Fiction: Reading for Fun

It tells the story of Augie March, a young man growing up in Chicago during the Great Depression. Augie is a picaresque hero, meaning that he is a likable and resourceful rogue who travels from place to place, having various adventures and misadventures.

The novel is set in Paris in 1938, during the lead-up to World War II. It tells the story of Mathieu Delarue, a philosophy professor who is struggling to come to terms with his own freedom and the moral choices he faces.

The Agony and the Ecstasy is a fictionalized account of Michelangelo's life, based on historical records and letters. It is a moving and inspiring story about a man who overcame great adversity to achieve his dreams.

Alaska is an epic novel that tells the story of the state from its prehistoric beginnings to the present day, following the lives of a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the harsh Alaskan landscape and build a community in the wilderness.

Fictionalized account of Alexander Hamilton's wife: Eliza Schuyler Hamilton.

The story follows a young German soldier named Paul Bäumer as he and his comrades experience the brutalities and disillusionment of war.

Set during World War II, the book tells the intertwined stories of a blind French girl named Marie-Laure and a German boy named Werner. Marie-Laure, forced to flee Paris, takes refuge in the walled city of Saint-Malo. Werner, with a talent for mechanics, becomes part of the German army.

The story is a historical romance novel based on the true story of a scandalous love affair that took place in 1840s France.

A dark and complex story about blindness, grief, and the nature of reality. The novel follows Frank Cahill, a newly blind man who travels to an Air Corps training base in North Carolina to learn more about the death of his son, Joel.

A novel that spans over six decades, exploring the lives of a couple, Michael and Pauline Anton. The story follows their tumultuous marriage, from their hurried World War II-era union to their family's trials and tribulations throughout the years.

A novel that follows the story of Stephen Rojack, a man grappling with the complexities of his life.

Seymour "Swede" Levov, a successful businessman, sees his idyllic life shattered when his daughter, Merry, becomes a radical activist and bombs a post office, killing a bystander. Levov grapples with the aftermath, while Zuckerman, a writer and former classmate, explores themes of innocence, idealism, and the American dream.

This novel vividly portrays life in the notorious Confederate prisoner-of-war camp during the American Civil War.

The book is a fictionalized account that reimagines the life and adventures of the notorious American outlaw Billy the Kid, also known as William H. Bonney.

Captain O'Sullivan must work to keep Berlin alive and prevent a nuclear war during the Cold War.

The story is set in a fictional Igbo village in Nigeria during the early 20th century, and it revolves around Ezeulu, the chief priest of the village. Ezeulu's leadership and spiritual role become entangled with the arrival of British colonial rule, leading to clashes between tradition and colonial influence

The book is a fictionalized account of the life of the Roman Emperor Augustus, focusing on his rise to power, his reign, and the political intricacies of the time.

The novel is a fictional memoir narrated by an unnamed biracial man who can pass for white. He recounts his experiences and struggles growing up as an African American in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story explores themes of racial identity, passing, and the complexities of race and culture in American society.

Ex-U.S. Army intelligence officer Michael Hazzard is hired to deliver a string of Buddhist prayer beads to Saigon, Vietnam. The job turns out to be a trap, and Hazzard is taken hostage by Vietnamese guerrillas. He must use all of his skills and training to survive and escape, and to prevent the guerrillas from using the intelligence information contained in the beads to blackmail the United States government.

It is set in the antebellum South and tells the story of Amantha Starr, a young woman who is born into slavery but discovers that she is the illegitimate daughter of a white man. After her father's death, Amantha is sold to a slave trader and taken to New Orleans. There, she is forced to confront her own identity and her place in the world.

Battle Cry by Leon Uris is a novel about the experiences of a group of Marines during World War II. The story follows the Marines from their basic training at Parris Island through their deployment to Guadalcanal and Tarawa.

Based on a true story, Before We Were Yours follows the Foss children as they are taken from their home and placed in the Tennessee Children's Home Society, a corrupt orphanage that sold children to wealthy families.

The story is set in the years following the American Civil War and is centered around the character of Sethe, an escaped slave who now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The story is set after the American Civil War and is centered around Sethe, an escaped slave who lives in Cincinnati with her daughter Denver. The novel intertwines the present and the past, gradually revealing the haunting and tragic history of Sethe's life as a slave, her escape, and the horrors she faced.

An epic historical novel set in ancient Jerusalem. It follows the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who faces betrayal, enslavement, and seeks revenge against a childhood friend who wronged him. Throughout his journey, Ben-Hur encounters Jesus Christ, and his life becomes intertwined with the events surrounding the life and teachings of Jesus.

This novel explores the life of a young African American boy named Billy Lee Turner. Set in Mississippi in the 1930s, the story follows the 10-year-old protagonist as he navigates the challenges of racism and prejudice in a deeply segregated society.

This novel follows the story of Billy Lynn, a young soldier, and his Bravo Squad unit who become heroes after a harrowing battle in Iraq. The novel is set during a Thanksgiving Day football game in Texas where the soldiers are part of the halftime show. Throughout the day, the soldiers are celebrated and used as a public relations tool for the military, navigating the disparity between their experiences in war and the public's perception of them.

"Black April" delves into the lives of the Gullah community, exploring their customs, struggles, and everyday experiences. The novel focuses on the impact of the outside world on the insular Gullah culture, as it confronts the encroachment of modernization and changing social dynamics.

Set during the Wars of the Roses in England, the story is a historical adventure that combines romance, intrigue, and swashbuckling action.

The story is set in London during World War II, a time of blackout regulations and air raids. Inspector Frederick Troy is tasked with investigating a murder that takes place amidst the chaos and darkness of the wartime city.

