Reading Through 250 Years of America
Join me as I read my way through 250 years of American history, one historical-fiction story at a time. From the early settlers to the present day, I’m exploring the people, events, struggles, and turning points that shaped America— and sharing the books that bring those moments to life.
Part 1: The Beginning of America
The journey begins with the people who first settled these shores and the events that would eventually shape a new nation. Through historical fiction, I’m exploring the hopes, struggles, and lives behind the history we know.
First Settlers
Flight of the Sparrow
Amy Belding Brown
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
The Flight of the Sparrow game me a fascinating look at life for women in the 1600s. I was especially moved by the story of a woman caught between colonial society and the Indigenous way of life. It was heart breaking at times, but an interesting look at early America.
Revolutionary War
A Founding Mother
Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
A Founding Mother brings Abigail Adam’s remarkable life to the page, from the Revolutionary War and the birth of a nation to her years in the White house and beyond. I especially enjoyed her intelligence, independence, and partnership with John Adams.
Civil War
Junie
Erin Crosby Eckstine
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
Junie tells a powerful story of an enslaved girl growing up on an Alabama plantation and confronting the painful reality of a relationship she once believed was a friendship. I connected with Junie’s relationship with her sister and found her journey compelling.
Part 2: America in Transistion
America was changing rapidly as the nation expanded westward, cities and industries grew, women fought for the right to vote, and a new generation faced the challenges of World War I. Through historical fiction, I’m exploring the people, struggles, and turning points that shaped America during this time of transformation.
Western Expansion
At the Edge of the Orchard
Tracy Chevalier
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
At the Edge of the Orchard offers an interesting look at the challenges faced by early settlers and the westward movement. I enjoyed learning about apple cultivation and the research behind this story.
Gilded Age/Suffrage
What She Left Behind
Ellen Marie Wiseman
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
What She Left Behind weaves together two timelines and two women whose stories gradually reveal a powerful connection. I loved how Clara and Izzy’s lives come together, creating an emotional story that stayed with me.
World War I
The Hidden Letters
Lorna Cook
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
The Hidden Letters follows two perspective and a forbidden love unfolding during World War I. While the story took some time to draw me in, I appreciated the characters and the different perspectives.
Part 3: A Nation Tested
America enters a time of extraordinary change, from the excitement of the Roaring Twenties to the devastating hardship of the Great Depression and the uncertainty of World War II. Through historical fiction, I’m exploring the people, struggles, and resilience behind the events that tested a nation and changed America forever.
The Roaring 20’s
Dollface
Renee Rosen
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
I enjoyed stepping into the world of 1920s Chicago with Vera, whose dreams of freedom lead her into the dangerous world of rival gangs and organized crime. I loved the vivid historical setting and learning more about Chicago during the Roaring Twenties.
Great Depression
The Four Winds
Kristin Hannah
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
Set during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, The Four Winds follows Elsa Martinelli as she leaves Texas with her children in search of a better life. I loved this book, although it broke my heart at times. Elsa’s strength and determination stayed with me long after I finished.
World War II
Under the Java Moon
Heather B Moore
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
Under the Java Moon opened my eyes to a part of World War II I knew very little about—the Japanese prison camps in Indonesia. Heather B. Moore brings the hunger, fear, and determination of a Dutch family fighting to survive to life. This was a heartbreaking read, but I’m grateful it introduced me to a story of war and survival that deserves to be remembered.
Part 4: A Nation in Conflict
America entered a period of deep tension and transformation, from the uncertainty of the Cold War to the powerful struggle for civil rights and the divisive Vietnam War. Through historical fiction, I’m Exploring the people, struggles, and voices behind the events that challenged America at home and abroad—and changed the nation forever.
Cold War
Our Woman in Moscow
Beatriz Williams
⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
Our Woman in Moscow is a twisty Cold War story centered on twin sisters whose complicated relationship becomes tangled in espionage and secrets. I enjoyed the twist and the well-researched look at Cold War spying, especially learning about the Cambridge spy ring that loosely inspired the story.
Civil Rights Movement
Take My Hand
Dolen Perkins-Valdez
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
Take My Hand follows is a powerful and eye-opening story about injustice and the harm caused when vulnerable people are failed by those in power. It was difficult to read at times, but it gave me a lot to think about and made this painful chapter of history feel very real.
Vietnam War
The Women
Kristin Hannah
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
The Women is a deeply moving story about the women who served in Vietnam and the sacrifices they made—only to come home to a country that often failed to recognize or honor their service. This powerful story stayed with me long after I finished reading.
Memaw Reads 