Pillars of the Earth was one of my mother's favorite books, and she introduced it to me. I also now love it, and it's due for a(nother) re-read. Follett has also written a couple of sequels to the story, taking place in the same region and telling what happened to the characters' descendants.
James Michener is always good, but the first 200 pages or so in each book are a bit of a slog. Totally worth it in the end, though.
I got into Herman Wouk in 1983 after the mini-series of The Winds of War, and then took a deep dive into all of his books. I totally loved Marjorie Morningstar and Youngblood Hawke, though the second one was terribly miscast in the movie (love Suzanne Pleshette and James Franciscus, but here -- NO).
LOVED Shogun in book form and the movie with Richard Chamberlain. Mitchner's books, though incredibly long, have taught me a lot of history over the years in interesting and compelling ways. I agree with Jerie, the previous poster about Mary Stewart's Crystal Cave series. Fascinating.
I have read Clan, Rose, and worked my way through most of Michener. I remember at one place of work 12 of us passed around the Mists of Avalon. The other book I loved was The Lost Apotecary by Sarah Penner.
We have such similar reading tastes! I've read all of those except Name of the Rose, but it's been on my list for awhile. Did you read the 2nd and 3rd books after Pillars of the Earth? And have you read his Century trilogy - starts with Fall of the Giants? I also agree with another reader about the Aubrey-Maturin series, esp listening to them read by Patrick Tull!
I've read the other books in the PIllars series, but not Century. I'll have to add them to my list. And that other reader is my husband - who LOVES the Aubrey-Maturin series. They're the only books he'll re-read. I'll have to tell him about the audio!
I have read all. of these and loved them too. I also love historical novels, especially those based on real people and events. Love Philippa Gregory and Allison Weir too.
I've read and loved three of the books in your list, so great to hear someone likes the heavy bricks like I do! :) Clan is always great, I can't believe how immersed I was in the Pillars series and Michener can take you to any place or time he wants to. All three amazing! Jack Whyte's The Skystone 7-book series about the Arthurian legend are great reads, written as though it could have really happened that way, very believable. Mary Stewart's The Crystal Cave 3-book series is also extremely well done.
I just started North Woods by Daniel Mason (audio version). The story of a dwelling and its many inhabitants through decades and centuries. So far, I love it.
That's hard. I've packed them up in preparation for moving and downsizing. I did keep her books though. I think the Venetian Bargain is about the plague entering into Venice and one of her earlier books. I think the Glassblower of Murano was one of the first I read of hers. But for some reason the Venetian Bargain is front in my mind. So I guess that would be my recommendation. But you can't go wrong with any of them.
Pillars of the Earth was one of my mother's favorite books, and she introduced it to me. I also now love it, and it's due for a(nother) re-read. Follett has also written a couple of sequels to the story, taking place in the same region and telling what happened to the characters' descendants.
James Michener is always good, but the first 200 pages or so in each book are a bit of a slog. Totally worth it in the end, though.
I got into Herman Wouk in 1983 after the mini-series of The Winds of War, and then took a deep dive into all of his books. I totally loved Marjorie Morningstar and Youngblood Hawke, though the second one was terribly miscast in the movie (love Suzanne Pleshette and James Franciscus, but here -- NO).
Loved Shogun and the rest of the books in the series. Also loved Pillars of the Earth.
The Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk were great too. I will try Clan of the Cave Bear. Thanks for tweaking my memory.
LOVED Shogun in book form and the movie with Richard Chamberlain. Mitchner's books, though incredibly long, have taught me a lot of history over the years in interesting and compelling ways. I agree with Jerie, the previous poster about Mary Stewart's Crystal Cave series. Fascinating.
I also read Clan of the Cave Bear many years ago. Such a great book, time to read it again! I love your book recommendations, thanks!!
Ty for the list of books… love mysteries
Patrick O'Brian's Aubrey-Maturin series about the Napoleonic War! 😄
Two other James Michener books were favorites, Hawaii and Centennial. Loved The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough also.
Oooh! I loved The Thorn Birds!
I have read Clan, Rose, and worked my way through most of Michener. I remember at one place of work 12 of us passed around the Mists of Avalon. The other book I loved was The Lost Apotecary by Sarah Penner.
I also loved Mists of Avalon! And The Lost Apothocery looks great - I just added it to my list!
We have such similar reading tastes! I've read all of those except Name of the Rose, but it's been on my list for awhile. Did you read the 2nd and 3rd books after Pillars of the Earth? And have you read his Century trilogy - starts with Fall of the Giants? I also agree with another reader about the Aubrey-Maturin series, esp listening to them read by Patrick Tull!
I've read the other books in the PIllars series, but not Century. I'll have to add them to my list. And that other reader is my husband - who LOVES the Aubrey-Maturin series. They're the only books he'll re-read. I'll have to tell him about the audio!
I have read all. of these and loved them too. I also love historical novels, especially those based on real people and events. Love Philippa Gregory and Allison Weir too.
My love for Phillipa Gregory and Allison Weir is why historical fiction about English royalty will get their own category. :-)
So glad to hear it! And, BTW, I love your designs!
Janelle
I've read and loved three of the books in your list, so great to hear someone likes the heavy bricks like I do! :) Clan is always great, I can't believe how immersed I was in the Pillars series and Michener can take you to any place or time he wants to. All three amazing! Jack Whyte's The Skystone 7-book series about the Arthurian legend are great reads, written as though it could have really happened that way, very believable. Mary Stewart's The Crystal Cave 3-book series is also extremely well done.
Oooh - I haven't heard of the Skystone books, but I LOVED The Crystal Cave. I think that got me reading everything Mary Stewart ever wrote. :-)
I just started North Woods by Daniel Mason (audio version). The story of a dwelling and its many inhabitants through decades and centuries. So far, I love it.
That looks great!
Anything by Marina Fiorato for Historical fiction. I love the middle ages.
I've never read anything by this author, but I just looked at her list and they all look good. Is there one you recommend starting with?
That's hard. I've packed them up in preparation for moving and downsizing. I did keep her books though. I think the Venetian Bargain is about the plague entering into Venice and one of her earlier books. I think the Glassblower of Murano was one of the first I read of hers. But for some reason the Venetian Bargain is front in my mind. So I guess that would be my recommendation. But you can't go wrong with any of them.