverse!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Ooo, I own that one! Need to get to it soon. Thanks for the reminder.

  • @autumnray9329
    @autumnray9329 Рік тому +4

    I'm so glad I found this review! I love books like
    Mrs. Mike
    The Magic of Ordinary Day
    Ect.
    I just read Where the List Wonder.
    I loved it!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I had not heard of either of those, but now they are on my to read list. Thanks for the recommendations! And yes, Where the Lost Wander was amazing!

  • @DancingNancio
    @DancingNancio 2 місяці тому +1

    So glad Outlander is here. Imo nothing comes close to that series except maybe Tolstoy, Dickens and Dumas. Yes, it’s brutal in parts but that’s life.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  2 місяці тому

      It's definitely an epic saga of a series, that has amazing characters! I've only read up to book 5, so still have a ways to go.

  • @KatieReadsKoziesAndMore
    @KatieReadsKoziesAndMore Рік тому +2

    I highly recommend Connie Willis’ All Clear duology
    Book one: Blackout
    Book two: All Clear
    I’m with you on loving Dear Mrs. Bird. I feel like I just received an early present when you said Book 3 is on the way!
    Thank you for this interesting group of books!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the recommendations Katie! And I was surprised to hear about the third book for Dear Mrs. Bird as well. That’ll be one I’m anticipating for next year.

  • @beautifulminutiae
    @beautifulminutiae Рік тому +1

    You’re making me rethink trying Susan Meissner. I read a book of hers last year and it was quite possibly one of the worst books I’ve ever read 😅 But she wrote it in 2008, so maybe her writing has grown since then. A lot of historical fictions that others have loved and I feel meh about, you’ve felt the same way, so I take your recommendations seriously.
    The Nightingale was one of my favorite books last year, so I hope it holds up for you! Have you read any Amy Tan? I have read two of her books and I love how she focuses on WW2 in China with imperial Japan invading. It’s such a unique perspective, compared to most Western European WW2 books.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      I think Meissner is definitely worth trying again (especially her newer ones). But it will be hard to beat Nature of Fragile Things for me.
      And I've considered Amy Tan, and since you've enjoyed her writing I think I may as well! Thank you for the recommendation.

  • @svance1041
    @svance1041 Рік тому +1

    So interesting! Great to be reminded of the Mrs Bird series as I meant to read the second one. I think I remember reading A Voice in the Wind and would also like to reread it. There was one book in that series that made a big impression on me so perhaps that is the one. The Nightingale is one of my top ten books. You gave me some great book suggestions so I will mention a few good ones for you! Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi, since you are looking for more diversity. :) Enjoy!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I’ve read Between the World and Me, but Sparks Like Stars is now high on the priority list. Thanks for the recommendation!

  • @nickbrown-rz9yr
    @nickbrown-rz9yr Рік тому +1

    Never heard of most of these! Good list for new reads. My recommendation of ones I've love are Shogun by James Clavell, Aztec by Garey Jennings, Inca by Greggory Micks and Clan of the cave bear by Jean Auel. Long but awsome reads all of them 🤓

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for the recommendations! I have Clan of the Cave Bear on my shelves and have been wanting to try it. I'm so intrigued by that time period. But I haven't heard of the others, I'll have to seek them out.

  • @reddotreads2693
    @reddotreads2693 Рік тому +2

    Great list! I loved The Nightingale; I think you may remember the story once you start rereading it because it’s so impactful. Amy Harmon is high on my list to try! Have you read Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier, which is set in Holland? It’s excellent! 😊📚

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I own that one, but have been intimidated to read it since it’s about the art world I think. But I do know it’s on many must-read historical fiction lists, so I do want to try it.

    • @reddotreads2693
      @reddotreads2693 Рік тому +1

      @@GloriaZThompson yes, it’s based on the true story of Vermeer’s painting. Art comes into it, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about coming of age, family dynamics and poverty. I loved it! 🥰

  • @andeeheartsbooks7447
    @andeeheartsbooks7447 Рік тому +2

    Isabel Allende has lots of non white characters and is so page turning. My favorite is Daughter of Fortune. I added a few from this list to my tbr, have read many and agree they are so good! I also need to read A Gentleman in Moscow--been on my list for years!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Thanks for shouting out Isabel Allende! She's an author I've been meaning to try. I own A Long Petal to the Sea, so I might start with that one.

