It’s historical time! And also Hayleigh doesn’t read the right books time! 😅

I saw this on Basically Britt’s channel and it looked like a fun and interesting tag to do! The original tag was created by Books Michelle!

QUESTIONS:

1. The Stone Age: one of the first books you remember reading.

I don’t know if it was Winnie the Pooh; A.A. Milne or the Biff, Chip and Kipper books (written by Roderick Hunt). I have a terrible memory, but both of these stick out. I adored the Biff and Chip books in primary school and I blame them entirely for my love of fantasy!

2. Ancient Greece: your favorite myth-inspired book (doesn’t have to be Greek mythology), or retelling.

Thinking about this, I’ve watched more myth inspired films and tv programmes than read them. I suppose the main one would be The Song of Achilles; Madeline Miller which is a retelling of the Iliad.

I also enjoyed Persephone; Kaitlin Bevis. It’s a modern day retelling of the Hades and Persephone love story. I think I read the first 2, but wasn’t so interested when Aphrodite became prominent.

Retelling wise, I’ve mainly only read Beauty and the Beast ones. Although I’m currently reading the Cinder series, so hopefully, I’ll enjoy them and can add them to this list!

3. The Roman Empire: a book featuring an impressive empire or kingdom.

I read a book about the Byzantine Empire in The Empress; Meg Clothier. This was one of the greatest empires in European history and one that I’ve not seen much historical fiction written about.

Not many are coming to mind, which is weird because in fantasy there are always kingdoms…

I guess, the place in Warbreaker; Brandon Sanderson. It’s literally home to “gods”. Or Mary E. Pearson’s The Remnant Chronicles. All three kingdoms become rather impressive with the efforts of our main characters.

4. The Middle Ages, (or the Dark Ages): a book that is an absolute bummer.

Before we start shout out to me who remembered the Bayeux Tapestry existed!

I don’t read too many books that would fall into “bummer” status. I hate myself, but not that much 😂I feel like this question would be easier if I read grittier fantasy or just contemporaries in general. Alas, I do not, so the only answer I have is The Miniaturist; Jessie Burton. These characters never really have the freedom to live the lives they want and when it starts to look as though they may gain it a little with the support of each other, it goes to shit.

Oh, wait. I thought on this and what came to my mind was A Streetcar Named Desire; Tennessee Williams, which I read because it’s my sister’s favourite piece of lit. and Of Mice and Men; John Steinbeck, which broke my heart.

There is another, but it’s for the WWI/II question.

5. The Renaissance: a book that you’ve learned a lot from, or that made you think.

I feel like most books make you think, and I feel like this would – yet again – be an easier question if I read more contemporary or non-fiction.

Of the few I’ve read these are the ones that stick out:

• Noughts & Crosses; Malorie Blackman
• A Monster Calls; Patrick Ness
• The Diary of Anne Frank
• The Alchemist; Paulo Coelho

6. The Industrial Revolution: a book featuring an invention or concept that you would love to have in your own life.

Floo Powder! But a better version where I don’t need a fireplace (I’ve never seen one in an actual person’s house (aka not historical rich people homes) before) and I would probably join Harry in the dumbass club and not enunciate properly 😂

7. World War I & II: your favorite historical fiction book about the World Wars (or if you don’t have one, your favorite historical fiction book in general).

Hands down The Book Thief by Markus Zusak! This book is wonderfully written with poignant mixed media (Max’s book for Liesel 😭) and a unique narrator. I loved every moment of this book and was heartbroken throughout. We follow a German family who harbour a Jewish man. We see his relationship with Liesel – in terms of friendship, understanding, resilience, love and hope – and how Max’s presence effects the family. It also explores the importance of words in a time of upheaval and their ability to give solace.

I would highly recommend this book. As well as Charlotte Gray; Sebastian Faulks – this is an adult war novel about a Scottish woman caught up in the Resistance’s effort to liberate France from the Nazi’s while trying to find her lover who is presumed dead.

8. Present day: a book everybody should read in present day according to you.

This is a really hard question which I never like answering. Everyone’s tastes are different and while I want to get more into non-fiction and hard hitting stuff, it’s a slow process and won’t be a big portion of my reading. When people say “a book everybody should read” it comes with the connotations that this books says something profound and important about society, racism, sexism, homophobia and other problems with the world.

And while those books are vital, I don’t read them enough. I read for escapism and to get away from the anxieties of my brain and the world. I suppose it would just be the books I’ve already suggested in questions 7, 5, and 4.

As we all know, in reality, if I were to suggest a book it would be Pride & Prejudice; Jane Austen – because I am trash for this book!

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I hope you enjoyed this tag, it’s a bit heavier than previous ones.

Thanks for reading and I hope you’re having a lovely day~