Set in the mid-19th century, it depicts the Kid's journey through the American Southwest and Mexico. He joins a gang of scalp hunters led by the enigmatic and ruthless Judge Holden.

Through the tales of two women in postwar Austria, Bachmann explores the ways of dying inflicted on women by men, and upon the living by history, politics, religion, family, and the self.

It is 1882 and handsome, blue-eyed Jack Grant, not quite 18 and "a little sinner" has arrived in Australia from England in search of a new life. He quickly rejects the staid conventions of Perth society for the challenges of the Australian bush. Toughened by his experiences, he emerges a new man.

Bret Harte's stories often depicted life in the American West during the Gold Rush era, offering vivid portrayals of the landscape, characters, and the challenges faced in that period. His writings captured the essence of frontier life, mining communities, and the diverse individuals who inhabited those settings.

A historical novel that tells the story of Aaron Burr, one of the most controversial figures in American history. The novel is set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and it chronicles Burr's rise to power, his fall from grace, and his eventual exile.

It's set during World War II and follows the story of a U.S. Navy destroyer-minesweeper, the USS Caine, and its crew. The focus of the story revolves around the mutiny that takes place aboard the ship.

A committee of human rights advocates flies to Iran in 1975 to investigate charges of torture; on the same plane is a group of art collectors to visit Iranian museums and archaeological sites. The plane is hijacked, and both groups become hostages.

A novel that revolves around the intriguing relationship between a young boy named Victor Baxter and the enigmatic figure known as the Captain.

The book explores the aftermath of World War I, focusing on the case of a soldier, Sergeant Grischa, who is falsely accused of desertion and subsequently put on trial.

A semi-autobiographical, hallucinatory novel about a swarming mass of human beings - Nazi collaborators, whores, fakers, mystics - herded together in the corridors of a dilapidated hotel at the end of World War II.

It's a sprawling epic that spans centuries, chronicling the history and development of a fictional town in Colorado, named Centennial.

The story revolves around Tayo, a Native American and World War II veteran who returns to the Laguna Pueblo reservation after the war. Tayo struggles with the trauma of his experiences in the war and the loss of his cousin Rocky. He seeks healing and a sense of belonging by turning to traditional Native American rituals and ceremonies.

A historical novel that portrays the remarkable story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. This group of African American students from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, gained widespread recognition and acclaim in the late 19th century for their performances of spirituals and traditional songs.

"Children of God" is set in pre-Columbian America, portraying the story of a tribe of Native Americans known as the Cliff Dwellers. The novel explores their culture, struggles, and interactions with other tribes in the region, showcasing their religious beliefs, societal structure, and daily life.

It is a sequel to The Tattooist of Auschwitz, and it tells the story of Cilka Klein, a Jewish girl who survives the Holocaust and is then sentenced to 15 years in a Siberian gulag.

Beryl Markham, raised unconventionally in 1920s Kenya, embarks on extraordinary adventures, including a passionate love triangle with Denys Finch Hatton and Karen Blixen. Brave, audacious, and contradictory, Beryl risks everything to find her true calling: to fly.

The story is set in Barcelona during the early 20th century and follows the life of Onofre Bouvila. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly changing city undergoing substantial modernization.

A coming-of-age story set in a small Southern town in 1906, where a young boy witnesses the scandal of his grandfather's marriage to a much younger woman.

A novel that reimagines the historical figure Nat Turner, a slave who led a rebellion in Virginia in 1831.

A group of friends are haunted by a dark secret from their past. When they return to their hometown for a reunion, they are drawn back into the mystery and realize that they are in danger. The friends must work together to confront the past and protect themselves.

This novel follows the life of a Creek Indian woman named Mary from her childhood to old age. The novel spans the years from the American Revolution to the pre-World War I era and portrays such characters as Tecumseh, Andrew Jackson, Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and Teddy Roosevelt.

A fictionalized account of the first European expedition to explore the Amazon River. The story is told from the perspective of a crossbowman named Gonçalo Alvarez, who is part of the expedition led by Francisco de Orellana.

The narrative centers on Stephen Kumalo, a Zulu pastor, who embarks on a journey to Johannesburg to find his missing son, Absalom. As Kumalo navigates the city, he becomes confronted with the harsh realities of urban life and the deep racial divisions and inequalities in South Africa.

A fictionalized account inspired by the life of Lili Elbe, one of the first known recipients of sex reassignment surgery.

The story centers around the lives of various characters and the events in the city of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland) during the politically tumultuous and dangerous period preceding the outbreak of World War II.

Eliza Sommers, a young woman from Chile, travels to San Francisco during the Gold Rush to reunite with her lover. She finds work as a seamstress and makes friends with a Chinese doctor, Tao Chi'en. Eliza eventually realizes that she is stronger and more independent than she ever thought possible.

Through the narration of Hinson and the transcripts of actual court testimony, the reader learns about the trial and execution of Daniel Cornelius Nealy Duncan, the last man hanged by the state of South Carolina. Based on a True Story.

It is a fictionalized account of the life and death of Sir Walter Raleigh, a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I who fell from favor during the reign of James I.

(later published as The Goblins Must Go Barefoot) is the tale of a young widow released from the Home for Delinquent Women to serve as maid and nanny in a small-town, middle-class household. Through the bewildered and astonished eyes of this grown woman with the mind of a child unfolds the poignant story of one southern family during the Great Depression and the early years of World War II.

Jess Kimbrough's fictionalized account of his years as a LAPD policeman during the early decades of the last century. 