  • @kathyk1148
    @kathyk1148 Рік тому +1

    If you would like recommendations for diverse historical fiction: "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi, set on the African continent. It's the story of two half sisters. It was a 5 star read for me and so many others I know. Right now I'm reading "Peach Blossom Spring" by Melissa Wu set in China in the time of WWII and later. It's a refugee story about family and survival when a town is destroyed during WWII by attacks from Japan. I'm loving it so far. It's a new release. It's my November BOTM choice.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for the recommendations! I read Homegoing and really enjoyed it. Such a great story but not quite a 5 star for me as I wanted more time with the characters but it kept switching perspective. Which was a very cool way to tell the story, but I wanted more. And great to hear you are enjoying Peach Blossom Spring. I own the audiobook of that one, so I would love to read it. Hopefully I enjoy it too!

  • @tammys5687
    @tammys5687 Рік тому +1

    I just absolutely ADORED Dear Mrs. Bird. I *liked* the sequel but not nearly as much as the first book.
    I haven't read Salt to the Sea, but I have read Between Shades of Gray. That book stuck with me for so long.
    And I read and really enjoyed The Nature of Fragile Things.
    I have enjoyed the YA historical fiction by Stacey Lee. She writes about the Chinese in America in different times, and the hardships they faced. One of them was set in Atlanta after the Civil War, I believe (The Downstairs Girl), another set during the earthquake in San Francisco.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      I agree about Yours Cheerfully - I didn’t love it as much as the first but still plan on reading the third book next year.
      Also, thanks for mentioning Stacey Lee - I will need to try her books!

  • @carolrodenbeck2381
    @carolrodenbeck2381 5 місяців тому +1

    The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn, The Women by Kristin Hannah, The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  5 місяців тому

      I've read all of them! Out of those 3, The Women was my favorite.

  • @claudiastevens9628
    @claudiastevens9628 2 місяці тому

    I've watched so many videos on how people adjust their favorite lists. I have changed my views on so many things and books as I look back. But I don't erase my past. I still loved those older reads as fives at that time in my life and they stay that way. My new lists may bump them down or off but but they keep their status on the old list.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  2 місяці тому

      I’m excited to do the same and go back and re-examine favorites as the years pass. I’m sure 5 years from now even, this top 10 list would look much different!

  • @jeaninehogshead4710
    @jeaninehogshead4710 7 днів тому

    I’m sorry I just found you. I am busy with sick relative but you gave SOO many good recommendations I wanted to answer your last part. Historical. Non-white.
    Have you read Killers of the Flower Moon??? I live near this area I am sad to say. There’s also movie and documentary too. Hope it’s new to you. Thanks for recommending

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  6 днів тому +1

      Thanks for watching and saying hello! Yes I have! It was an interesting read and I liked learning about history I wasn't aware of. I haven't watching the movie yet though!

  • @ankitsingh-ip6db
    @ankitsingh-ip6db 7 місяців тому

    Surprised that Ken Follet dint show up, you did have some great recommendations. Thanks!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  7 місяців тому

      He's on my to-read list, so maybe an updated version of this video in the future will include him!

  • @desireepetitdemurat8660
    @desireepetitdemurat8660 Рік тому +4

    To tell you the truth, historical fiction is my favorite genre but I’m absolutely tired of WWII stories by now. On the other hand, Ken Follett should be in any historical fiction list in my opinion, one of the big names of the genre.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      I’m a bit over WW2 myself, so I’m hoping to broaden my historical fiction reading in 2023 and find some other favorites. I have Pillars of the Earth waiting for me to try, but I am intimidated!

    • @franciscoovalle4853
      @franciscoovalle4853 25 днів тому

      Read Killer Angels...About Gettysburg.

  • @ElvisAustin15
    @ElvisAustin15 6 місяців тому

    Insightful video. Thanks. I just started uploading my own historical fiction stuff last night. I wish I can review them with you and have coffee. Haha

  • @BooksAndJams
    @BooksAndJams Рік тому

    The only one of these I haven't already read and loved is City of Thieves. I really need to remedy that! Have you read Kindred by Octavia Butler? It has a time travel element, but is a thought provoking read. I'd be curious what you think of that one. Also, have you read any Bianca Marais? She has 2 hf books set in South Africa. I also read The Attic Child this year and really liked that one. There...those are a few of my recs for you with non-white, non-war focuses.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I have not read any Olivia E. Butler, but I own Kindred, so I would love to prioritize that next year. And I have read Hum if You Don't Know the Words (really enjoyed that perspective) so If You Want to Make God Laugh is one I want to get to as well. Thanks for the recommendations, Krista!

