The Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011

Is Historical Fiction For You? Here's the best description I've read about historical fiction from Goodreads...

Historical fiction presents readers with a story that takes place during a notable period in history, and usually during a significant event in that period. Historical fiction often presents actual events from the point of view of people living in that time period.

In some historical fiction, famous events appear from points of view not recorded in history, showing historical figures dealing with actual events while depicting them in a way that is not recorded in history. Other times, the historical event complements a story's narrative, occurring in the background while characters deal with events (personal or otherwise) wholly unrelated to recorded history. Sometimes, historical fiction can be for the most part true, but the names of people and places have been in some way altered.

As this is fiction, artistic license is permitted in regard to presentation and subject matter, so long as it does not deviate in significant ways from established history. If events should deviate significantly, the story may then fall into the genre of alternate history, which is known for speculating on what could have happened if a significant historical event had gone differently. On a similar note, events occurring in historical fiction must adhere to the laws of physics. Stories that extend into the magical or fantastic are often considered historical fantasy.

I love reading historical fiction. I love being whisked away to another time and place and immersing myself into the era. That's exactly why I've decided to join the...

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011 hosted by Historical Tapestry, that group of readers who love reading historical fiction too! Here's what the challenge is all about...

The challenge will run from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2011. Each month, a new post dedicated to the HF Challenge will be created. To participate, you only have to follow the rules:

* Everyone can participate, even those who don't have a blog (you can add your book title and thoughts in the comment section of the challenge blog if you wish)

* Add the link(s) of your review(s) including your name and book title to the Mister Linky we’ll be adding to our monthly post (please, do not add your blog link, but the correct address that will guide us directly to your review)

* Any kind of historical fiction is accepted (HF fantasy, HF young adult,...)

* You can choose one of the different reading levels:

• Severe Bookaholism: 20 books
• Undoubtedly Obsessed: 15 books
• Struggling the Addiction: 10 books
• Daring & Curious: 5 books
• Out of My Comfort Zone: 2 books

I'll be "Daring & Curious" with this challenge. I tend to pick out historical fiction for pleasure, so 5 books should be a reachable goal. (I just couldn't choose "2 books" because I'm totally in my comfort zone with historical fiction!) My reading group also loves historical fiction and I'm sure we'll be reading some great titles this year that will fit perfect into this genre. Up for the challenge? You can find out all the details and sign up at the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge 2011 Blog.