It tells the story of the Dalton Gang, a notorious outlaw gang that operated in the American West in the late 19th century. The novel is told from the perspective of Emmett Dalton, the last surviving member of the gang.

The story spans generations and follows the Leong family in Hawaii, exploring their secrets, conflicts, and the impact of history and tradition on their lives.

The novel revolves around Manley Halliday, a character based on Schulberg, and Shep Stearns, a figure modeled after Fitzgerald. It portrays the struggles and disillusionments of a screenwriter and his close friendship with a declining, alcoholic novelist, reflecting on the challenges and allure of Hollywood and the literary world.

Yuri Zhivago, a doctor and poet, is torn between his love for two women, Lara and Tonya, during the turbulent events of the early 20th century in Russia.

This extraordinary autobiographical story, compelling, candid, and deeply personal, plunges us into that tumultuous moment in China out of which the modern People’s Republic finally emerged. It is the first time a novelist has ever described that distant world in words that open it up to Western readers in the clearest, most vivid terms.

Dragon Harvest is the sixth novel in Upton Sinclair's Lanny Budd series. It is set in the period from 1938 to 1940, and follows the adventures of Lanny Budd, an American art dealer and secret FDR agent.

This novel is set in a small Chinese village during the Sino-Japanese War of the 1930s. It follows the story of a peasant family, particularly focusing on a strong-willed woman, Ling Tan, and her efforts to protect her family and their way of life from the invading Japanese forces.

This book is an engrossing story that follows the lives of individuals in the film industry, exploring the glamour, ambitions, and struggles of Hollywood during the mid-20th century.

The story is set in Ding Village, a small community where a blood-selling scheme becomes widespread, leading to the spread of HIV. The narrative revolves around the villagers, particularly the protagonist, Gao Ma, as they grapple with the devastating effects of the disease and the moral dilemmas it brings.

This novel tells the story of a young boy, Little Tree, who is taken in by his Cherokee grandparents after being orphaned during the Great Depression. The book explores Little Tree's upbringing, his relationships with his grandparents, and the wisdom and life lessons he learns from the Cherokee way of life.

The narrative follows Eliza, a young woman from the Lowcountry of South Carolina, during the 18th-century era when indigo cultivation was a prominent industry. Eliza's story is intertwined with the challenges and complexities of life on a plantation, and it explores themes such as love, struggles, and the cultural and historical backdrop of indigo production in the region.

In "Empire," Vidal offers a fictional account set in the 1890s, a time of immense transformation and expansion in the United States. The novel covers the political landscape during the administration of President William McKinley and touches upon the Spanish-American War.

A fictionalized account of the founding of the State of Israel, and tells the story of a group of Jewish refugees who risk their lives to immigrate to Palestine.

It is an ambitious and complex work that tells the story of an unnamed Corporal in France during World War I who, after surviving trench warfare, leads his fellow soldiers in a mutiny against the army.

The narrative is set during the Cold War era and follows the story of Steve Jordan, an American intelligence officer who becomes entangled in a global conspiracy involving international politics, espionage, and high-stakes diplomacy. Jordan uncovers a far-reaching plot that could have serious repercussions on the global stage.

Rafael Trujillo, the brutal dictator of the Dominican Republic, is assassinated in 1961. The novel follows three interwoven storylines: the final days of Trujillo's regime, the assassination plot, and the aftermath of the assassination, as seen through the eyes of a woman who was once close to Trujillo's inner circle.

It is a fictionalized account of the Beilis case, a notorious anti-Semitic blood libel trial that took place in Russia in 1911.

A historical novel set in the early years of the American Civil War. It tells the story of the war through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters, including politicians, soldiers, and civilians.

In the months leading up to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a group of soldiers stationed on Oahu struggle to cope with the monotony of military life and their own personal demons.

A young Indian girl finally understands what Gandhi is asking her people to do when he praises her for the humble garland which, because of her carelessness, must be presented to him instead of a more elaborate one.

The novel tells the story of a French family of glassblowers, the Bussons, charting their journey before, during and after the French Revolution.

Missionary to Sioux Indians becomes a builder in St. Paul and organizes a non-segregated union.

The story is set in rural China and follows the life of Wang Lung, a poor farmer, and his wife, O-Lan. The novel details their struggles, successes, and hardships as they navigate the changing social and economic landscape in early 20th-century China.

The story is set in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and explores the deeply ingrained racial tensions and social norms during the period of colonial rule.

A novel about the discovery of Troy and Mycenae by the German archeologist Heinrich Schliemann and his Greek wife, Sophia, conveying the processes, the hazards and the excitement of archeological discovery.

A novel set during the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War) in the 1960s. The story follows three characters – Ugwu, a young boy working as a houseboy; Olanna, a woman from a wealthy Nigerian family; and Richard, a British expatriate.

A tragicomic novel that follows the story of Tony Last, an English aristocrat. His life unravels when his wife, Brenda, has an affair and eventually leaves him, leading Tony to a remote Brazilian community after a series of unfortunate events.

The narrative revolves around the protagonist, a disreputable ex-sportswriter, who is drawn into the corrupt world of professional boxing.

This graphic novel portrays the experiences and challenges faced by the soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment, who were known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

Three women in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s come together to share their stories about race and racism in the Jim Crow South.

Hopalong rides into a firestorm of violence and betrayal. On the rain-drenched trail to the  lawless town of Seven Pines, Hopalong discovers two men—one dead, the other badly wounded. Returning with medical help, Hopalong finds the wounded man has been shot through the temple. Who would  commit such a murder?

SET in the German capital, Hotel Berlin ‘43 covers the incidents of twenty-four hours in a smart hotel where Gestapo agents rub elbows with anti-Nazis, officers on leave pursue pretty women, and the next air raid is seldom mentioned, but never forgotten.

