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Thursday 25 August 2011

Booking Through Thursday #3 History


Hosted by Booking Through Thursday

Now, there's an obvious reason why I'm putting this 'Booking Through Thursday' reply here rather than in its usual place over at 'The Story Factory Reading Zone'- its because its all about history!

Today we are asked to reply to the following:
Sometimes I feel like the only person I know who finds reading history fascinating. It’s so full of amazing-yet-true stories of people driven to the edge and how they reacted to it. I keep telling friends that a good history book (as opposed to some of those textbooks in school that are all lists and dates) does everything a good novel does–it grips you with real characters doing amazing things.
Am I REALLY the only person who feels this way? When is the last time you read a history book? Historical biography? You know, something that took place in the past but was REAL.
I must say, that I'm generally more interested in historical fiction than historical fact, but I have come across some really good historical biographies. I agree that a really good history book can do everything than a god novel does. 'The King's Speech' is a good example of this. I think what makes a good historical book for me is one that deals with people on a personal level. That's why a lot of the history non-fiction I read seems to be about the war- because those seem to tend to tell individuals' stories. When I read historical fiction (in fact any fiction really) the same holds true.

I like my historical fiction to contain historical fact as well, the characters (or what they do), may be partly or totally fictional but it should be realistic and set within a historically accurate context. That's why I really enjoy Christian Jacq's novels, for instance. Because you know he has professional knowledge about Ancient Egypt and is trying to stick to it, then it rings much truer.

So no, you're not the only one who feels that way. Real history can be interesting and (dare I say it) dynamic!

10 comments:

  1. I've enjoyed a few Historical Fiction books...I can't name a real historical fact book that I've enjoyed.

    TRISH- Here's my BTT Post

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  2. I have to agree with you! As much as I try to get into certain books that contain history, I find myself checking out other fictional works. Life is so busy these days, it's nice to get wrapped up in something that is exciting where it's not entirely real.

    Great post - gotta love historical fiction! :)

    http://amylunderman.blogspot.com/2011/08/booking-through-thursday-my-clockwork.html

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  3. Good reply .... A difference between historical fiction and historical fact books.
    Sometimes fact can be stranger than fiction, that's why
    I chose the book about Henrietta Lacks.
    http://www.reflectionswithcoffee.com/2011/08/history-btt.html

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  4. I've read a few historical fiction that were ok, but it's not my favorite genre.
    Here's Mine

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  5. I don't tend to read factual history, even though I love history and seek out historical sites on vacation. Here's mine: http://booksmemesmusings.blogspot.com/2011/08/booking-through-thursday-history.html

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  6. On my post are a few examples of well-researched historical fictions. There have been so many... but these ones have stuck!
    Here is my answer!

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  7. My favorite genre is historical fiction.

    http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/08/booking-through-thursday_25.html

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  8. Both can be good but it's much easier to find good fiction.

    Here's Mine: House Millar - BTT

    Aine

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  9. I agree I enjoy Historical Fiction based on fact.

    Here is my BTT answer.

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  10. Wasn't The King's Speech fabulous - although I'm talking about the movie here, I've yet to read the book... but it is on my TBR pile! I promise!! ;)
    You may like the "historical entertainment" I've recently come across. It's certainly all about history at a people level - I'm really enjoying it.

    http://thebookgatherer.blogspot.com/2011/08/booking-through-thursday-history-books.html

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