  • @RadioGirLF
    @RadioGirLF Рік тому +5

    Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese! It's my all-time favourite book and it happens to be set in Ethiopia so it fits your diversity goal ☺

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Already own that one, so I really need to pick it up! I’m putting on my TBR for 2023. It will happen and it also feels a bit under the radar.

  • @jimme1982
    @jimme1982 8 місяців тому

    Have to say thanks for this video again. I've also become a huge Amy Harmon fan. Where the Lost Wander was great. I liked "What the Wind Knows Even better". "The Unknown Beloved" was also really good.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  8 місяців тому

      Thanks for watching! Try A Girl Called Samson next by Harmon if you haven't already. It was a great one too!

  • @awebofstories
    @awebofstories Рік тому +1

    If you want WWII fiction, check out The World That We Knew by Alice Hoffman. I'm not a huge fan of WWII fiction (only because I've read so much of it), but that one really made an impact on me. Some other 5 star historical reads for me were:
    THIS TENDER LAND and ORDINARY GRACE by William Kent Krueger (coming of age in Minnesota. Set in the Depression and the 60s, respectively. Both of these are standalones)
    HAMNET by Maggie O'Farrell (16th century England, about Shakespeare's family)
    THE MOUNTAINS SING by Nguyen Phan Que Mai (a family story set, in part, during the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective)
    THE NIGHT WATCHMAN by Louise Erdrich (about the Termination of Native tribes in the 1950s)
    And an author you might like, based on what you talked about in your video, is Sarah Dunant. She writes a lot of books set during the Italian Renaissance.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Thank you for these wonderful recommendations! I own both of those books by Krueger, and will definitely pick one of them up in 2023. I tried Hamnet in October and it was a unique read (which I appreciated), but also was a bit too lyrical for my taste to totally fall in love. And the other two I have heard of but weren't previously on my radar, so I appreciate you letting me know about them!

    • @bndergltd3053
      @bndergltd3053 Рік тому

      I LOVED This Tender Land. I also read Ordinary Grace and the story was good, but whoever edited the book must’ve been asleep at the wheel because of terrible punctuation (a lot of run on sentences and comma splices), which was so distracting. It kind of took away from the experience.
      If you are interested in reading stories that feature Native American characters, I also recommend Between Earth and Sky by Amanda Skenandore.

  • @RB-zl7mr
    @RB-zl7mr Рік тому

    I know it's not what your channel is about, but would you be able to give us a tour of the room you're in? It looks amazing, especially that table. 😁

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the request! I may do a house/room tour at some point. Our place is nothing special, but if that's something you are interested in, can do!

  • @nellerue446
    @nellerue446 11 місяців тому

    I reread The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson the other day. I read it when I was a school librarian preparing a group of elementary students for a book competition. I thought what a treasure many YA books are! Anyway, I was glad to see Number the Stars on your list - another book to not miss!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  10 місяців тому

      Number the Stars was very pivotal for me as a young reader, especially with historical fiction. I've never heard of The Great Gilly Hopkins, so thank you for putting it on my radar now!

  • @scl97
    @scl97 Місяць тому

    The entire works of the Logan family by Mildred D.Taylor! The most famous is Roll of Thunder Hear my Cry but she has a whole series of books

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Місяць тому +1

      @@scl97 I do need to get to those and try them! I hope I enjoy them.

  • @crystaljordan7318
    @crystaljordan7318 Рік тому

    I have had What She Carried on my TBR for a while. Maybe it would branch into the diversity you are looking for.
    Great list!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I haven’t heard of that one. Who is the author?

    • @crystaljordan7318
      @crystaljordan7318 Рік тому

      @@GloriaZThompson oops! Got the title wrong...
      All that She Carried by Tiya Miles

  • @Lisa-vk1ey
    @Lisa-vk1ey Рік тому +2

    Stones from the River by Ursula Hegi is a hidden gem. I couldn’t get it out of my mind.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Have never heard of that but now I’m intrigued! Thanks for putting it on my radar.

  • @marjoriebd3326
    @marjoriebd3326 11 місяців тому

    I am new to your channel and maybe you have already picked her up, but I think you would love Lisa See, in particular Island of Sea Woman, the Girl from Hummingbird Lane and and her latest Lady Tan's Circle of Women.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  10 місяців тому

      I read Snowflower and the Secret Fan and it wasn't a favorite, but she's on my radar to try more of. I own Island of Sea Women and The Tea Girl one, so definitely one of those I need to give a go. Thanks for the recommendation!

