DC Public Library discussion

Ann Hood's The Obituary Writer will be released on March 4, but you can win an early copy from us.

"On the day John F. Kennedy is inaugurated, Claire, an uncompromising young wife and mother obsessed with the glamour of Jackie O, struggles over the decision of whether to stay in a loveless marriage or follow the man she loves and whose baby she may be carrying. Decades earlier, in 1919, Vivien Lowe, an obituary writer, is searching for her lover who disappeared in the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. By telling the stories of the dead, Vivien not only helps others cope with their grief but also begins to understand the devastation of her own terrible loss. The surprising connection between Claire and Vivien will change the life of one of them in unexpected and extraordinary ways. Part literary mystery and part love story, The Obituary Writer examines expectations of marriage and love, the roles of wives and mothers, and the emotions of grief, regret, and hope."

Reply to this thread by noon on Friday, February 15, recommending a historical novel that you've enjoyed, and you'll be entered to win this hardcover book.
We will hold the drawing on Friday afternoon and announce the winner on this thread. The novel can be picked up at any DCPL location.

Last summer I read The Poisonwood Bible and really enjoyed it. The book is about a Baptist preacher and his wife and their four daughters on a mission in the Belgian Congo in the late 50's, early 60's during the Cold War. The story is told from the point of view of the women, and superbly blends history, culture, and a great narrative together. It was one of my favorite books I read last year, and I think would be enjoyable for anyone to read.

I read A Good American by Alex George last year and enjoyed it immensely. This historical fiction centered around the life of a German immigrant who settled in the small town of Beatrice, Missouri. The author captured the sentiment of this immigrant family through World War I, Prohibition, and World War II in the Midwest. It was nice to meet the author at the Gaithersburg Book Festival, and he was nice enough to volunteer to call in to our book club when we do discuss his book.

I liked Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, most of Amy Tan's books(can they be counted as historical fiction because they go back and forth between past and "present"?), The Kite Runner, and LOVED Let the Great World Spin (although most won't consider it historical since it took place in the 1970s. But I wasn't alive yet!) and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is one of my all-time favorite books.

Congratulations Emily!!!
You've won this giveaway. I'll message you to arrange pick up.

For inquiring minds, I used the list randomizer at random.org to pick a winner.

Thanks for all the recs, ladies! I also consider new books that take place before my birth to be historical fiction, and I had a serious disagreement with one of my library school professors about whether The Things They Carried was historical fiction or not (she didn't want to give me credit for the assignment).

Look out for another giveaway in a few weeks and thanks for playing :)

YAY! I'm so excited! For the record, I loved The Things They Carried, too.