Why Do People Read Mystery-Thrillers?

“Is it murder if it happens on the moon?”

Harral’s sci-fi and mystery book narrate the story of 30 astronauts living on the moon for extended periods. It focuses on the explorers’ experiences as they live a pretty normal life where they grow plants, find mineral ores, and carry out experiments. But during their stay, one of their seniors unexpectedly dies. This event stirs the normalcy of their situation, and they start the journey to discovering the murderer.

While the story is perfect for the space enthusiasts looking for a brand new fiction about space exploration, its plot mainly revolves around the presented conflict: murder. With the characters facing the murder of their colleague, and the issue of finding whoever it was that did it, this book is a perfect fit for people seeking thrill in problem-solving.

Harral’s Sci-Fi and mystery book is one of the many novels filled with deep mystery, one that absorbs you into another universe, where once you start, you definitely can’t stop until you find out the answers to your questions.

Why are some highly attracted to mystery-thrillers?

Despite its sometimes disturbing scenarios and extremely complicated problems, why do some people still consume mystery-thrillers over other novel genres? Just what is it about mysteries and thrillers that compel us into reading them? Or, what is it about us that likes this genre so much?

Humans are naturally curious.

This is precisely why we have books about history science – basically why we have books in general. The moment we learn to interact with the world, we are already curious beings. From picking up things and putting them in our mouths to learn about them to asking endless questions about the world, we are governed mainly through our drive to learn.

Mystery-thrillers trigger this sense of curiosity. The intricacies of this genre tugs on our deeply-rooted interests, and before we know it, we’re caught up in finding new books with new mysteries to solve.

It is an absorbing genre.

Reading mystery-thrillers allows us to digest another person’s problem without the real burden of its possible consequences and with certainty that this problem will be fixed and solved. Mystery-thrillers are made to catch your attention and take hold of that attention. It’s filled with twists and questions that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s designed to glue you on the piece, anticipating the results and answers to your questions.

It is rewarding

I enjoy reading mystery-thriller novels for the opportunity to solve questions, and probably that pat in the back every time I discover the answer or point out details that lead to the ending. There is excitement in discovering an issue, the process of gathering clues and piecing them together to achieve an answer. Solving a complicated mystery is undeniably a different sense of accomplishment.

Reading mysteries is as if you’re making your dish off from scratch while at the same time having the chance to eat this dish afterward. Mysteries give you both the frustration of the problem and the satisfaction of a result or solution.

It gives us a sense of certainty amidst the uncertainty

Just like the reason we watch movies, we already know the ending; perhaps one reason people enjoy reading mystery books is the assurance that somewhere along the way, there will be an answer to a problem or an end to an issue.

Unlike other genres where the endings might be different than what you expect, mystery novels give you a sense of certainty. For instance, in romance, the main characters might not get a happy-ever-after; in fantasy novels, not all the characters might survive a fight, but in mystery-thrillers, you can be confident that there is an answer. Though it might be different than the ones you’ve thought of, the answer will still definitely make sense.

The excitement in our normality

We have mundane lives – most of us live life routinely: work/school then go home, sometimes we might hang out with people we know, but most of the time we live a pretty stable and fixed life. Reading mystery books gives us a sense of exploration, excitement, adrenaline which we don’t usually experience.

*Gasp* I Object!: How to Smooth Over Disagreements

Maybe you’ve heard of the saying, “War is not always the answer.” Reading books about war such as those by Francis J. Dutch makes us realize how harmful the effects of war are and how it impacts many people’s lives. However, what ultimately causes war? At the end of the day, whether it is because of history or land, war primarily stems from disagreement – when people don’t agree on something they were supposed to do.

Because of this, learning how to smooth over disagreements isn’t just something that we should overlook. As most people say, we should “start small,” and at a young age, we should already start to try and learn how to smooth over disagreements with other people. When people disagree, people tend to get into fights most of the time. They say things they don’t mean and hurt other people around them. So here are some ways for you to smooth over disagreements:

1. Don’t Ignore It

The issue with many is that people ignore their problems or issues with another person hoping that it just goes away. However, this issue is that it seldom goes away and just keeps coming back to haunt and frustrate you. Moreover, it may even be brought back up in future disagreements making a minor issue even more significant than it seems.

