For Readers: Blog

Books for the history buff

There’s nothing like history writing to encourage your sense of curiosity. Whether it’s nonfiction or historical fiction, learning more about a favorite era, or exploring a new-to-you time, the possibilities are endless. 

Participating in the 2024 Branch Out reading challenge? Any of these titles work for the "One for the History Books" category. 

Cold Victory by Karl Marlantes is a dramatic Cold War story of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifices. It’s 1947 Finland and the military attachés for the United States and Russia have drunkenly challenged each other to a secret cross-country ski race. As their wives form a hesitant friendship, word of the race gets out and what started as a friendly bet could have deadly consequences. This suspenseful character-driven story looks at the realities of relationships under the far reach of totalitarianism.  [e-book | print]

Avery Cunningham’s debut The Mayor of Maxwell Street plunges readers into the shadowy side of Jazz Age Chicago. Despite the expectations of her wealthy family, debutante Nelly is determined to be a journalist. Her work sends her into the dangerous underworld of Prohibition-era Chicago, and into the orbit of charismatic speakeasy manager Jay. The resulting tale is an intricate blend of romance, mystery, and historical fiction. [e-book | print | large type]

Reader-favorite Chanel Cleeton tries her hand at gothic fiction in The House on Biscayne Bay. Jumping between 1918 and the 1940s, this atmospheric novel revolves around Marbrisa, a grand and garish home near Miami, and the women living there over the years. Whether feeling isolated and alone, or trying to overcome a tragic past, both sympathetic heroines confront their share of secrets and deaths and try to survive the unlucky estate. [e-book | print]

Chris Wimmer’s The Summer of 1876 is an engaging look at a summer that captures the essence of American frontier mythology. Fans of fast-paced histories will love this narrative of the big events of the summer of 1876 and what the major players of the day were getting up to, including Jesse James, Sitting Bull, and Wyatt Earp. This read feels like a personal guided tour through the headlines of the Old West. [e-book | print]

Underwater archeologist David Gibbins shares a sweeping survey of humanity in A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks. From classical times to modern day, Gibbins explores how archeological discoveries at shipwreck sites can paint a picture of a specific era in time. Readers of unique history writing as well as anyone maritime-inclined will appreciate the adventurous spirit of this thorough and detailed overview of world history. [e-book | print]

Drawing comparisons to The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Madness by Antonia Hylton is a grim but powerful investigation into the legacy of slavery on the mental health system. Journalist Hylton shines a light on the horrific history of Crownsville Hospital, one of the last segregated asylums in the country during the Jim Crow era. Hylton’s background as a reporter comes through as she shares the well-researched but sobering story with emotion and gravitas. [e-book | print ]

⏤Laura