It tells the story of a young Native American man named Abel, a Pueblo Indian and a war veteran, as he returns to his reservation in New Mexico after serving in World War II.

Wang Lung, a poor farmer who lives in a small village in China. Wang Lung is a hardworking and ambitious man, and he dreams of owning his own land. He eventually marries O-lan, a slave girl from a wealthy family. O-lan is a strong and silent woman, and she works tirelessly to help Wang Lung achieve his dreams.

The novel is written in the first person, in the guise of Claudius himself. It details Claudius's perspective on the Julio-Claudian dynasty, his family's history, and the intrigue, corruption, and power struggles within the Roman Empire during his lifetime. It offers a unique and often humorous viewpoint on the tumultuous and scandalous events of the time, including the reigns of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, and finally, Claudius himself.

A fictionalized account of the 19th-century Paraguayan dictator, Dr. José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia.

The novel is set against the backdrop of Manhattan's high society and delves into the lives of the affluent, focusing on their desires, ambitions, and the pursuit of power.

It is a fictionalized account of the last months of Julius Caesar's life, told through a series of letters and documents from various characters, including Caesar himself, his wife Calpurnia, his friend Cicero, and his assassin Brutus.

The Immigrants is a historical novel by Howard Fast, set in San Francisco during the early 20th century. It tells the story of Daniel Lavette, a self-described "roughneck" who rises from the ashes of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and becomes one of the most successful and dominating figures in San Francisco.

The book presents a fictionalized account of the life of Tzu Hsi, also known as Empress Dowager Cixi, who was a powerful figure in late Qing Dynasty China.

A historical novel that fictionalizes the life of Inés Suárez. Born into a poor Spanish family in the sixteenth century, Inés leaves Spain for the New World to find her missing husband. There she discovers that he's been killed and soon begins a love affair with Pedro de Valdivia, a war hero and field marshall to Francisco Pizarro. Together Inés and Pedro build the new city of Santiago and wage a bloody, ruthless war against the native Chileans.

A novel that revolves around the lives of two women, Bette and Honora, who struggle against societal expectations and oppressive circumstances.

The book consists of nine stories that explore the lives of Indian and Indian-American characters, focusing on themes such as cultural identity, relationships, and the immigrant experience.

A historical novel that follows the story of the Mirabal sisters, known as the "Butterflies," who were involved in the underground movement against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic during the 1950s.

Set in the tumultuous backdrop of Jerusalem during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the book follows the lives of various characters navigating the complexities of the conflict. Against the backdrop of war and political unrest, the story weaves together themes of courage, love, and resilience amidst the turbulent events that shaped the destiny of Jerusalem.

An account of the early life, military experience and death of Joan of Arc

The novel is presented as a first-person narrative, chronicling the experiences of an unnamed narrator living in London during the outbreak of the bubonic plague. The narrator describes the horrors, chaos, and social disruptions caused by the epidemic, offering a detailed and realistic account of the plague's impact on the city and its inhabitants.

The story follows Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, and his family as they face extreme hardships in the Chicago stockyards. The novel vividly exposes the appalling working conditions, exploitation, and corruption prevalent in the meatpacking industry. It delves into the struggles of the working class, the lack of workers' rights, and the broader societal issues of the time, such as poverty, social injustice, and the impact of unregulated capitalism.

A historical thriller set during World War II. The novel follows a German spy, Alex Wolff, who operates in Cairo, Egypt, providing critical information to the Nazis. British intelligence officer Major Vandam is tasked with stopping Wolff before he can divulge crucial details that could jeopardize the Allied forces.

A historical fiction novel set in Palestine in 1948. The story follows Rabbi Lebowitz, Moshe Sachar, and their loved ones as they prepare for the establishment of the State of Israel.

The story of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The narrative is based on the real events and features the perspectives of key figures, including Union and Confederate commanders, providing insight into their thoughts, decisions, and the human aspect of war.

A young Black woman in 1976 is mysteriously transported back in time to antebellum Maryland, where she must save the life of her white ancestor, a slave owner.

In this novel, Pritchard takes the reader into the mind of King David, as he struggles to intregrate mind, body and spirit, amidst the contradictions of the brutality of battle, the search for his God and reconciling his great loves.

Land Breakers is set in the western mountains of North Carolina in 1779. It tells the story of Mooney and Imy Wright, a young couple who leave their indentured servitude in Virginia to seek a new life in the wilderness. They find a remote valley and build a cabin, but they soon discover that life on the frontier is hard and unforgiving.

This gripping and adventurous story is set during the Cold War and follows the main character, Major Joseph "Joe" Makatozi, a Native American and a United States Air Force pilot.

Set during the Anglo-Cherokee War (1758–1761), The Last Sister traces a young woman's journey through grief, vengeance, guilt, and love in the unpredictable world of the early American frontier.

As Major Norman Starr is about to appear before a congressional committee to publicly account for his covert actions, he recalls the heritage of his ancestors and the role they played in the true glory of America. Bestselling author James Michener has painted a timeless family portrait and an eloquent lesson in American history.

Set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s, the story revolves around Jefferson, a young African American man wrongly accused of murder and sentenced to death.

The series takes place during the period of the founding of the modern state of Israel, following the lives of various characters from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and nations. "A Light in Zion" is one of the books in this series and continues the narrative, exploring the lives, struggles, and triumphs of the characters amidst the complex historical and political landscape of that time.