Even if you successfully ignore the issue altogether and successfully find a way to never speak with the person again, it usually leaves the issue hanging in your head. Similar to relationships that need closure when it ends, you also need to end a specific issue to come to terms with it.

2. Stop finger-pointing

Stop playing the blame game if you disagree because of something awful that happened. Most of the time, this just offends another person and makes things more heated without actually finding a solution for the issue. Moreover, if you start to blame other people instead of finding ways to address your issue at hand, people are more likely to call you unreasonable, even if it is totally not your fault.

3. Space

Giving each other time to calm down is one of the best things you can do when you have a disagreement or conflict. This works best most of the time if both of you are no longer thinking straight and just starting to insult each other, especially if it is no longer related to what you may be arguing about.

Most of the time, giving each other time to think will allow you to cool off and work with your emotions better before talking to each other about it again. Moreover, the space often allows people to look at the other’s perspective more since you have the time to consider it better already.

4. Stop negativity

Most of the time, when having fights with a romantic partner, things can go wrong when you start to be resentful, bitter, or hostile. Most of the time, this ends up in screaming fits and not talking to each other at all. Because of this, even in other arguments like work, it is better to avoid being negative and focus more on the things you could be doing to solve the problem.

5. Don’t exaggerate

The issue with many disagreements, especially couples, is that they tend to exaggerate by using “Always” or “Never.” When people do this, they get offended because what a person may be saying is not entirely true. What they did once or twice is not representative of their entire behavior or personality. Because of this, it is essential to avoid saying “Always” or “Never,” especially if you know that it is not always the case.

Aside from that, there are times when people exaggerate details or overthink a particular action. If something has only happened once, it is always better to give them the benefit of the doubt and avoid assuming that this is always their behavior.

6. Be reasonable

The issue with disagreements is that people cannot settle on a particular issue. So if you do not agree on something, especially if you are on opposing ends of an issue, it is better to offer a reasonable solution, not one where only your side benefits from it. Aside from that, a reasonable solution often means that in some way, both sides get what they want to benefit from it.

Exciting Children’s Books That Will Remind You of Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner. Are you ready to feel the spirit of the holidays and make the best memories out of it? There are wonderful things to do exclusively for this event, such as decorating the Christmas tree, wrapping presents, drinking eggnogs, building snowmen, giving Christmas cards, and baking gingerbread cookies.

But, if you are looking for activities to remind you of the most awaited and wonderful time of the year — then you should try reading. There are many books that will give you nostalgia and excitement about Christmas, like the ones below:

Is It Santa? by Nelibeth Plaza

The story of the Christmas cookies for Santa on Nelibeth Plaza’s book titled Is It Santa?  was purely based on real events. It follows the mystery of how the perfectly stored cookies that Mother Rebekkah baked were scattered in several places of her home. She only discovered the mysterious event after she got back from fetching her kids from school. After discovering the scene, her children believe that it was Santa’s doing. But, Mother Rebekkah was uncertain about it because it was too early for him to arrive. Everyone has fallen into distress due to the mystery; so, Jacob, the youngest, starts to solve the puzzle using his great inquiry abilities and a magnifying glass.  

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling is an Amazon bestselling book of the children’s fantasy & magic books category. It follows the story of a little boy named Jack and his childhood toy, which he calls Dur Pig. Unfortunately, DP got lost one Christmas Eve. But, as they say, that night is intended for miracles, wild-goose chase, and the moment where everything extraordinarily comes to life. Jack’s brand-new toy called the Christmas Pig has a bold plan, which is to go on a magical trip to look for stuff that was lost and to save Jack’s best buddy.

