Book-ish.

There is something so fun about diving into a book and transporting yourself to a different time period. Historical Fiction has become one of my favorite genres in recent years. Not only are these books entertaining, but they can also teach you about a time period you knew nothing about. See below for four of my favorites that span from the 1930s-1980s!

4.5/5 Stars

This book won Goodreads “Best Debut Novel” in 2022 and has since been turned into a TV series on Apple TV – so it has a lot of accolades! I really enjoyed this book and it had me feeling a range of emotions.

• Set in the 1960’s
• Our main character Elizabeth Zott is a chemist and not your average woman – especially for the time period
• She finds herself as a single mother and a reluctant new star to America’s most popular cooking show “Supper at Six”
• As her following grows, so do her critics – not everyone is happy to see a woman teaching other woman how to break the status quo
• Funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring – a great read!

5/5 Stars

This book was Goodreads winner for “Best Historical Fiction” back in 2018 and after you read it you will understand why. This is probably my favorite Kristin Hannah book and I still think about it from time to time.

• Set in Alaska in the 1970s following the Vietnam War
• The setting of this book was fascinating to me and a huge reason as to why I loved it so much
• The story follows Leni, a 13 year old girl, who is coming of age during this tumultuous time after her father returns from fighting in the war and decides to pack up and move his family to Alaska
• While at first Alaska seems to be the answer to their prayers, as winter looms and darkness descends her father’s fragile mental state begins to deteriorate
• Leni and her mother Cora soon find themselves trying to survive during an Alaskan winter on their own
• This book was truly an amazing story that focused on resilience, loyalty, love, and the human spirit – a truly fantastic read!

5/5 Stars

This book was a “Book of the Year Finalist” for Book of the Month and a Goodreads nominee for “Best Historical Fiction” in 2019. This story is unique and I absolutely loved following the characters on their journey.

• Set in the summer of 1932 during the Great Depression
• Takes place at an Indian Trading School where Native American children have been forcibly separated from their parents
• Follows Odie and his brother Albert as the only two white children at the school, their best friend, Mose, a mute young boy of Sioux heritage, and a heartbroken little girl named Emmy as they break free from the school and set out on their own
• Over the course of one summer the 4 orphan children journey across America in a coming-of-age story that showcases the heart and soul of the American people during this difficult time in history
• This is an emotional yet enthralling and action-packed read that really takes you on a journey with the four children – couldn’t recommend it more!

4/5 Stars

This book was the Goodreads winner for “Best Historical Fiction” in 2021 and is the most light-hearted and fun read on this list. This book is also being adapted into a TV show by Hulu, so all the more reason to pick it up!

• Takes place in 1980s Malibu
• Focuses on the four Riva siblings – Nina, Jay, Hud, and Kit – and the fascination surrounding their lives as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva
• This story takes place in the span of one night at the epic end-of-summer party thrown by Nina, where all of Malibu is sure to be in attendance
• By midnight the party will be completely out of control and by morning the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames, but before then all the siblings secrets will come to the surface
• This is a super fun story and a quick read – I recommend if you want a more light-hearted historical fiction book!

All of these books are so different, yet they all made this list because I loved them all for different reasons. There is a book for everyone here whether you want an epic Great Depression novel or a fun story taking place in 1980s Malibu – and that is why historical fiction is such a fun genre. Happy Reading!