Kristin Hannah Recommends 5 Historical Fiction Books She Gave 5 Stars on Goodreads
'The Nightingale’ author has given these novels her stamp of approval
Key Takeaways
- The bestselling author has given these five books five stars on Goodreads.
- Her must-read picks include sweeping stories set across different eras
- Discover books by Bonnie Garmus, Maggie Shipstead, Stephen King and more.
Ever wonder what your favorite authors are reading? We share many popular authors’ reading lists here, but Kristin Hannah, the bestselling author of popular novels like The Nightingale and The Four Winds, isn’t shy about sharing her own reviews. Over the years, the bestselling author has given several historical fiction books five stars on Goodreads, and we have rounded up our five favorites below.
‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus
This bestselling book, which was made into a TV show starring Brie Larson, is set in the early 1960s and follows Elizabeth Zott, the only female scientist at the Hastings Research Institute. All of her colleagues think she is less than because she’s a woman, but Calvin Evans, whom she falls in love with, doesn’t. Years later, Calvin is killed in an accident, leaving Elizabeth pregnant, unwed and alone. Instead of falling apart, she uses the tragedy as a chance to change her life. Soon, she becomes the host of a popular cooking show Supper at Six, and even though she has an interesting approach, her viewers love her and her feminist ways. A powerful tale of female empowerment and family.
What readers are saying: “Lessons in Chemistry is not simply a book; it’s a celebration of women’s empowerment, the pursuit of dreams and the courage to redefine societal norms. Bonnie Garmus has created a masterpiece that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page.”
‘Great Circle’ by Maggie Shipstead
After surviving a sinking ship in 1914, Marian and Jamie Graves are sent to live with their uncle in Montana. While there, Marian comes across a barnstorming pilot and instantly falls in love with flying. By age 14, she decides she’s going to fly across the globe—even if doing so costs Marian her life. A century later, actress Hadley Baxter is cast to play Marian in a film about her life and decides to spend her time researching what exactly happened to her on that deadly flight all those years ago. A beautifully told dual-timeline tale.
What readers are saying: “I loved this book. Marian is an exquisitely drawn character and her story is fascinating. It is an amazing book. The plot, the descriptions, the forward momentum of the story sucked me in and held me fast. I highly recommend this book.”
‘11/23/63’ by Stephen King
This almost 900-page epic is perfect for readers who love Stephen King’s moving storytelling. Modern-day Maine resident Jake Epping is sent through a portal to 1958 with one mission: prevent John F. Kennedy’s assassination. Along the way, he falls in love, crosses paths with Lee Harvey Oswald and grapples with an impossible question: Is changing history worth the cost, or are some things better left untouched?
What readers are saying: “11/22/63 is one of my favorite books. I remember exactly where I was when the news of JFK’s assassination was announced over the radio. I was a young mother waiting in the car for my husband to pick up a prescription for our young son. I was in shock that something so terrible could happen in America. This book took me back to that time in history. I loved all the early 1960’s nostalgia referred to in the story. I felt like I was a time traveler just like the main character in the book. Although the book is long, I have read it again recently. I think it is one of Stephen King’s best books.”
‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ by Amor Towles
Set in 1922 Russia, this novel follows Count Alexander Rostov, who is sentenced to house arrest in the Metropol, an extravagant hotel across the street from the official residence of the Russian President and the Kremlin. Throughout his time there, Alexander must use his observation skills and wit to understand what’s going on around him. A beautiful tale that will leave readers guessing.
What Kristin says: “This book was the first of his that I read and I was blown away by the voice, the story, the setting. The series was wonderful, but nothing can compare to stepping into the world Amor created word by word. You’ll thank me for the recommendation.”
What readers are saying: “This brilliant gem of a book is so deserving of all the accolades it has received. Its exploration of human behavior and our never-ending drive to find happiness and purpose, no matter the circumstances, is so uplifting and enchanting. The best books steal a part of our hearts and remain with us long after they are read, and so this will be for me. I only wish I had discovered it that much sooner.”
‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens
In this #1 New York Times bestseller, North Carolina resident Kya’s family abandoned her as a child, leaving her alone in the wetlands. Over the years, she becomes known as the “Marsh Girl” and the townspeople of Barkley Cove keep their distance from her. So when two young men from the town enter her life, Kya experiences connection for the first time. But when one of them is found dead, everyone suspects her. As the trial begins, long-buried secrets threaten to surface, and Kya must face a world that has always rejected her.
What Kristin says: “Anyone who liked The Great Alone will want to read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. This astonishing debut is a beautiful and haunting novel that packs a powerful punch. It’s the first novel in a long time that made me cry.”
What readers are saying: “I can’t get over how perfect this book is. The writing grabbed me from literally the first page and kept me entranced. There are so many heartbreaking moments in this book. Kya just can’t understand why everyone leaves her. The murder mystery was very well done and I had no clue how it would play out. The suspense was killing me.”
Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.
Conversation
All comments are subject to our Community Guidelines. Woman's World does not endorse the opinions and views shared by our readers in our comment sections. Our comments section is a place where readers can engage in healthy, productive, lively, and respectful discussions. Offensive language, hate speech, personal attacks, and/or defamatory statements are not permitted. Advertising or spam is also prohibited.