The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien

This classic fantasy book for children was penned by J.R.R. Tolkien, originally published in 1976. It also contains the illustrations of the author. Moreover, The Father Christmas Letters are a collection of letters written by the author addressed to his kids and sent between 1920 and 1943. Each letter contains a tale of mishap or adventure experienced by Father Christmas that he or his elfish secretary personally narrates. 

It’s Christmas, David! by David Shannon

David Shannon’s It’s Christmas, David!, part of the David Books, was published in 2010 by The Blue Sky Press. It’s a humorous book that follows how David disarrayed the Christmas customs. Knowing that David cannot keep it all together and is misbehaving during the most wonderful time of the year, everyone anticipates Santa’s gift to the little boy this year — would it be a cute toy fire truck or a lump of coal?

How Winston Delivered Christmas: A Christmas Story in Twenty-Four-and-a-Half Chapters by Alex T. Smith

The bestselling author Alex T. Smith has penned another remarkable book titled How Winston Delivered Christmas that was published in 2018 by Macmillan Children’s Book. It centers on a story of a mouse named Wilson who discovered a letter for Father Christmas that failed to make it to the post box. So, he decided to embark on a journey to deliver the letter to Father Christmas just in time for the year’s most important day. While on his quest, he encountered and made new amazing friends. Apart from his thrilling adventure, the book also contains a great activity for the readers to engage with.

All the Colors of Christmas by Matthew Paul Turner

All the Colors of Christmas is another masterpiece of the bestselling author Matthew Paul Turner published in 2020. This book will surely remind you about the essence of Christmas through its colors and makes you more enthusiastic about looking forward to this holiday. Moreover, the author aims to show the nostalgic sensations and amazing memories that are connected by the colors of Christmas, such as red, green, and more, and other festive hues. Thus, it makes every reader feel and see that they are a significant part of this particular holiday. Turner definitely captures the hearts of his readers and has shown how important our loved ones are in celebrating the holiday.

Basic Elements of a Great Historical Fiction Novel

Historical fiction proves that literature and history go hand in hand. It is a popular book genre featuring wonderful and eye-opening stories, such as Mr. Crane’s historical fiction book, allowing readers to be moved, inspired, and informed. It also brings the readers back to a particular time and place where significant events occurred.

Whether you are an avid reader or an aspiring writer under the aforementioned genre, you should know the basic elements that make a great historical fiction novel. If you are eager to know the said common factors, then please refer to the ones listed below.

Setting

Building great imagery to successfully transport the reader to your chosen place and time is one of the foundations of historical fiction. The setting must be built well with enough descriptions to help the readers picture when and where the story happened. Since it’s based on historical facts, authors must do thorough research to bring out the best of that particular era and bring nostalgia to the readers by mixing factual and fictional elements that appeal to the senses.

“Just before dusk in the late afternoon of June 16, 1832, 1 found myself walking along the crowded docks of Liverpool, England, following a man by the name of Grummage. “ – Avi, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle. The excerpt is a great example of how a setting should be presented.

Character

The set of characters, like the setting, may also be a mix of real and fictional aspects. Most stories under this genre make use of historical figures as characters, such as in Paula Mclain’s The Paris Wife. However, writers also blend both real and fictional characters and connect them together through a powerful backstory and other necessary literary devices. The author has all the authority and means to reinvent a particular historical family tree, group, and event to tell a story. But, the challenge is to make sure that the alteration wouldn’t affect history or make fabrications on the significant happenings in the past.

Dialogue

Development is essential in every story, especially in historical fiction. And, dialogue is one of the most functional tools that help bring out the best in a story. With an engaging dialogue, character development will gradually become evident, which helps move the story forward. It allows the authors to establish or uncover essential parts of the storyline that readers didn’t notice or aren’t aware of. It also heightens the tension between characters and sets the mood in some scenes.

Storyline

What makes novels more appealing is their unique ways of mixing and matching. This means that historical fiction books excellently know how to mix fictional events with real happenings. Authors are allowed to build their own world on a specific timeline with characters that both existed and were imaginary. As a result, the ordinary plot will become more interesting. The storyline becomes more engaging because stories present different plot twists and turning points that may or may have happened, how the plot gives a new type of excitement to the readers by either injecting surprising elements on a significant event or on the outcome of that particular historical happening.