  • @Paige.Robinson
    @Paige.Robinson 6 місяців тому

    Love the outlander series. Waiting and waiting for book 10 to come out!

  • @user-zt9ch2wc8o
    @user-zt9ch2wc8o 5 місяців тому +1

    The hired girl by: Laura Amy Schlitz is an amazing book where a young girl has a horrible home life so she finds her way to a Jewish family and becomes a hired girl. This book is full of adventure and a little bit of romance. It's different from other hf books because the point of view is from a young girl and the book is pretty much her diary. This book is a definite 5 star book and I recommend it to any who likes hf.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  5 місяців тому

      I’ve never heard of it but that sounds fantastic! Adding it to my radar and want to read list. Thank you for the recommendation.

  • @Julie-ms9ss
    @Julie-ms9ss Рік тому

    Hello, I’m a new subscriber . I haven’t read any of the books you mentioned, but will write them down to keep an eye out for. I’d like to recommend The Glovemaker and also The Promise by Ann Weisgarber , The Visitors by Sally Beauman , Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier , and Gillespie and I by Jane Harris. They all get 5 ⭐️ ( for me).
    Happy Reading. ❤

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Hi there! Thank you for taking the time to say hello and give me some recommendations! I haven't heard of most of those, and I love that!

  • @kelseyleblanc7247
    @kelseyleblanc7247 Рік тому

    Have you read Yours Cheerfully, the sequel to Dear Mrs. Bird? I also really loved that one! It had all the same ingredients as the first one and the third one comes out at the beginning of next year I believe!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I have and I enjoyed it! Not as much as the first though, but I still plan on reading the third book for sure.

  • @MargaretPinard
    @MargaretPinard Рік тому

    Still have to read Nature of Fragile Things!! Have you read Vera?? So good too!!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      I have not but just looked it up and I now want to! Another book set during the 1906 San Fran earthquake, yes please!

  • @reaganhadaway6619
    @reaganhadaway6619 Рік тому

    Recommendation since you want to diversify your reading: Copper Sun by Sharon M Draper. Follows a teenage girl from her village in Ghana as she is stolen during the slave trade, taken to North America, and lives on a plantation as a slave. Really harsh but needed insight on plantation life

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Thank you for the recommendation! I've read from the author before but have not heard of that one. It sounds like a great book for Black History Month, so I may pick it up next.

  • @AlexDuggan68
    @AlexDuggan68 3 місяці тому

    We Appy Few is a great book to read. Its the story of a group of men who go off to fight the battle of Agincourt, where a young boy falls in love and understands what it means to be a man.

  • @jilltatro9324
    @jilltatro9324 Рік тому +7

    Not shouting… just quietly excited for you to read a gentleman in Moscow.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Haha! 😂 Guess what?! I am currently reading it, so I will have my thoughts in my December wrap up.

  • @alexandrakudelska9943
    @alexandrakudelska9943 Рік тому

    I love you keep making these videos please!

  • @LilMcGriddle007
    @LilMcGriddle007 Місяць тому

    I’m a bit late, but thank you for these great recommendations

  • @wendyhoward2699
    @wendyhoward2699 Рік тому

    As Bright as Heaven is so good. I’ve read almost all of the Diana Gabaldon books. As Bright as Heaven is one of my all time favorites. Blessings.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Can’t wait to get to As Bright as Heaven! I’ve only heard good things.

  • @Readingindarknesss
    @Readingindarknesss Рік тому +1

    I loved as bright as heaven but i actually liked the nature of fragile things more.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Nature of Fragile Things will be hard to beat for me. I loved the historical mystery survival aspect of it.

  • @alisonsarahcarroll6063
    @alisonsarahcarroll6063 2 місяці тому

    I loved dear mrs 🦅 bird it’s a gem

  • @paperbacksandponytails
    @paperbacksandponytails Рік тому

    I have been really wanting to try Amy Harmon, and also Ruta Sepetys. Secrets of a Charmed Life, was also just OK for me. I loved Number of the Stars. And I've only read the first book in the Mark of the Lion series.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      I think you’d really like Ruta Sepetys! 🙌🏼

