History buffs often love 'Hornblower' series. C.S. Forester created a very believable world of the Royal Navy in the Napoleonic era. The character of Horatio Hornblower is a complex and engaging hero. 'The Bolitho Novels' by Alexander Kent are also highly regarded. These books cover different aspects of the Royal Navy's history, from battles to the internal politics within the navy. They give a comprehensive view of what life was like in the Royal Navy.
One of the most popular is 'The Other Boleyn Girl'. Readers are drawn to its vivid portrayal of the Tudor court and the complex relationships. 'Wolf Hall' is also very popular. Its detailed account of the period and its characters has made it a favorite. And 'Red, White & Royal Blue' has gained a lot of popularity, especially among younger readers, for its modern and inclusive take on the royal family concept.
Definitely 'Lone Survivor'. It has been widely read and was also made into a movie. Its popularity stems from the fact that it's a true story told in a very engaging way, and it gives readers an in - depth look at the Navy SEAL experience.
Among young readers, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' is quite popular. It has a modern take on a royal love story and deals with themes like acceptance and identity. Young people can relate to the characters' struggles in a world that is constantly watching them. Another popular one is 'The Royal We'. It's like a modern - day fairy tale with a royal family setting that young readers find fascinating.
For history buffs, 'The Paris Wife' is a great choice. It's not directly about a US president but gives a look at the time of Ernest Hemingway and his relationships, which were influenced by the political climate. A more directly related one is 'Lincoln' by Gore Vidal. It provides a fictionalized but detailed account of Abraham Lincoln's life and presidency. And 'Truman' by David McCullough, which, although it's a biography, has elements that could be considered fictionalized in terms of the narrative style and how it brings the president to life.
Among Navy veterans, 'The Hunt for Red October' is quite popular. The detailed descriptions of submarine operations and the high - stakes plot make it a favorite. 'Caine Mutiny' is also well - liked as it explores the power dynamics and moral issues within a Navy ship's crew. Veterans can relate to the characters' struggles and decision - making processes.
Among students, 'Johnny Tremain' is quite popular. It follows the life of a young apprentice in Boston just before the American Revolution. It's a great way to learn about that time period in an engaging fictional story.
One of the most popular is 'The Pillars of the Earth'. It has a huge following due to its detailed portrayal of medieval England. 'The Name of the Rose' is also very popular. Its complex mystery and historical setting attract a lot of readers. 'Ivanhoe' has been a classic for a long time and is still widely read for its adventure and historical context.
The 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin, while not strictly pure Scottish history fiction, has a lot of elements of Edinburgh's history and culture woven into its detective stories. It gives readers a view of the city's seedy underbelly and how it has changed over time. Rankin's writing is so vivid that it really brings the Scottish city to life.
For history buffs, 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut is a must - read. It's a unique take on World War II as it also delves into themes of time and the absurdity of war. Vonnegut's writing style is distinct and makes this a thought - provoking read.
The most popular ones? 'The White Queen' by Philippa Gregory is up there. It's part of her Cousins' War series and has a huge following. People love the way she weaves the story of Elizabeth Woodville. Also, 'I, Claudius' is still popular today, decades after it was first published. It gives such an interesting view into the Roman royals. And 'The Kingmaker's Daughter' also has a lot of fans as it continues the story of the power struggles in the Wars of the Roses.