Conflict

History is filled with different kinds of events — both good and horrific, that mold the present and the future. Given that fact, the plots of historical fiction novels must also showcase an engaging and realistic conflict. This doesn’t only enhance the readers’ drive and curiosity, but it also teaches them about the culture, norms, and traditions during those periods. The typical conflict in historical fiction books revolves around defying traditions, clashing political beliefs, family conflicts, and more.

Theme

Central messages often go beyond history. However, it is still essential to have a significant message interpreted in the context of the story’s setting. Although readers and even authors are already aware and have learned about the beauty and horrors of particular events in the past, they are still unaware of specific details. Thus, most historical novels communicate simple yet hugely impact people. They transcend the common societal issue and touch into the simple things and experiences in life that appeal to the senses and the emotions of people.

Stirring Books to Read Before the Year Ends

2021 is ending, but that doesn’t mean that you stop reading. Regardless of the unfortunate events this year, there are still wonderful things that happened, sparking enthusiasm and hope from each of us, such as publishing new books and refilling to-be-read lists. As a certified bookworm, every year is like a book series in which you reach the last pages but still get excited to open the sequel.

Whether you are looking for new titles for your swamped TBR or you want to read more stories before the year ends, then this blog is for you. Listed below are some of the must-read books that will make your 2021 more memorable and exciting.                                                                                                                 

Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

This bestselling book written by the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead showcases the different stirring events during Harlem in the 1960s. The said events include heists, rip-offs, and deals with shady clients for survival. Hence, it highlights a wonderfully recreated Empire State around the early 1960s and a family saga disguising as a crime novel. Harlem Shuffle didn’t fail to convey a great dramatic play, race, power, and all things in between.

The Yellow Rose: A Novel of the Texas Revolution by Carl R. Brush and Bob Stewart

The Yellow Rose by Carl R. Brush and Bob Stewart is a historical fiction book published in 2020. However, it also shows hints of romantic elements. The story is set during one of the most important movements in history, which is the 1836 Texas Revolution. It focuses on the characters Sam Houston and Emily, which were both based on real people. The former led the fight to establish the Republic of Texas while the latter helped Sam in particular events and got romantically involved with him.

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

Faber and Faber published the sci-fi book by the notable author Kazuo Ishiguro titled Klara and the Sun. It has already received multiple reviews and was longlisted for two book awards: the 2021 Booker Prize and the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Medal Excellence in Fiction. The story is set in the fictional U.S. with an unidentified future where a bunch of kids is genetically lifted to improve their academic skills. Moreover, it uses a first-person POV, specifically the main character named Klara. It is a solar-powered artificial friend selected by an ill kid named Josie to be her buddy.

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr is an instant bestselling book published in 2021. The tale takes place in 15th century Constantinople. Doer made a remarkable period of times and locations that mirror the broad linkage of everyone on the planet — from the past to the present and to the future. It revolves around the story of Anna, Omeir, Zeno, Seymour, and Konstance. They are completely different people who were somehow connected even if they lived in different periods.

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave

Laura Dave penned another bestselling book published in 2021 by Simon & Schuster. The Last Thing He Told Me is a novel filled with mystery and suspense that will shock the readers. Hannah Hall, along with Bailey Michaels, embark on a journey to uncover the truth after Owen Michael’s — Bailey’s dad’s disappearance. Before the mystery happened, Owen left a message to his wife containing the words “protect her.” Thus, would the two solve the difficult puzzle, handle the mind-blowing truth, and realize that they create a new and unanticipated future?

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

This critically acclaimed novel by Casey McQuiston was published in 2021 by Griffin. One Last Stop follows the story of August and the beautiful girl on the train named Jane. The former is cynical about her decision to move to the Empire State and live alone, while the latter magically appeared on the subway in a leather jacket and with a soft smile on her face. The problem is that Jane doesn’t only dress like an old-school punk rocker because she’s surprisingly from the 1970s currently lost in the present time. The twenty-three-year-old protagonist does her best to save her subway crush that’s, unfortunately, lost in time.

