Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National - Best Rated Books

"East of Eden" by John Steinbeck is a sprawling and epic novel that spans multiple generations and explores themes of good and evil, love and betrayal. Set in California's Salinas Valley, the story follows the intertwined lives of two families, the Trasks and the Hamiltons. Steinbeck's novel is a modern retelling of the biblical story of Cain and Abel, offering a complex and morally nuanced narrative.

Texas is a novel by James A. Michener, published in 1985. It is a fictionalized history of the Texas Revolution and the Texas Republic

A young couple's love and marriage are put to the test when they move to a small town in England

Set during World War II, the novel revolves around a mutiny aboard a U.S. Navy ship and the ensuing court-martial that examines the officers' actions.

The novel tells the story of Désirée Clary, who rises from an ordinary life to become the Queen of Sweden, providing a glimpse into historical events.

The novel is set in Hawaii before the attack on Pearl Harbor and follows the lives of U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Schofield Barracks. Jones explores the challenges and dynamics of military life, relationships, and the impending war.

A psychological thriller exploring themes of love, suspicion, and deceit as a young man becomes entangled with his mysterious cousin Rachel.

A classic children's picture book that teaches counting and basic math concepts through the imaginative story of sharing apples among friends.

The novel traces the life of a young priest as he rises through the ranks of the Catholic Church. It explores themes of ambition, faith, and the complexities of navigating religious and personal responsibilities.

Across the River and into the Trees is the story of an American colonel in World War II who falls in love with a young Italian countess. The colonel is a middle-aged man, and the countess is half his age. But their love is real, and they are willing to risk everything for it.

The Disenchanted is the story of a successful Hollywood screenwriter who is struggling to find meaning in his life. His wife has left him, his friends are all leading empty lives, and he's just not sure what he wants to do with his life.

A novel set during the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising in World War II

The novel follows the story of an American spy during World War II, exploring espionage, moral choices, and the challenges of navigating a world filled with danger and political intrigue.

A novel set in post-World War II New Orleans, delving into the lives and relationships of the residents of Joy Street.

A Rage To Live is a novel by John O\'Hara about a woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage.

East Side, West Side is a novel by Marcia Davenport, published in 1949. The novel is set in New York City in the early 20th century, and is a story of love and war, of wealth and poverty, and of the East Side and the West Side of Manhattan.

In this novel, Sholem Asch tells the story of the Lower East Side of New York City in the early twentieth century. Through the lives of a group of Jewish immigrants, Asch shows the struggles and triumphs of those who came to America in search of a better life. East River is a powerful and moving novel about the immigrant experience.

Set during World War II, Norman Mailer's novel "The Naked and the Dead" follows the experiences of soldiers in the Pacific. The novel explores the impact of war on individuals and the dynamics within the military.

A biblical historical novel that explores the life of Simon Peter, a fisherman and disciple of Jesus Christ.

A historical adventure novel set during World War II, following the experiences of an American pilot as he faces the challenges of air combat.

This novel follows the lives of three soldiers during World War II.

A novel set in an English inn, blending elements of romance and fantasy as it explores the lives and transformations of its characters.

The Ides of March is a novel by Thornton Wilder, published in 1948. The novel is set in Rome in 44 BC, during the last days of Julius Caesar's life. The novel is a fictionalized account of the events leading up to and including the assassination of Julius Caesar.

Raintree County is a novel by Ross Lockridge, Jr., published in 1948. The novel is set in the fictional Raintree County, Indiana, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is a story of the love between a man and a woman, of the American Civil War, and of the search for the legendary lost treasure of Raintree County.

"Gentlemen's Agreement" by Laura Z. Hobson is a novel that addresses issues of anti-Semitism in post-World War II America. The story follows a journalist, Phil Green, who decides to experience anti-Semitism firsthand by posing as Jewish. Hobson's novel explores prejudice, tolerance, and the challenges of confronting social injustice.

"The Moneyman" by Thomas B. Costain is a historical novel set during the Renaissance and follows the life of Lorenzo de' Medici, a prominent figure in Italian history. The novel explores the political intrigues, cultural flourishing, and financial challenges of the time. Costain's narrative combines history and fiction to bring the past to life.

"Lydia Bailey" by Kenneth Roberts is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the Haitian Revolution and the fight for independence. The story follows the protagonist, Lydia Bailey, as she becomes involved in the political and social upheaval of the era. Roberts' novel combines historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, offering readers a vivid portrayal of a critical period in Caribbean history.

The novel tells the story of Neil Kingsblood, a young banker in the American Midwest who discovers that he is of black ancestry. Kingsblood begins to experience racism and prejudice from his white friends and colleagues, and he must decide whether to "pass" as white or to embrace his African heritage.

Frederic Wakeman's novel "The Hucksters" satirizes the world of advertising in post-World War II America. The story follows an advertising executive as he navigates the challenges of the industry and questions its ethical implications.

"This Side of Innocence" is a novel by Taylor Caldwell that spans multiple generations, exploring the lives of the Artigas family. The story covers themes of love, betrayal, and the impact of societal changes on individual lives. Caldwell weaves a narrative that captures the sweep of history and its effects on personal destinies. The novel reflects Caldwell's storytelling prowess and her ability to depict complex characters.

"B.F.'s Daughter" is a novel by John P. Marquand that examines the life of a wealthy young woman, Polly Fulton. The story explores Polly's journey of self-discovery, the societal expectations placed upon her, and the challenges of navigating her privileged world. Marquand's novel delves into themes of identity, societal norms, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

The King's General is a novel by Daphne du Maurier about the English Civil War.

"The Egyptian" by Mika Waltari is a historical novel set in ancient Egypt. The story follows Sinuhe, a physician, as he navigates the political and cultural landscape of the time. The novel provides a rich and immersive portrayal of ancient Egyptian life and customs.

"The Black Rose" by Thomas B. Costain is a historical novel set in the 13th century and follows the adventures of a young Englishman, Walter of Gurnie, who travels to the East and becomes involved in the Mongol Empire. The novel explores themes of exploration, cultural exchange, and personal growth. Costain's storytelling captures the spirit of the medieval world.

"A Lion is in the Streets" by Adria Locke Langley is a political novel that delves into the world of Louisiana politics during the early 20th century. The story follows the rise of a charismatic and ambitious politician, Willie Stark, as he navigates the complexities of power and corruption. Langley's novel explores themes of populism, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked political influence.

A love story set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Paris

This historical adventure novel follows the journey of a young Spanish nobleman during the Inquisition and the conquest of Mexico.

Adventure novel set during World War II, exploring friendship and survival.

In a small English town just after World War I, a young woman named Mary Jocelyn falls in love with a returning soldier named Stephen Morrell. Morrell is a war hero, but he is also haunted by his experiences in the trenches. The couple's love is put to the test by Stephen's mental health issues and Mary's overbearing father.

"The Green Years" by A.J. Cronin is a coming-of-age novel that follows the life of an orphan named Robert Shannon. Set in Scotland, the story explores themes of family, education, and the journey to self-discovery.