Ultimate Popsugar Reading Challenge discussion
2019 Challenge Prompts - Regular
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38 - A novel based on a true story
If you want something a bit heavier, a lot of war fiction has at least some basis in fact. For example, A Farewell to Arms was based on Hemingway's own experiences during the war and Regeneration is based on real treatments that soldiers during WW1 received for shell-shock.
If you want a really dark, hard to read horror book, the Girl Next Door is based on an actual murder.
Kristy wrote: "If you want a really dark, hard to read horror book, the Girl Next Door is based on an actual murder."I just finished that earlier this week. It was brutal
I was told recently that The Phantom of the Opera was actually based on a true story, which is pretty horrifying, but I may count that one. I also have to recommend Elizabeth Street for those who haven't read it.
Do autobiographies count for this? I really want to read Somebody I Used to Know by Wendy Mitchell.
Paige wrote: "Do autobiographies count for this? I really want to read Somebody I Used to Know by Wendy Mitchell."Novels are fiction, so an autobiography wouldn't really work. Unless they LIE!
Tracy wrote: "I'm thinking of Before We Were Yours"That was very good! I'd recommend it, and definitely based on a true story.
I finished The Highland Chieftain by Amy Jarecki yesterday. Two characters are based on real people. This may count.
I plan to read Women Talking by Miriam Towes.
Nicole wrote: "I'm going to read Child of the Jungle: The True Story of a Girl Caught Between Two Worlds"That isn't a novel. It's a nonfiction account of her life.
Beneath a Scarlet SkyThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library!Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience and Redemption
When Breath Becomes Air
Lost in Shangri-la: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II
I'm jumping on the Before We Were Yours bandwagon for this one!I had originally planned to use it for my 2019 A-Z but did some shuffling! :)
Margaret the FirstTrue History of the Kelly Gang
Little (about Madame Tussaud!)
City of Darkness, City of Light
I just finished Before We Were Yours, which was great. It reminded me of Necessary Lies, which was similar (although a different issue) and should work for this prompt. I also think The Invention of Wings could work for this (and I recommend it), and possibly Next Year in Havana...
Oh and The Other Einstein was a good read!
I'm planning on A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story for now.
The Stars Are Fire based on a true event! The 1947 fire in Maine. I never heard of it before I read the book.
Nancy wrote: "Beneath a Scarlet SkyThe Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
Dewey: There's a Cat in the Library
Since I plan on reading The Great Gatsby next year I will pair it with Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald.
That reminds me, The Paris Wife is a good one. Its about Hemingway's first wife.I decided to read The Sun Also Rises I've been wanting to read more of his work since after I read The Paris Wife. This book, and A Moveable Feast is referred to a lot.
NicholasSparks new book and tattooist of auschwitz
Vivian wrote: "Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II"But isn't that also nonfiction and not a novel?
Many of these suggestions are non-fiction, not novels based on a true story. Code Girls, Henrietta Lacks, Unbroken, to name a few. Narrative non-fiction, to be sure, but not novels.
All of the Outlander novels would work for this I think, since she bases them on historical events. I've already read them so I'll have to think of something else
Theresa wrote: "I recommend The Cottingley Secret"I didn't realize this was based on a true story. Definitely a top contender for me.
Lauren wrote: "I just finished Before We Were Yours, which was great. It reminded me of Necessary Lies, which was similar (although a different issue) and should work for this prom..."Oh, my book club is reading Other Einstein this month, so that's perfect.
I’m going to read Cherry by Nico Walker. It’s a novel based on the authors experiences in the Army as a medic and his later struggled with heroin addiction and subsequent arrest for bank robbery. Looks like a really good read.
Stephanie wrote: "All of the Outlander novels would work for this I think, since she bases them on historical events. I've already read them so I'll have to think of something else"But they are not based on any real story, they are just regular historical fiction, more or less. A historical event, like a war, is not really a story.
I reecently read The Sun Also Rises is based on a true story. Anyone know if thats true?
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Books mentioned in this topic
The Hour I First Believed (other topics)As Palavras que Nunca Te Direi (other topics)
The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue (other topics)
Lewis and Clark and Me: A Dog's Tale (other topics)
Mister Tender's Girl (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Heather Morris (other topics)Rose Tremain (other topics)
Miriam Toews (other topics)
Anaïs Barbeau-Lavalette (other topics)
Robin LaFevers (other topics)
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Before We Were Yours
Beneath a Scarlet Sky
Victoria
What other suggestions do you have?