Top Civil War Books That Should Be in Your To-be-read List

The beauty of reading lies behind the fact that it can spark your imagination while still instilling a great number of lessons. In a unique yet efficient way, stories told by every book can widen the knowledge of readers. Books can also magically transport them to different places from the past that are either inflicted with a dash of fictional elements or with full-blown facts.

Indeed, literature has its own method of presenting a story that touches and teaches history. For example, those books take you back to the Civil War and allow you to see how the event impacted the people. Hence, if you are an avid fan of reading but are also fond of learning some historical events, like the Civil War, then we have listed the best titles that suit your preference. Please refer to the books below.

Can’t Hobble the Elephant by Francis J Dutch

Can’t Hobble The Elephant by Francis J Dutch is a remarkable book published in 2013 by Abbott Press. It follows the story of Josh O’Donnell, who was once loyal and have served the Union Army. However, he ran away from the troops and started fresh by working in the West Texas ranch, where he mastered riding and shooting. The former Union army immediately became a violent killer. O’Donnell turns out to have more secrets hidden and is currently haunted by a monster from his past. The more he tries to escape, the more mishaps happen. The question, as the book’s synopsis says, is: “Will he ever be able to hobble the elephant?”

The Killer Angels: A Novel of the Civil War by Michael Shaara

Michael Shaara penned a book titled The Killer Angels in 1974 that was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction a year after its publication. It was preceded by Shaara’s Gods and Generals and was followed by The Last Full Measure. Moreover, the book highlights the Battle of Gettysburg amidst the American Civil War. It also uncovers the preceding event when the soldiers of both sides prepare for battle. What makes the book more engaging is the way it is told by shifting points of view between different historical characters.

March by Geraldine Brooks

In 2005, Viking Press published the historical novel of Geraldine Brooks titled March. It is a clever retelling of the classic Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. However, the story is told by Mr. March, which is the father of the March sisters. The book narrates the events justifying the absence of Mr. March to participate in the war during the American Civil War takes place in 1862. It reveals how he constantly wrote letters to his beloved family, faced the horrors of the war, and suffered an illness. Furthermore, the book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2006.

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane is a classic war novel set during the American Civil War. The first edition of the book was published in 1895. Moreover, it follows the tale of the young private named Henry Fleming. He was a part of the Union Army that was set to combat with the Confederacy. But, he ran away from the battlefield out of fear. After reflecting on his actions, he started to wish for something that could hamper his cowardice, like a wound, which he referred to as a red badge of courage. When another fight was stirring, he served as a standard-bearer, which is the position of the individual upholding the flag.

1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart

This Goodreads Choice Award nominee and national bestselling book were penned by Adam Goodheart. Its reprint edition was published in 2012 by Vintage. 1861: The Civil War Awakening is a captivating and real account of the preceding events that led to the American Civil War and the unraveling of the second American Revolution. It showed how Abraham Lincoln was set on a road for distinction or greatness and how the poor victims of slavery were bestowed their most awaited freedom. The acts of bravery and heroism on the battlefield were also highlighted.

Writing Sci-Fi: Following The Elements Of A Plot

Acclaimed science fiction movies have garnered popularity in the past years. More and more books are under massive production relative to the thought-provoking genre of speculative fiction. Science fiction stories follow a straightforward sequence of events. All authors, not just in sci-fi, make their stories revolve around the five elements of a plot. One recently published sci-fi book, Moon Luck by Harral — captures the intricacies of building a narrative. It explores a futuristic possibility of life on the moon and a thrilling crime that happened there.

Author Learning Center, an author mentorship website mentioned, your story cannot exist without a plot. However, an existing storyline is not enough — it has to be well-thought-out. And for it to be exceptional, you have to be aware of what are these five elements. It is equally important to note what should be in each one, too!