Joe Coughlin, a bootlegger and gambler during Prohibition, leaves Boston for Florida to start a new life. He teams up with a mobster and builds a criminal empire, but his success comes at a price. He must confront his past mistakes and decide whether to continue down the path of crime or make amends.

A historical novel about the early settlers of Bellingham Bay, Washington, in the late 19th century. The novel explores the hardships and triumphs of the settlers, as well as their relationships with the Lummi people who already lived in the region.

The Living Reed is a multi-generational saga that follows the lives of one Korean family, the Kims, from the late 19th century to the end of the Second World War, as they struggle to survive and maintain their culture and identity under Japanese occupation.

Starusch, a 40 year old teacher of German and history, undergoes protracted dental treatment in an office where TV is used to distract the patients. Under local anesthesia, the patient projects onto the screen his past and present with the fluidity and visual quality of the movies. A satirical portrait of social confusions.

It tells of an overnight thirty-six mile forced march back to base at a US Marine training camp in the Carolinas, the chief protagonists being ageing reservists Lieutenant Culver and his friend Captain Mannix, who have been called up due to the threat of the Korean War. Eight of their colleagues had, earlier that day, been killed by misfired mortar shells, adding to the absurdity of their ordeal.

Set during the Great Depression, this novel follows the story of Joe, a college student who spends the summer working for wealthy capitalists at a lake retreat. As he becomes involved with the dysfunctional world of the monied elite, Joe experiences the contrast between their opulent lifestyles and the struggling masses.

Winifred Rudge is an American writer who travels to London to visit a distant cousin, and to research a new novel about a woman haunted by the ghost of Jack the Ripper. When she arrives, she discovers that her cousin has vanished, his apartment (once owned by a common ancestor of theirs: a man who was supposedly the inspiration for Ebenezer Scrooge) is being renovated, and strange sounds are coming from the chimney. It seems the apartment is now haunted by a supernatural presence.

A historical fiction saga set during the American Civil War. The novel follows the intertwined lives of the Hazard and Main families, two wealthy families from opposite sides of the country.

A novel about Mary Todd Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln.

The story is set on a Native American reservation in North Dakota and presents a multi-generational saga, focusing on the intertwining lives of several families, exploring themes of love, relationships, identity, and the complexities of family ties.

A collection of short stories written by Bret Harte, a prominent American author and poet. First published in 1868, this collection contains a series of tales that largely center around the experiences of characters in the American West during the Gold Rush era.

Set in the late 16th century, it follows the story of Carolinian colonists who venture to the New World, specifically the Roanoke Island and the coast of present-day North Carolina.

Madame Margot was a legendary figure in Charleston, South Carolina. She was said to be a powerful voodoo queen who could cast spells and control the forces of nature. She was also known for her beauty, her charm, and her dangerousness.

The story follows the life of a young African American girl named Georgie, who experiences the racial tensions and upheavals of the Civil Rights Movement.

Ayla, a Cro-Magnon woman who has been raised by Neanderthals, joins a group of Mammoth Hunters known as the Mamutoi. She must learn their customs and language, but she is accepted because of her remarkable hunting and healing skills. Ayla is attracted to Ranec, a master carver of ivory, but she is also in love with Jondalar, the man who brought her to the Mamutoi. Ayla must choose between her two loves and her own destiny.

It tells the story of Tom Rath, a young World War II veteran who is struggling to find a balance between his work life and his family life.

A novel that traces the life of a young Japanese girl named Chiyo who is sold into a geisha house in Kyoto, Japan, and goes on to become the celebrated geisha Sayuri.

A historical fiction novel set in the late 17th century in America. The story revolves around a diverse set of characters, particularly focusing on the lives of women and slaves in the pre-Revolutionary War era.

Through a fictional narrative that interweaves various characters and stories, Michener explores the rich and diverse history of Mexico, encompassing the Aztec Empire, Spanish colonization, and the country's struggle for independence.

Rutherford Calhoun, a freed slave, stows away on a slave ship bound for Africa. He witnesses the horrors of the Middle Passage and befriends the Allmuseri, a mysterious tribe with magical powers. Calhoun helps the Allmuseri to mutiny, but the ship is ultimately destroyed.

A novel that follows the life of Calliope Stephanides, later known as Cal. The story is narrated by Cal, who was born intersex (with both male and female genitalia) and raised as a girl until adolescence when he discovers his true identity.

A historical fiction novel by Leon Uris about the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. The novel follows the story of a group of Jewish resistance fighters as they struggle to survive the Nazi occupation of Warsaw and fight back against their oppressors.

Nicholas Jenkins is assigned to a War Office Section with the Allies during World War II. He liaises with the Poles and investigates the mysterious disappearance of Polish officers. Through his work, he encounters a variety of characters and comes to realize the complexity of the war.

A strong-willed and free-spirited eleven-year-old, Belly reluctantly leaves her home in rural Pharaoh and goes to Jamison to help her mean Aunt Rachel recover from surgery. Belly has two reasons for deciding to go to Jamison: She's left alone when her only friend becomes pregnant and is sent away, and she hopes that she'll be allowed to take piano lessons from Miss Ophelia—her mother's childhood friend.

A historical novel set in the 16th century, following the story of a monk named Juan de Yepes who becomes involved in the Spanish Inquisition.

Bret Harte's stories often depict the rough and diverse characters of the Western frontier. "Mr. Jack Hamlin's Mediation" is a story featuring the character Jack Hamlin, a gambler, and explores his adventures and interactions with other characters. The story showcases Harte's talent in portraying the complex lives and relationships of the people in the Old West.

It tells the story of Artur Sammler, a Holocaust survivor and retired professor who is living in New York City in the late 1960s. Sammler is a humanist and intellectual who is deeply troubled by the moral and social decay that he sees around him.

