Remember those history classes in school, when you would fall asleep with the head on your desk and start drooling? You can safely say those times weren’t the best, and your distaste for history might have grown stronger. And let’s be honest, even if you’re someone who enjoys reading a good book every now and then, you find history books repulsive.
We all read books that we love and find entertaining, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But as much as you avoid history ones, you should know they’re not all full of years that you need to memorize or all lectures. There are books that simply go like a normal story would, and those are automatically more interesting than you think. Here are some books which won’t bore you to death, and will actually give you a new take on history.
- Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell
Do you want to read something history-related that’s mixed up with some humor too? Then what better way to accomplish that than by reading Sarah Vowell’s “Assassination Vacation”? This book covers an era in American history when political crimes were taking place and being totally manipulated by the media.
Basically, this book contains lots of true stories from American history, where the author is trying to look into the crimes that took place and the hypocrisy in them. Aside from that, she makes sure to sprinkle some humor to make it more enjoyable.
- The Secret History of the Mongol Queens by Jack Weatherford
It’s not usual to see a lot of stuff about the Mongol Empire in history lectures, but this book makes up for it, so you’d better seize the opportunity. This book goes in depth about the empire, and how they had a big influence on governments in China and Europe.
Just make sure you are not too sensitive, or you’re at least into rather violent stuff because this book doesn’t sugarcoat everything. All that happened will be explained just how it went, including brutal scenes. But maybe this is what makes this book so interesting – the amount of new stuff you find out, combined with the shock value.
- Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen
Did it ever occur to you that maybe the history you’ve learned at school is cleaned up? Not everything you’re being told in school is true, sadly, and some of the most important parts in American history may be left out. But with this book, you don’t have to worry about that. It will tell you all you need to know that hasn’t crossed your mind before, helping you become more knowledgeable and aware of what took place. If you want to find out truths, not lies, you’d better read it. It has a bonus too: it’s way more entertaining than your history teacher.
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
If you want to find out more about World War II, this book is the chance. It focuses on two French sisters as they are trying to survive and live happily during the occupation from Germans. Like this situation wasn’t enough, the older sister, Vianne, is already suffering after her husband was captured, and now she has to take care of herself and a child too.
In the meantime, the younger sister, Isabelle, joins the French Resistance and does a great job at making plans against Germans. This is how she earns the name “Nightingale”. Make sure you read this book if you want a mix of history and an entertaining story.
In case you want books that are way more compelling than your average history class, then don’t hesitate to try out these books. They’re great sources of entertainment and information.
So, you finally interested in some history facts but this book is no enough for you? Go check those change over time essays they as interesting as all those books.