For Readers: Blog

One for the History Books

Did you love history classes back in school? These immersive historical reads make it easy to take a break from the reality of today and discover a different time and place, no textbooks required.

The End of Drum-Time by Hanna Pylväinen transports readers to a remote village in the Arctic Circle in 1851. Tensions are high as the local Lutheran minister calls the indigenous Sámi people from their traditions. A young reindeer herder tries to maintain the Sámi way of life, but feels the pull of outside forces and the potential of romance with the minister’s daughter. This is a richly-detailed and moving story of loyalty, love, and identity. [e-book | print]

Set in the early days of World War I, Robert Harris’s historical drama Precipice has it all: romance (based on the real-life love letters of a Prime Minister), political intrigue, and a Scotland Yard investigation. Readers who prefer intricate plots and complex characters will enjoy this well-researched look at a turbulent time in the British government’s past. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Book clubbers should take note of The Fabled Earth by Kimberly Brock. This evocative historical novel takes place on an atmospheric island off the coast of Georgia, switching between 1932 and 1959 to paint a portrait of the glory days of the Carnegie’s family island retreat and the aftereffects decades later. With beautiful nature writing and a hint of Southern gothic, this is a lush tale of secrets and rivalries. [e-book | print]

We Could Be So Good by Cat Sebastian is a comforting romance set in a 1950s New York newsroom. Nick has worked his way up to become a reporter, and doesn’t want to be in charge of babysitting Andy, his new colleague who happens to be the publisher’s son. But Andy is undeniably nice (and handsome), and Nick finds himself jumping in whenever there’s trouble. Fans of grumpy/sunshine pairings will be charmed by this witty romance. [e-book | print]

Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong is another nature-centric story that follows spirited teenager Pearly and her journey with the bear that was raised as her sibling. From the lumber camp where she was born to the roads she travels to find Bruno the bear after he is taken from her, this inspiring story captures the atmosphere of the Great Depression and the folklore of the backwoods. [e-book | print]

Fans of Madeline Miller won’t want to miss Vaishnavi Patel’s Goddess of the River, a cinematic and rich tale built on the Hindu mythology of the river goddess Ganga. Cursed with a mortal body, Ganga weds a king and gives birth to a human son. Ganga’s love for her son will entangle her in political turmoil and devastating wars as she is torn between her own freedom and her familial devotion. Patel’s compelling characters and lyrical prose leave an impression. [e-book | print]

⏤Laura