The story follows the lives of Elisa Lindheim, an American violinist, and John Murphy, an American journalist, as they navigate the turbulent events in Nazi-occupied Munich.

It is based on the true story of the mutiny against Captain William Bligh on the HMS Bounty in 1789.

This novel follows the life of Jim Burden, who recounts his memories of his childhood and his close friendship with a girl named Ántonia Shimerda.

A group of American soldiers fighting in the Pacific theater during World War II. The novel follows the soldiers as they experience the horrors of war, including death, violence, and the loss of innocence.

Following the story of Elwood Curtis, a young African American boy sentenced to a brutal reformatory called the Nickel Academy in the 1960s

A Holocaust survivor and Nobel laureate, wrote a series of three interconnected works known as "The Night Trilogy." The trilogy consists of his three powerful memoirs, all of which focus on his experiences during the Holocaust:

The novel is set in Nigeria in the early 1950s, during the country's transition to independence. It tells the story of Obi Okonkwo, a young Igbo man who has been educated in England and returns home to work for the colonial government.

It tells the story of Will Stockdale, a Georgia farm boy who is drafted into the Air Force. Will is a simple, good-natured man with a limited education, but he is also resourceful and determined.

This novel tells the story of a young Loyalist, Oliver Wiswell, during the American Revolutionary War.

The story is set against the backdrop of World War I and follows the life of Claude Wheeler, a young man who feels disillusioned and unfulfilled by the monotony of rural Nebraska life.

The story is set in the late 19th century and follows the life of Alexandra Bergson, a young Swedish immigrant who becomes a resilient and determined woman. The novel explores the challenges and triumphs of the pioneers who settled in the American Midwest and the Great Plains.

The harrowing true story of Mary Ellen Wilson, a young girl who suffered severe abuse in the late 19th century. The book recounts Mary Ellen's rescue from extreme neglect and brutality at the hands of her foster parents.

It tells the story of Wu I-wan, a young Chinese man who is caught up in the political turmoil of the early 20th century.

A historical novel set in 1850s China during the final years of the Qing Dynasty. The story revolves around the bond between a young Chinese bondmaid named Peony and her master's wife, Madame Wu.

A fictionalized autobiography of Christina Olson, the subject of Andrew Wyeth's iconic painting Christina's World.

An epic historical novel set in 12th-century England. The story follows the construction of a cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge, exploring the lives of various characters intricately connected to the building's creation.

The story follows a young soldier named Laddy, who carries a valuable, symbolic pistol with him during World War II. This pistol was once owned by a high-ranking officer who is now deceased. Laddy feels the weight of the responsibility to protect the pistol, but he also struggles with its significance and the implications it carries.

The story follows Ayla, the main character, and her companion Jondalar as they journey through prehistoric Europe during the Ice Age. As they traverse the vast landscape, they encounter various landscapes, tribes, and challenges while seeking Jondalar's home among the Zelandonii.

The novel spans eight centuries of Polish history, and follows the lives of three families: the Lubonskis, the Bukowskis, and the Buks.

Set against the backdrop of the cataclysmic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The story follows the character of Attilius, an aqueduct engineer tasked with repairing the city's aqueducts. As he works to solve the water supply issues in the region, he discovers unusual and alarming signs that hint at the impending disaster.

The book presents a fictionalized account of the life of Pontius Pilate, who is famously known for his role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

It is set in the Gullah community of Charleston, South Carolina, and tells the story of Porgy, a disabled black beggar who falls in love with Bess, a beautiful but troubled woman. Porgy is a kind and gentle man, but he is also fiercely protective of Bess. When Bess is seduced by Crown, a violent and possessive man, Porgy vows to win her back.

Set in World War II-era Prague. It follows the lives of individuals navigating the tumultuous historical period, focusing on their struggles, relationships, and efforts to survive amidst the Nazi occupation.

This novel follows the lifelong friendship between two boys, John Wheelwright and Owen Meany, in a small New Hampshire town.

The President's Lady is a fictionalized account of the life of Rachel Jackson, based on historical records and family letters. It is a moving and inspiring story about a woman who overcame many challenges to achieve happiness and success.

The story follows the life of Hyacinth Robinson, a working-class bookbinder who becomes involved in radical politics and the world of anarchists. His life takes a turn when he becomes acquainted with the high society figure Princess Casamassima, leading to a complex exploration of class divisions and societal tensions.

The story explores the lives of two Chinese brothers, Kung Chen and Kung Fu, whose paths diverge as they pursue different destinies in the midst of significant political and social changes in China.

Narrated in the first person by journalist Thomas Fowler, the novel depicts the breakdown of French colonialism in Vietnam and early American involvement in the Vietnam War.

Set in the early 1900s, "Ragtime" interweaves the stories of several fictional characters with the lives of some historical figures, creating a vivid tapestry of American society during a time of significant social and cultural change. The novel explores themes such as racial tensions, social injustice, technological progress, and the clash between different classes and cultures.

The book is a humorous and satirical work that explores the adventures and escapades of a young boy named Leslie Titmuss.

The Rebels is the second book in John Jakes' Kent Family Chronicles series, and it follows the story of Philip Kent and his family during the American Revolution.

A classic historical novel that follows the journey of a young soldier named Henry Fleming during the American Civil War.

This work follows the story of the Haganah, the Jewish underground movement in Palestine, during the time of the British Mandate.

It is a historical novel that delves into the life of St. Michael's Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

A historical fiction novel that weaves together a story set in the Appalachian Mountains. The narrative follows the life of a woman named Bessie, who faces various trials and hardships while living in the mountainous region.