Exposition: Hook Them Right Away

This part of the storyline must contain a compelling introduction. It is in this part of the story that you establish the characters. You do not have to introduce all the characters in this part; it might confuse your readers. It is essential to plan which significant characters are worth mentioning. In this part — you set a glimpse of the mood, the setting, and the vital backstory that your readers can easily follow.

Rising Action: Compel Them To Flip The Pages

This part of the story is consequential because it is your preface to the climax. In this part, you should play it around with thrill and enthusiasm. You can slowly build the tension as the central conflict grows, creatively develop the plot by coming up with an enticing incident that can draw your readers to follow and flip the pages in excitement. Some authors play around with rising action, which in most cases, makes it the longest part of all the elements in a plot. Your rising action must end in a climax.

Climax: Leave No Room To Gasp

The climax is defined as your story’s central turning point—the moment of peak tension or conflict—which all the preceding plot developments have been leading up to. It is this part when the protagonist clashes with the villain. However, that is not always the case — your story always has the artistic freedom to present a non-conventional climax. Some authors have encounters with anticlimax in their storylines. Anticlimax is a type of climax which approaches a disappointing end to the rising action. In some cases, anticlimaxes can be accidental, or in some, they can be intentional. It depends on what kind of author you are.

Falling Action: Begin The Resolution

The falling action is where the excitement appeases. It is the part where the resolution is gradually presented. For most storylines, the falling action starts at the end of the climax. However, some stories introduce a new conflict in this element of the plot. In that case, authors do that to keep the audience engaged until the narrative resolves. On some accounts, authors do not use a falling action in their outline. However, every story has a de-escalation section wherein the intensity of the plot mellows from the climax. And the importance of that is to re-establish the lives of the remaining characters of the story. Most importantly, the protagonist.

Resolution: End In Satisfaction

The finale of every story. This part of the story is when all the conflicts arrive at a resolution. The resolution also shows the character arc. A character arc is a character transformation throughout the story. And that part is essential because it is when the audience or the reader comes up with a moral lesson. Some endings purposefully do not satisfy. Instead, they intend to end with a cliffhanger. And you have the artistic expression to do so if you wishfully follow. 

Writing novels, fiction, or any other story requires a structured arrangement of events. And for you to successfully create a good one, you have to go back and re-learn the five elements of a plot. Good narratives do not just come by — it demands successive immersion in writing. Your creative fictional world might be the next favorite science fiction of all time! 

Dare to write!

What You Should Know About Pop Culture

You probably have heard of the term “pop culture.” It is often related to entertainment, such as music and art. You can also observe that there are many books that tackle them, such as how the modern varied cultures on Rahn’s book are highlighted. But, do you have any idea what does it really mean when you say pop culture?

Thus, let us get to know the general information about the subject so we can widen our knowledge and get a better grasp of it.

Overview of Popular Culture

According to Oxford Bibliographies, pop culture pertains to the group of principles, traditions, and objects that signify or represent a social system’s widely shared senses and interpretations. Media and linguistic assembly, literature and film, art and music, fashion and trends, and other aspects are under its wing. Apart from that, it is also linked to mass or folk culture but is contrasted to high and organizational cultures. The generally agreed factors under the scope of popular culture are frequently subject to change. Some particular qualities and principles are reflected and embodied by those aspects, which are those that were already mentioned above.

Moreover, prior to or during the 19th century, the term “popular culture” was coined, which people shortened to pop culture or pop until the current century. It was primarily associated with inadequate education and lower social classes, which is in contrast to the official culture and the upper classes. But, there was a great improvement in the literacy rate, capitalism, and industrialization in the West, such as Britain, around the 18th to the 19th century.  

Following the Second World War, there were gradual advancements in mass media around the West. It resulted in huge changes and developments in both cultural and social facets. Considering the presence of the Great Depression, capitalism still thrived during those moments. As a result, freshly created goods and services were offered and sold to all social classes to boost profits. While everything is on the rise, pop culture also got along with it. It emerged with the mass media, print, and other elements that were made specifically for public consumption.