  • @edwardmeade
    @edwardmeade Рік тому

    I'm 70+ years old so I've had more time read to than you have, but you did sell this as 'all-time' so here's my list.
    10. Tirant lo Blanc by Joanot Martorell: The granddaddy of historical novels set in late medieval Mediterranean area. Don Quixote even read this one.
    9. Simplicius Simplicissimus by Hans Grimmelhausen: A funny and disturbing early novel set during Thirty Years War in Germany. This was the most brutal war in Germany EVER and I am including WWI and WWII.
    8. The Happy Return (UK/Can)/Beat to Quarters(US) by C.S. Forester: The first (of many) Horatio Hornblower novels set during the Napoleonic Wars.
    7. Seige of Khrisnapur by J.G. Farrell: Set during the Mutiny in India. Very well written.
    6. The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell: Don't let the title fool you. This is a disturbing novel written from inside the head of an SS officer during the Shoah.
    5. The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck. Behind the lines of Nazi occupation. The most widely read, banned, unpublished book (samizdat) of all time.
    4. The Virginian by Owen Wister: The first western. A lot of cliches except that Wister was there first. 'I want you out of town by sundown.'
    3. The Bridge at Andau by James Mitchener: 1956 Hungarian Uprising. I could have included a bunch by Mitchener. This is probably his shortest.
    2. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy: 1812 Invasion of Russia. First time 'in media res' used in a novel. I've read or listened to this three times.
    1. Life and Fate by Vasily Grossman: 1942/43 Battle of Stalingrad. Written in the 50s, the book was 'arrested' in the 60s, author died in 70s, a copy was snuck out and published in Switzerland in the 80s, translated and published in English in 2006. We've had to wait a long time for this, but it was worth it. Prequel 'Stalingrad' was published in English in 2012. This is the simply the best historical novel I've read in 60 years.
    BTW, I've read a lot of the ones you've listed and like them. Just not the best of all-time.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Thank you for sharing your list with me! I will definitely add some of these to my list of books to try out. The Mitchener one in particular -- I would love to read something from the Hungarian perspective, as Budapest was one of my favorite places I've ever visited.

  • @heatherhogan7041
    @heatherhogan7041 Рік тому +1

    A winter garden by Kristin Hannah!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      That’s on my to read list! Have been meaning to get to it.

    • @heatherhogan7041
      @heatherhogan7041 Рік тому +1

      @@GloriaZThompson it’s a story that’s never left me - one of those books that changes you.

    • @deannacunningham583
      @deannacunningham583 6 місяців тому

      This is my favorite book by Kristin Hannah! It stays with you! Her book The Women is being released next month

  • @ttowntrekker5174
    @ttowntrekker5174 8 місяців тому

    We read and love almost the same novels. But here are some Historical Fiction novels Ive also loved, in no particular order:
    Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell
    Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
    Once We Were Brothers by Ronald Balson
    Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
    Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
    Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks
    My Name is Resolute by Nancy Turner
    The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
    The Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
    The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
    Killer Angel's by Michael Shaara

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  8 місяців тому

      Thanks for sharing your list! I've heard of several, read a couple, and wrote down the others for me to keep an eye out for.

  • @keanancupido
    @keanancupido Рік тому

    Have you read To Calais in ordinary time? I love that book. I'm still reading it but I absolutely adore the writing and the rich use of archaic language.
    Also I don't think I'd read anything from David B just because of what he and Weiss did 😭

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      To Calais, in Ordinary Time sounds so interesting (definitely not from a timer period I usually pick up). I believe City of Thieves was before Game of Thrones.

    • @keanancupido
      @keanancupido Рік тому

      @@GloriaZThompson it's very interesting. I think that time period makes it even more interesting because you get the feel of how things were back then.
      I'll think about reading City of Thieves tehe

  • @taylorcatalana1783
    @taylorcatalana1783 Рік тому

    Based on this list, you will love everything by Kate Quinn. She has a series set in Ancient Rome, another in the Italian Renaissance, and all her more recent books have revolved around WWII. She’s fantastic. Her book Daughters of Rome is my favorite book ever.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I’ve read two of Kate Quinn’s books (Alice Network and Rose Code) and gave them 3 stars. I can appreciate her storytelling but had a hard time connecting with her characters. I’m holding out hope that I’ll love The Diamond Eye or The Huntress and I’m definitely willing to try some of her older books too.

  • @ericayoder
    @ericayoder Рік тому

    I listened to the audio book for Dear Mrs. Bird and loved it!!!

