From the back cover: "It's just a small story really, about, among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist fighter, and quite a lot of thievery..." Narrated by Death, Markus Zusak's groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a young foster girl living outside of Munich in Nazi Germany. Liesel scratches out a … [Read more...] about The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A+
Historical Fiction
Lieutenant Hornblower by C. S. Forester: A
From the back cover: In this gripping tail of turmoil and triumph on the high seas, Horatio Hornblower emerges from his apprenticeship as midshipman to face new responsibilities thrust upon him by the fortunes of war between Napoleon and Spain. Enduring near-mutiny, bloody hand-to-hand combat with Spanish seamen, deck-splintering sea battles, and the violence and horror of … [Read more...] about Lieutenant Hornblower by C. S. Forester: A
Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir: A-
From the back cover: New York Times best-selling author Alison Weir has earned her reputation as the preeminent historian of British royalty. Now with Innocent Traitor, Weir utilizes her vast knowledge and captivating narrative style to craft her first historical novel, choosing Lady Jane Grey—the most sympathetic heroine of Tudor England—as her enthralling subject. The … [Read more...] about Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir: A-
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower by C. S. Forester: B+
From the back cover: This year is 1793, the eve of the Napoleonic Wars, and Horatio Hornblower, a seventeen-year-old boy unschooled in seafaring and the ways of seamen, is ordered to board a French merchant ship and take command of crew and cargo for the glory of England. Though not an unqualified success, this first naval adventure teaches the young midshipman enough to … [Read more...] about Mr. Midshipman Hornblower by C. S. Forester: B+
Lord Hornblower by C. S. Forester: A
From the back cover: The Admiral's face was grim as he gave Commodore Hornblower his orders. The situation was critical: mutiny was an infection that could spread through the fleet like the plague and, furthermore, the defiant crew of the Flame were threatening to go over to the French. St Vincent has put his faith in Hornblower. Hornblower knows he must not fail. Yet … [Read more...] about Lord Hornblower by C. S. Forester: A