Examples of Popular Culture

Pop culture is made up of multiple things that have greatly influenced the masses. That said, the examples of popular culture include but are not limited to the following:

Entertainment

Those extremely entertaining movies and TV shows are generally considered as part of pop culture. There are millions of people who love to watch films and shows. Most of them have seen those particular shows more than once. Apart from that, there are also many masses drawn into other forms of entertainment, such as plays, circuses, video games, and more.  

Fashion

At present, fashion is considered a way of expression. Many consider this aspect as a tool to gain a sense of identity. How a person dresses up also reflects on his cultural heritage and history. You can observe how fashion trends tend to change. Hence, there are many factors in society that heavily influence what people wear. For example, loose-fit types of denim, tie-dyes, flared pants, and boyfriend jeans that have gone out of style a few years back tend to dominate and are extremely popular these days.

Sports

People love to play and watch different kinds of sports. Thus, the public is more responsible for its growing popularity. There are specific events that are patronized by a global community, such as the Olympics, while there are certain sporting activities that are consumed by smaller groups, such as a school football match. Sports have become prevalent in society and have symbolized a significant part of people’s lives. Supporting through watching and cheering to a group or a player is one of the many ways of being a part of pop culture.

Pop fiction

Literature never goes out of style; instead, it goes along with the evolution of time. Pop fiction is considered a subgenre of fiction that houses tales purposely written to contain references based on other writings and media. Thus, they are books or stories with pop culture references.

Music

Like literature, music is also greatly influenced by pop culture. Thus, a music genre called pop or popular music emerged around the mid-1950s in the West. They are composed of other styles and kinds of music that intensely appeal to the public.

Captivating Historical Fiction Books that You Should Never Miss Reading

Historical fiction is among the top genres of literature that feature tales set in significant times in the past. The time frame of the story is considered an important aspect of the setting and the plot. As the literary realm progresses, historical fiction continues to get along with the competition gaining more traction and readers like other genres. Although time is the most defining thing of this particular book category, the way it uses and blends real and fictional factors also stands out.

If you want to start reading books of this genre or add more titles to your current reading list, then listed below are some of the must-reads in historical fiction.

So Much to Give: A Story of America’s Greatest Generation by Carlton Randolph Crane

So Much to Give by Carlton Randolph Crane is an inspiring story of a family that persevered and strived in the most difficult time in America. The Collies reside in Coalville, a small town located in Eastern Texas, during the severe economic depression in the 1930s. However, the Collies also faced other issues that have tested their families, such as racism, death, and personal setbacks. Moreover, each member persisted and has made sacrifices to be part of the greatest generation America has ever had.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This award-winning book by Markus Zusak was set in 1939 in Germany. A unique factor this work showcase is its peculiar narrator, which is death. Moreover, it follows the story of Leisel, the book thief. She was put into foster care after her brother’s death, where she was loved and sent to school by her foster parents. Leisel became literate. Later in the story, she starts to steal books from the library of the mayor’s wife, book-burning events by the Nazis, and other places. The tension heightens after her foster father hid a Jew in their basement. Thus, this is a bittersweet story that will make your hearts ache and warm all at once.

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Min Jin Lee’s critically acclaimed book titled Pachinko was published in 2017 by Grand Central Publishing. It centers on the tale of the young fisherman’s daughter named Sunja around the early 1900s. She met and has fallen into a man she met at the seashore close to their house in Korea. They had a romantic affair, which led to her getting pregnant. Unfortunately, the wealthy stranger was married. Sunja opted to marry a frail minister moving through his way to Japan. This decision is about to form a thrilling family saga that will reflect future generations.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet is the bestselling historical epic book of the Kingsbridge series. The book highlights the pre-Kingsbridge account of Philip, who was a dedicated and creative monk motivated to make the best Gothic cathedral in the world. However, it is also the story of Tom, who became Philip’s architect, and of a challenge between good and evil that makes the church in opposition with the state and a brother at odds with another brother.