  • @shayeharris4036
    @shayeharris4036 Рік тому

    Voice in the wind - yes

  • @sheripruitt8480
    @sheripruitt8480 Рік тому

    I love many of these same books too. Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan Henry is one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read. I’m currently reading When We Had Wings which is written by Susan Meissner, Kristina McMorris and Ariel Lawhon and so far it is good.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Thank you for the recommendations! I will be putting those on my TBR.

  • @JacquelineCaron
    @JacquelineCaron Рік тому

    Hello - have to say that I share the love of so many authors you mention here - Amy Harmon ( my favorite was 'What the Wind Knows' ), Susan Meissner, Diana Gabaldon. I HAVE to recommend a couple to you, by Ciji Ware - I've devoured so many of her books - and HIGHLY recommend ALL of them! Wanted to call out 'Island of the Swans', 'Wicked Company'. 'A Cottage by the Sea' was the 1st of her that I've read, and was hooked! Check these out - I think you will love them. I too cried thru 'Nightingale' - just read it this past fall, and just finished 'Four Winds' by Kristen Hannah. Found that one depressing, but an interesting read. Very resiliant characters. Looking forward to watching more of your videos, and finding new books to read! :) Jacqueline

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Hi Jacqueline! Thank you for taking the time to say hello and recommend some books! I will definitely check out Ciji Ware. I love to find hidden gems in historical fiction.

  • @jimme1982
    @jimme1982 11 місяців тому

    I kinda do the same thing as Gloria. If I like a book by an author I will try other books by the same author to see if I like it. There are so many good historical fiction books. Most of them will be WW2, which is why books set in another time can be super interesting as well.
    Anyways, some great books by different authors.
    Ken Follett: Fall of Giants trilogy and Pillars of the Earth (soon to be 5 books in the series)
    Kristin Hannah: Absolutely loved "The Nightingale". Have since read The Great Alone, Winter Garden and The Four Winds. The Four Winds beeing a great second.
    Kate Quinn: Rea The Alice Network and loved it. Have since read The Rose Code, The Diamond Eye and The Huntress. Loved them all.
    Diana Gabaldon: I'm also a big Outlander fan, allthough I have given up during the 7th book. Left it over a year ago, but might get back to it.
    Heather Morris: The Tattooist of Auschwith. Have only read the first, but apparently there are 3 in the series now.
    Amy Harmon: Loved From Sand And and Ash, so will have to look into the other two as well.
    Kristin Harmel: Book of Lost Names. Really liked this as well.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  10 місяців тому +1

      Yes I agree on trying different time periods to switch stuff up and gain a new perspective. Pillars is high on the list to try and I've read from all of the other authors you mentioned. Some have worked better for me than others, but almost all still have books I want to try again from.

  • @stephanien1764
    @stephanien1764 Рік тому

    Code Name Helene was my favorite historical fiction from 2022, with Yellow Wife coming in 2nd place.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I own Code Name Helene - I need to get that one read! And I really enjoyed Yellow Wife last year. It’s the book I voted for last year in the Goodreads awards for historical fiction.

  • @starlasell5698
    @starlasell5698 Рік тому

    I just finished "The Personal Librarian " by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. Great read...the authors notes after brought me to tears! ❤️📚❤️

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Oh fantastic! I own that one and hope to try it soon.

    • @starlasell5698
      @starlasell5698 Рік тому

      @GloriaZThompson I listened to it on audio book. I hope you enjoy it!

  • @nancyjones1093
    @nancyjones1093 Рік тому

    Loved Dear Mrs. Bird. Read both books. Five stars

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I'm currently reading the third one in the series on NetGalley! I'll share my thoughts on it soon.

  • @tabuknight2730
    @tabuknight2730 6 місяців тому

    Hello, can you do a review on The Forbidden Man by Gerald R. Knight

  • @marybeery1764
    @marybeery1764 Годину тому

    As Long ast he Lemon Trees Grow

  • @Louise-fl3bs
    @Louise-fl3bs Рік тому

    I just read “West With Giraffes”, by Lynda Rutledge. Incredible journey! I loved it!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Love hearing that! I was gifted that book for Christmas and it's on my list to read this year. I hope I love it too.

  • @robinkirk1821
    @robinkirk1821 Рік тому

    I love so many of these same books! Based on this I would recommend “The Book of Lost Names” by Kristin Harmel.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      Thank you Robin! I own that one so hope to read it soon.

  • @angelaroberts-757
    @angelaroberts-757 Рік тому

    If you like ancient history you should read Boudica by Manda Scott. Its a 4 book series and it is amazing. It will give you all the feels. Very well written.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I've never heard of this series! Thanks for the rec.

