City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction

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.The Book Thief
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Markus Zusak

September 11, 2007
A group of ladies (all over 65) decided that even though we meet once a month, we needed at least once during the year to read and review a book. Book thief was suggested, but acknowledged that it was during a depressing time of history. I thought I would read the book and then get on to more pleasant reading. I was surprised at what an excellent book this was. I found the story, completely fascinating, and the point of view of the narrator to be excellent. I couldn't put it down. It was a depressing time in Nazi Germany, but a new look at the era. Great book
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.Devil's Brood
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Sharon Kay Penman

October 07, 2008
A group of ladies (all over 65) decided that even though we meet once a month, we needed at least once during the year to read and review a book. Book thief was suggested, but acknowledged that it was during a depressing time of history. I thought I would read the book and then get on to more pleasant reading. I was surprised at what an excellent book this was. I found the story, completely fascinating, and the point of view of the narrator to be excellent. I couldn't put it down. It was a depressing time in Nazi Germany, but a new look at the era. Great book
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Used Price: $46.79

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.Boy in the Striped Pajamas
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: John Boyne

October 23, 2007
I liked this book alot. I can't really describe it that well without giving it away but it's very good. It's well written and I like the approach John Boyne used on the subject.
This book is also being turned into a movie coming out in the US in November 2008. So if you like reading books and then watching the movie that goes with it....
But very powerful and just very good.

PS, its also sad
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.The Wednesday Wars
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Gary D. Schmidt

May 21, 2007
In an effort to work my way through Newbury winner/honor books, I picked up the Wednesday Wars - and what a treat this turned out to be!

Holling Hoodhood reminded me of a combination of Holden Caulfield, Scout Finch, and Anne Shirley. There were times when I laughed out loud, and other times when I felt tears running down my face. What a wonderful, unique, yet totally believable character. Never again will I take for granted a cream puff.

Supporting characters, particularly Mrs. Baker, are deep and rich, and the backdrop of the turbulent late 60's American is realistically portrayed. How sad I was to see this one end...

Do yourself a favor; I know that this is listed under young adult, but this one is a keeper for ... Read More:
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Used Price: $9.18

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.Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Laura Amy Schlitz

July 24, 2007
When a book appears on the same Newberry Award shelf as: The Island of the Blue Dolphins, Julie of the Wolves, Number the Stars, Dear Mr. Henshaw, Sounder and and other classics, one sits up and takes notice because it means the best in children's literature. This recent addition to the honor roll, with its narrative poems, reminiscent of The Canterbury Tales, gives the young reader a real sense of what daily life was like in the Middle Ages.

A few of the monologues deal with complex topics which may require some adult guidance to guarantee comprehension. For example, in the story told by Simon, the Knight's son, the Crusades are mentioned, which are a key to understanding his story. To familiarize the young reader with this intricate historical ... Read More:
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.The Sweet Far Thing (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy)
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Libba Bray

December 26, 2007
I love this series and the last book is no exception. It is quite long but I was glad for the extra pages as I wanted to spend as much time as possible in this fictitious world. I am a sucker for happy endings so I was upset to hear that perhaps this wasn't going to be a fairy tale ending. I even put reading the book off, nervous that the end would ruin the whole series for me. Luckily I decided to read it, and I am definitely glad. While everything may not end up peachy keen, I think it helps to deliver a subtle message in the book that most YA novels are lacking...*hint - has to do with feminism.* I loved this series and The Sweet Far Thing was a great final installment.
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.A Great and Terrible Beauty (The Gemma Doyle Trilogy)
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Libba Bray

March 22, 2005
This one was just okay for me.

My only real probelm with it is that it was kind of slow. I kept waiting for things to pick up, but it didn't really happen. There was a little bit of action, but it wasn't as exciting as I expected.

There were good things about it too. Libba Bray's writing is great. Her descriptions make things so easy to visualize, and the concept is fantastic. The Realms, the magical place Gemma and her friends discover, are amazing. This book has the potential to be a great story; it just doesn't quite make it. However, it is good, and it's worth the time and money.

I would also like to say that this is the first in a trilogy, and the second one is great and much more action-packed. You will need to read this ... Read More:
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.The Bronze Bow
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Elizabeth George Speare

September 01, 1997
This has got to be one of the best books that I have read. It started out a little slow for me, but once I got into it, I really liked it. It has a really good message to it, and it was really inspiring to me. I read some reviews about how it was too detailed or boring, but that is not true at all. It is not a total action book, but that is not what it is meant to be. I loved this book and it is part of my top ten.
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.Fever 1793
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Laurie Halse Anderson

March 01, 2002
Fever, 1793 was an accidental find. It is a totally intriguing book about the malaria epidemic in Philadelphia. It is historically accurate and the author cites her sources at the end of the book so they don't interfere with the adventure. This is a young girl's story of survival when the fever strikes her home. She deals with death, looters, and economic survival in a community ruled by fear. This would be a great read-aloud for a teacher of US history or just a great book to curl up with if you want a personal perspective of a historical event.
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.My Bonny Light Horseman: Being an Account of the Further Adventures of Jacky Faber, in Love and War (Bloody Jack Adventures)
City Travel Guides > Books > History and Historical Fiction
by: Louis A. Meyer

September 01, 2008
As with some other reviewers, I was also baffled at some parts of the book.

*SPOILERS:Do Not Read Unless You Have Finished the Book*

For example, the part when she went off and made friends with her superior Baronet (I don't think it's spelt right), and then as their friendship progressed he became her protector and great friend. What confused me a lot was why the title of the book was dedicated to him. He was her Bonny Light Horseman. I suppose in a way it could be used interchangeably for her as she is also light and bonny and a horseman in this series. However it was clear that the title was meant for him, so was this book in dedication for this departed friend? It would be odd as Jacky has had a lot of adventures and has lost a lot of dear friends. ... Read More:
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Used Price: $12.04