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

In 1993, A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers was published, which is part of the Mark of the Lion series. It brings the readers to the time when the first Jewish-Roman War took place at Jerusalem, which is almost a century after the death of Jesus. This historical Christian fiction focuses on Hadassah, a young Jewish girl suffering from slavery who will soon become the hope in those darkest times. Regardless of the tough situation she’s in, being a slave and falling in love with an aristocrat, she has never forgotten to keep her faith in God.

A Tailor-Made Bride by Karen Witemeyer

This 2011 RITA Award by Romance Writers of America nominee was published in 2010 by Bethany House Publishers. A Tailor-Made Bride revolves around Jericho Tucker and Hannah Richards. The former opt not to get involved with Coventry, while the latter is astonished by a man that manages the livery. Their lives became intertwined after Hannah helped Jericho’s sister get a man that resulted in wild consequences for their town. Would they figure out how to close the gap between them?

The Best Things Fantasy Books Can Offer

Fantasy fiction never goes out of style. Regardless of what literary period we are in, this genre always gains more traction. It’s among the top book categories that always make it to the bestselling lists with worlds and characters that create strong marks on the readers. The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, American Gods by Neil Gaiman, An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, Spiritdancer by Luthie M West, and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo are some of the best books under this genre.

With the growing popularity of this genre, there are surely numerous aspects that encourage and hook people to read its stories. That said, we have listed below the best things that fantasy fiction books offer to their readers and perhaps convince you to read some of its tales too.

Escape from reality

Living an ordinary life in an ordinary world is scary and daunting at the same time. Things and abilities seem to be limited. Thus, people tend to hesitate before making a few steps forward. However, fantasy fiction books bring each reader to a world where possibilities are endless. They create a safe haven that’s completely different from reality.

Reading books under fantasy lets you go on different adventures, possess amazing skills, meet the supernatural, do magic, and experience the extraordinary. You may be sitting on your bed reading a book, but once you open it to flip the page, you are transported into another world where surreal and impossible things can happen.

New perspectives

It has been established that fantasy is the opposite of reality. But, with those imagination-rich stories, one can open their eyes to the good, bad, and ugly of the real world. Therefore, fantasy is crucial to people’s minds. The stories trigger the psychological procedure wherein a reader, especially a child, masters closing the gaps between reality, facts, and experience, which later on turn into an essential coping mechanism as they grow older. With the freedom to explore and imagine granted by fantasy books, readers gain more realizations about the real world, which develop into better perspectives and understanding. In other words, the readers become more broad-minded and aware.

Enhanced creativity

Imagination refers to a person’s skill to picture out things that aren’t perceived by the senses. Thus, it is the ability of the mind to form things, events, people, and other things that do not exist in the past, present, and basically the real world. Thus, the imaginative elements of fantasy books act as the significant agents that boost people’s creativity. As the reader makes different pictures of scenes and events in the story, his creative juices will also motivate him to observe, create, and examine different things.

Fun and learning

Reading is always fun, but fantasy fiction makes it more entertaining. Every leisure time spent reading fantasy books tends to become an exploration, adventure, and risk-taking in a world that’s quite strange yet beautiful. Books of the said genre allow you to be different people, possessing extraordinary abilities, all at once. Thus, the stories give you the chance to have fun experiencing different fates while still learning things that are also applicable in the real world. In every fantasy story, you get to experience and learn the importance of various human values, even in complex situations. And, that’s all the more reason to continue reading those kinds of stories.

Developed empathy

Empathy basically means the skill to comprehend and share the emotions and sentiments of other people. It’s often associated with the phrase “putting oneself in someone else’s shoes.” From that, you can already understand what this particular ability is. Through fantasy fiction stories, readers feel different intense emotions. From those feelings, empathy will start to emerge.

Thus, from the emotional connection of readers to the tales, empathy is being developed. Understanding the events and feelings of the characters becomes the key for the readers to unlock their empathic selves. With the ability to sense, understand, and share the emotions of others, readers can start to open their eyes and become more aware of the feelings and situations of the people around them. And will lead to a more harmonious society.

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