Reading Recommendations for the Book Worm

Dear Avid Reader,

You guessed right. I am an avid reader and, like you, I especially enjoy historical fiction but read most other genres as well. As you’ll see from my list, I read long, challenging books like The Covenant of Water, but also fanciful, quick-read books like The Bucket List. 

Since you asked, here are some of my, recently read, books.

1. The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese is one of the most beautifully written books of historical fiction I’ve read in a long time. Yes, it’s very long - over 800 pages - and, yes, it’s a complex family saga. But to me, the effort and time were well worth it. 

2. Silk and Song by Dana Stabenow is another historical fiction. This one is written through the eyes of Marco Polo’s granddaughter and takes place along The Silk Road. An interesting time and place!

3. Claude & Camille - a Novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell is the story of the famous impressionist, Claude Monet. Not only are his ongoing struggles as an artist depicted but also his deep love affair with his wife Camille. 

4. The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel is a story set during WWII in Champagne, France, and NY, 2019. I found the dual time frames easy to navigate in this fascinating story.

5. The In-Between by Hadley Vlahos, R.N. is a non-fiction book about the unforgettable encounters during life’s final moments. The author is a hospice nurse. 

6. What You Are Looking for is in The Library by Michiko Aoyama and Hanako Footman is a very unusual, fanciful book that’s short and fun.

7. Someone Else’s Shoes by Jojo Moyes is another fanciful, creative story with enchanting characters. 

8. Dirty 30 by Janet Evanovich is the latest in the series of books featuring Stephanie Plum bail bonds person. I have listened to every single book in the series — it’s my “book candy”! The audio rendition is great!

9. The Wager by David Grann is a non-fiction book that reads like historical fiction. A story of shipwreck, mutiny, and murder. Well researched and written. 

10. The Bucket List by Rachael Hannah and Good Luck with That by Kristan Higgins are both fun reads about women fulfilling the dying wishes of others while growing into the people they were meant to be. 

Last but not least, The Bootmaker’s Wife, my own book of historical fiction inspired by my great grandparents, Charles and Elizabeth Horn. A pioneer story set in the Sand Hills of Nebraska, 1875-76, with themes of friendship, endurance, and cooperation. 

There’s a little something for everyone on this list. I hope you find a few books here that will speak to your heart, enrich your understanding, and/or tickle your fancy.