  • @glendaw5221
    @glendaw5221 Рік тому

    I am totally shocked. You like Outlander. My reread to see if I still like it is Jackdaws by Ken Follett. Also The Evening Class by Maeve Binchy.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I know! It has a lot of content I don’t usually enjoy or prefer in books, but I just love Claire and Jamie and that Scotland setting so much.

  • @bndergltd3053
    @bndergltd3053 Рік тому

    This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger is a book I didn’t want to end.
    Also, I’ve read a few books by Amanda Skenandore-Between Earth and Sky and ….Mireille West (sorry whole title escapes me), but both made me want to read her other books.
    Both authors are white and their main characters are white; however, Native American characters and culture are a prominent feature in those books (though not Mireille West), so if you would like to read stories that feature indigenous cultures, I recommend those books.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому +1

      This Tender Land is high on the priority list to get to, I know it's so many people's' favorite. Thank you for the recommendations, I will definitely look into that author!

    • @bndergltd3053
      @bndergltd3053 Рік тому

      ⁠@@GloriaZThompson I just finished “where the lost wander”. I loved it…I kept going back to certain conversations the two main characters had. Harmon managed to express the protagonists in a great way again and again without being at all cringey or sappy. Thanks for the rec!

    • @bndergltd3053
      @bndergltd3053 Рік тому

      @@GloriaZThompson one more rec…Westering Women by Sandra Dallas (if you like the “going west” theme). It’s about women going west to find husbands, basically. It’s a light read. I did also enjoy her “A quilt for christmas” (though I just picked up her Persian Pickle Club-for some reason, it felt too “hectic” for me, so I couldn’t get into that)
      Btw, going to pick up “nature of fragile things” this week 😀

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      @@bndergltd3053 Thanks for the recommendation and I hope you enjoy Nature of Fragile Things!

    • @bndergltd3053
      @bndergltd3053 Рік тому

      @@GloriaZThompson I’m halfway through “nature” and I just started it this morning. Loving that as well 😀

  • @amyofhearthridge
    @amyofhearthridge Рік тому

    Have you read The Skylark’s War? By Hilary McKay? I really enjoyed it this year.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      That one is on my TBR! I think especially after loving A Place to Hang the Moon, I would love it.

  • @noxstar2743
    @noxstar2743 Рік тому

    Children of gods and fighting men (Vikings)
    The Manningtree witches

  • @astridfirefly4600
    @astridfirefly4600 Рік тому

    Have you read The Suitcase of Lost Words its one of my favorites

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Do you mean The Dictionary of Lost Words? I've heard good things about that one!

  • @nonyabizness956
    @nonyabizness956 Рік тому

    Thank you so much for saying Outlander isn't for everyone. I was soooo surprised and horrified when I read it, because in the beginning I really loved her writing style and the plot and the characters and overall I was in love with it but then I began to feel like it fetishized r*pe in a way that I found deeply triggering and I really really wish anyone who had recommended it to me had said ANYTHING about that before I went and fell in love with a book I couldn't bring myself to finish. I totally understand how some people can move past that, like I said, the characters and the writing style were so lovely I attempted to keep going but in the end I had to give up.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I completely understand where you are coming from, especially since sexual abuse/trauma is a theme explored in every single one of the books I've read in the series so far (5 so far). I hope the author's inclusion of it is trying to show how common and normal it was back then (which is super sad). And you aren't the first person I know that said they'd rather not read that. I can 100% respect and understand that. Definitely not a book or series for everyone!

  • @rebekahjohnson1
    @rebekahjohnson1 Рік тому

    Where the lost wander is a fantastic book!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Amy Harmon has done no wrong yet, I need to make my way through all her books, and I can't wait for her upcoming release this year.

  • @christinaalvarez332
    @christinaalvarez332 Рік тому

    Yes!! City of Thieves!!! Sooooooooo good!

  • @KAZHE63
    @KAZHE63 Рік тому

    As Bright as Heaven is fantastic! I couldn’t read Outlander series. Way too “much” of everything.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Reading another Susan Meissner is high on my priority list! And totally understand about Outlander. It’s definitely not a book/series that I would widely recommend.

  • @CoUNtryForEva
    @CoUNtryForEva Рік тому

    i recommend memoirs of a geisha, the help, molokai, before we were yours

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I own all of those and so far have only read Before We Were Yours and it was good. I need to read those other beloved historical fictions!

