History: Actual, Fictional and Legendary discussion

I am looking for the next great book to read. For some background my favorite books so far are (1) Trinity; (2) Shogun; (3) Pillars of the Earth; (4) Taipan; (5) Lonesome Dove.

Books that I read but were not my favorites: (1) Noble House (just dragged on); (2) Gai Jin (confusing story line and limited character development); (3) Brazil; (4) Clan of the Cave Bear.

Any suggestions for me based on this?

If you liked Pillars of the Earth you will probably like World Without End. Same town, 200 years later during the time of plague.

You might like Centennial.

My husband and I really enjoyed the Genghis Khan books by Conn Iggulden.

Genghis: Birth of an Empire
Lords of the Bow
Bones of the Hills

I'm a little more than halfway through Dorothy Dunnett's House of Niccolo series and loving all the politics related to trade and intercompetition between the 15th century Italian (and other) city states and banks/trading companies. The Medici are depicted as well as Venetian and Genoese companies. I would love a recommendation for either fiction or fiction-like non-fiction about the Medici.

thanks!

Chris wrote: "I am looking for the next great book to read. For some background my favorite books so far are (1) Trinity; (2) Shogun; (3) Pillars of the Earth; (4) Taipan; (5) Lonesome Dove.

Books that I r..."

I loved Trinity, too. Have you read the sequel, Redemption? It follows Conor's nephew, much shorter but very good book.

For Irish themes, I'd suggest Morgan Llywelyn. She did some ancient tales like Bard of the settling of Ireland, Lion of Ireland about it's first High King, and also a modern series of the fight for independence starting with 1916. You could try Cathal Liam's Consumed in Freedom's Flame and Blood on the Shamrock. It's rougher in quality, kind of hit or miss, but at times very enjoyable.

Hey everyone,

I'm interested in learning more about the transcontinental railroad after watching AMC's Hell on Wheels. Any suggestions for good reads?

Thanks!

Maddie

Cedar Hollow series by Melinda Clayton This series is about the people living in the Appalachian Mountains. If you are interested in reading about the poor people ,small town and the hardships of living in the coal mining district,then this is a wonderful series..Very deep thoughts come out in the characters of these four books.I'm not looking forward to finishing the serues.Wish there was more.

Maddie, how about Nothing Like It in the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-69, by Stephen Ambrose?