The novel is told from the perspective of a variety of characters, including Native Americans, European settlers, slaves, and working people. Sandburg gives voice to the marginalized and the forgotten, and he creates a vivid and complex portrait of the American experience.

The third book in the Zion Chronicles series, which chronicles the founding of the State of Israel in 1948. The story follows David Meyer, an American pilot who is recruited to help smuggle weapons into Palestine in preparation for the coming war with the Arab states.

Set in the early 19th century, the story follows the journey of a young aristocrat named Edmund Talbot, who is traveling aboard a British warship en route to Australia. Talbot keeps a journal that details his experiences, observations, and the interactions among the passengers and crew during the voyage.

A historical novel that portrays the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian who actively resisted the Nazi regime during World War II.

A novel that delves into the lives of individuals in Claybourne, a fictional Southern town. The story revolves around Velma Henry, a woman who attempts suicide and finds herself under the care of Minnie Ransom, a healer and spiritual leader.

After Eva Perón's death, her embalmed body becomes a powerful political symbol in post-1955 Argentina. The military junta seizes the body and hides it in various locations, fearing its influence over the Peronist movement. However, the people continue to venerate Eva, and her body becomes a rallying point for the opposition.

Set in Virginia during the 1850s. The story revolves around the complex relationships between masters and slaves. Sapphira Colbert is a wealthy woman who owns slaves, including Nancy, a young and beautiful slave.

A young widow and her daughter struggle to protect their home and their lives during General Sherman's march to Savannah in the Civil War.

The story picks up with Scarlett O'Hara as she embarks on a journey to win back Rhett Butler, the love of her life.

Inglis Fletcher's historical novel takes as its basis the true-life character of Flora MacDonald. Having rescued the fugitive Bonnie Prince Charlie after the failed revolution of 1745, Macdonald crossed the Atlantic to settle on North Carolinas Cape Fear River. Fletcher's tale plays out against the background of the American Revolution. The climax is the battle of Widow Moore's Creek Bridge.

It is set on a Sea Island off the coast of South Carolina before, during, and after the Civil War. It follows the story of Emily Fenwick, a young New England woman who marries a carpetbagger and moves to the island.

The story follows the townspeople of Santa Vittoria as they attempt to hide and protect a cache of one million bottles of wine from German occupation forces.

Roseanne McNulty, a woman who has been institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital for most of her life, tells her story to Dr. William Grene, a psychiatrist who is evaluating her for possible release. The Secret Scripture is a powerful and moving novel about survival, resilience, trauma, forgiveness, and love.

It is based on the true story of the CIA's covert operation to smuggle and publish Boris Pasternak's novel Doctor Zhivago out of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Set in the 19th century, it follows the lives of the Kent family through the eyes of Gideon Kent.

Arvay Henson, a young woman in early 1900s Florida, struggles to find her place in the world. She falls in love with Jim Meserve, but their marriage is unhappy. She tries to find solace in her religion and music, but she is ultimately unable to escape her unhappiness.

Set in the rugged landscape of North Carolina during the 1920s. The story revolves around George Pemberton and his ambitious wife, Serena, as they build a timber empire. Serena proves to be a ruthless and formidable woman, striving for power and wealth in a male-dominated industry.

The story is a historical thriller and revolves around the mystery surrounding the death of Adolf Hitler's niece, Geli Raubal, and the secrets she possessed.

A collection of writings by Ambrose Bierce, an American writer known for his distinctive and often cynical style. Bierce was a Union soldier in the American Civil War, and his experiences greatly influenced his writing.

The story revolves around an English navigator, John Blackthorne, who is stranded in Japan and becomes involved in the political intrigues and power struggles of the time. Blackthorne navigates the complexities of Japanese society, encountering samurai, warlords, and cultural traditions while trying to survive and find a way back to his homeland.

The story follows Siddhartha, a young man in ancient India who embarks on a spiritual journey in search of self-discovery and enlightenment.

This novel follows the story of two notorious assassins, Eli and Charlie Sisters, during the California Gold Rush era.

Billy Pilgrim, a World War II veteran, becomes unstuck in time and travels through his life in a non-linear fashion. He experiences the horrors of war, the love of his life, and his own death, all out of order.

An elderly slave's daring escape from his oppressors in the Caribbean.

It tells the story of a poor mountain family recruited to move to South Carolina to work in the textile mill and the hardships they endured.

The story is centered around a real-life event in which a Republican writer and journalist, Rafael Sánchez Mazas, narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Nationalists.

An account of the underground Resistance movement in France during World War II, which gathered intelligence information and conducted acts of sabotage against the Nazi invaders.

In 1931, a mother struggling in the Great Depression posts a sign selling her two children. Reporter Ellis Reed takes a photo, but when it's published, the consequences are devastating.

Wang Lung's three sons deal with their inheritance in different ways: the eldest is greedy and irresponsible, the second is shrewd and ambitious, and the youngest is idealistic and rebellious. The novel explores themes of greed, ambition, and the search for meaning in life.

The story centers around the character Sophie Zawistowska, a Polish immigrant in post-World War II Brooklyn. Sophie, haunted by a dark secret from her past, befriends a young aspiring writer named Stingo, who becomes deeply involved in her complex and haunting history.

A novel that takes readers on a philosophical journey through the history of Western philosophy. The story revolves around Sophie, a young girl who begins receiving mysterious letters containing lessons on various philosophical topics.

This epic work spans thousands of years, tracing the history and development of a fictional archeological site in Israel known as Makor. The novel dives deep into the historical, cultural, and religious complexities of the region.