  • @Sumu-ev7qm
    @Sumu-ev7qm Рік тому

    Girl your voice sounds like pure honey. I could listen to you all day long nonstop

  • @adambomb418
    @adambomb418 Рік тому

    How can you have a top 10 historical fiction list without Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett? For me, it’s a must read of any genre.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I own that one and it's on my TBR, I just haven't gotten around to picking it up yet. I hope I love it like so many do.

  • @MK-ti2oo
    @MK-ti2oo 2 дні тому

    'Outlander' belongs here for sure, all the way through 'Go tell the bee's'. 'Pillars' got me hooked with book one, although the last two weren't as good to me. If you're looking for leading characters of color, 'She who became the sun' and 'He who drowned the world' were really great, ming dynasty era. I'm a poc myself, and i hate it being about color just for the sake of making sure there's enough colored characters and the same goes for inundating stories with occurrences of queerness that aren't believable just for the sake of inclusion - 'She who became, He who drowned' included both in a beautiful, believable, relatable way that didn't leave me with a bad 'oh look, another inclusion piece of work' taste in my mouth. I thought the nightingale was great as well, and it kind of reminded me of another i loved called 'To See you Again' by Betty Schimmel (sp) although that one is actually non fiction.

  • @tammyripp998
    @tammyripp998 Рік тому

    City of Thieves on my all-time list too.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I want to find another book like it, but no such luck.

    • @tammyripp998
      @tammyripp998 Рік тому

      @@GloriaZThompson it is definitely a unique and memorable read. Towles' Rules of Civility is also on my all-time list, recommend it!

  • @CM-jv3sw
    @CM-jv3sw Рік тому

    You must read the Bronze Horseman set in Leningrad!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      It’s on my to read list! I’ve heard incredible things about that trilogy.

  • @laurawoodford1225
    @laurawoodford1225 3 місяці тому

    Peter Tremayne sister Fidelma series of o eat 30 books I loved

  • @LE-wc1dr
    @LE-wc1dr Рік тому

    The Rose Code by Kate Quinn is 100 percent outstanding!!!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I've read that one and I liked it but didn't love it. For some reason, Kate Quinn's books just don't hit me like they do for other historical fiction lovers. Can't pinpoint why.

  • @susansegal1808
    @susansegal1808 Рік тому

    You should read The Book of Names. WW2 Loved it. And read The Shadow of the Wind.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Thanks for the suggestion! That one's on my radar. The Kristin Harmel one right?

  • @vishalbajaj3463
    @vishalbajaj3463 Рік тому

    The Glass Palace by Amitabh Ghosh, you will love it.

  • @LifeBetweenWords1
    @LifeBetweenWords1 Рік тому

    A Gentleman in Moscow!!! Not yelling at you 😆. But yes, read it, read it, read it!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      Haha, love it! I will do it. Hopefully in December 🤞🏼

  • @bradschwartz9084
    @bradschwartz9084 5 місяців тому

    Read Ken Follett Pillars of the Earth. Trust me its incredible.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  5 місяців тому

      It’s in the priority list! Hoping to this year.

  • @nicholemaire1813
    @nicholemaire1813 Рік тому

    The yellow wife exceptional book. emotions all over the spectrum.

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  Рік тому

      I really liked how the author put that story together, I’m curious how her newest book is gonna go.

  • @pauloconnor7392
    @pauloconnor7392 2 місяці тому

    Read flashman George macdolad frasier full stop

  • @shannjess5223
    @shannjess5223 27 днів тому

    The bronze horseman Paulina Simmons

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  25 днів тому

      It's on my to read! I've heard amazing things about that series. I always keep an eye out for it at the used book store.

  • @karzanmuhammed2362
    @karzanmuhammed2362 Рік тому

    Great information from beautiful lady

  • @franciscoovalle4853
    @franciscoovalle4853 5 місяців тому

    Killer Angels...civil war

  • @sandra3616
    @sandra3616 Рік тому

    I haven't read A Gentleman in Moscow yet, either.

  • @elizabethshanley9017
    @elizabethshanley9017 9 місяців тому

    In Memoriam. WWI. Read this!

    • @GloriaZThompson
      @GloriaZThompson  8 місяців тому

      Thanks for the recommendation! Who is the author?

    • @elizabethshanley9017
      @elizabethshanley9017 8 місяців тому

      Alice Winn is the award winning author of this debut novel! @@GloriaZThompson