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Booking Through Thursday


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 read a lot of history! As a former history major, every now and then I’ll read some popular history, or biography. I’m currently reading Letters From Egypt, letters that Lucie Duff Gordon sent home from Egypt in the mid-19th century. I do enjoy reading historical nonfiction, but I probably only read about one such book a month. I also read memoirs; a couple of books ago I read Myself When Young, Daphne Du Maurier’s memoir of her early years. Before that was biography: Pearl Buck of China, by Hilary Spurling; and before that, another memoir, West With the Night. I’m making more of an effort this year to read more nonfiction, and I’m certainly sticking to my goal!
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Lisa said…
I never know what to say when people declare they don't like history or don't read history. I'm a former history major too, and I read a lot of history books. I definitely find some periods more interesting than others, and I do tend to focus on American and English history.
August 25, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Kate Maxwell said…
I commend you on having a goal to read more non-fiction. One day, when I am brave and strong, I will do the same! But for now, I cheat and read HFs.

Here is my answer!
August 26, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Kate Maxwell said…
ps..love your site name! I, too, like spending money on books!
August 26, 2011 at 5:27 PM
John (London) said…
I read a fair bit of popular history, altho' not biography (and I'm not the slightest bit interested in Duchesses of Devonshire, past or present)but I think once you know the main story,good historical novels can give you a better idea of how it must have been.
August 27, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Anonymous said…
I definitely find some periods more interesting than others, and I do tend to focus on American and English history.
web designer perth
September 12, 2011 at 8:31 AM
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