At a small gallery in Florence, a Peruvian writer happens upon a photograph of a tribal storyteller deep in the jungles of the Amazon. He is overcome with the eerie sense that he knows this man...that the storyteller is not an Indian at all but an old school friend, Saul Zuratas. As recollections of Zuratas flow through his mind, the writer begins to imagine Zuratas's transformation from a modern to a central member of the unacculturated Machiguenga tribe. 

It's the sequel to his earlier book, "Lonesome Dove," and is part of the Lonesome Dove series. The story follows the aging Texas Ranger Woodrow Call, who is tracking a young outlaw, Joey Garza, across the rugged landscape of the Wild West.

This book delves into the life and exploits of Francis Marion, known as the "Swamp Fox," for his guerilla warfare tactics and leadership during the American Revolution.

A collection of short stories by Bret Harte, first published in 1870. The stories are set in California during the Gold Rush, and they tell the tales of the miners, gamblers, and other characters who populated the boomtowns of the era.

Based on the true story of Lale Sokolov, a Slovakian Jew who was imprisoned at Auschwitz during World War II. Sokolov was tasked with tattooing identification numbers on the arms of prisoners, and he used his position to help and protect them whenever possible.

Set in Philadelphia during the 1960s, the story focuses on the lives of two African American families, the Coles and the Johnsons, whose destinies become intricately linked by a shared tragedy.

Through the remarkable lives of four families, this epic saga spans four centuries and two continents and charts the dramatic formation of several great dynasties from the age of the conquistadors to the present day. 

A novel that weaves together the lives of twelve characters, mostly Native Americans, living in Oakland, California.

Okonkwo, a respected warrior and farmer in the Umuofia clan of Nigeria, struggles to maintain his traditional values in the face of the arrival of British colonial missionaries. Okonkwo's pride and ambition lead him to make a series of tragic mistakes, and he ultimately loses everything.

"The Things They Carried" is a collection of interconnected short stories that revolve around the experiences of a platoon of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. "In the Lake of the Woods" is a novel that tells the story of John Wade, a politician whose career is threatened by a scandal.

Those Who Love is a fictionalized account of the lives of Abigail and John Adams, based on historical records and letters. It is a moving and insightful story about a complex and enduring relationship.

The story follows the journey of an American B-29 gunner named Muldrow during World War II. After being shot down over Tokyo, Muldrow is forced to survive in the harsh winter landscape of Japan, using his skills to endure and navigate the hostile environment.

An indescribable romp, Trout Fishing in America is by turns a hilarious, playful, and melancholy novel that wanders from San Francisco through America's culture. Richard Brautigan's world is one of gentle magic and marvelous laughter, of the incredibly beautiful and the beautifully incredible. Trout Fishing in America is a pseudonym for the miraculous.

A Western novel set in the 1870s, following the story of a young girl named Mattie Ross seeking revenge for her father's murder. She hires the hard-nosed U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to help her track down the killer, Tom Chaney.

The story revolves around the lives of two African American families, the Shears and the Wrens, and explores the complexities of their relationships, ambitions, and the impact of societal changes on their lives.

The story takes place in the world of Hollywood and follows the character Jack Andrus, an actor trying to resurrect his career after a nervous breakdown.

This story is set in France during the tumultuous period of World War II and follows the lives of various characters against the backdrop of the war.

This work contains seven stories which draw their inspiration from the history of medieval and Golden Age Spain, and take their universal theme from the dreadful consequences of humankind's fascination with power. It includes "The Inquisitor".

Set in pre-World War II Europe, the story follows the lives of journalist John Murphy, American expatriate Ken Marriott, and Jewish violinist Elisa Lindheim

The novel continues the story of the Henry family, an American family caught in the turmoil of World War II.

The novel is set in Washington, D.C., in the aftermath of World War II. It follows the story of James Burden Day, a powerful conservative senator who is eyeing the presidency. Day is a ruthless and ambitious man who is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals.

A novel set in the 1950s on Martha's Vineyard, following the events leading up to the wedding of Shelby Coles, a wealthy African American woman, and Meade "Son" Paull, a man from a working-class background.

Kira Argounova, a young woman in post-revolutionary Russia, struggles to maintain her individuality in a society that suppresses freedom.

Inspired by the incredible true story of one Jewish family separated at the start of World War II, determined to survive—and to reunite—We Were the Lucky Ones is a tribute to the triumph of hope and love against all odds.

The narrative centers around the character Anna Bolton, a young woman who, after growing up in a small town, sets out to explore life in a big city.

It is set in South Carolina in the early 1900s, and it tells the story of a young woman named Lucy who must fight for her rights and the rights of her family.

Set in colonial America, the story is centered around Lyddie Berry, a strong-willed woman living in Cape Cod during the mid-18th century.

The Winds of War tells the story of World War II from the American perspective, focusing on the Henry family and their friends and colleagues.

A Native American family struggles to survive on the Montana reservation in the 1930s. The novel explores themes of poverty, racism, and resilience.

It is the first book in his Lanny Budd series, which follows the life and adventures of an American artist and socialist activist during the first half of the 20th century.

A novel that follows the story of two young soldiers, Private John Bartle and Private Daniel Murphy, serving in the Iraq War.

This novel is set during World War II and follows the lives of three soldiers from different backgrounds—Christian Diestl, a young German officer; Michael Whitacre, an American Jew; and Noah Ackerman, an idealistic American.

The story is set in Mississippi in the 1950s and revolves around the aftermath of a racially motivated murder. The narrative is driven by the lives of various characters, including the white man who committed the murder, the African American family affected by the tragedy, and the subsequent racial tensions in the community.