Anyone who knows me knows that I’ll read anything I can get my hands on! Combine that with my love of history, and it’s not much of a surprise that historical fiction is my go-to genre. That being said, it makes me sad when people who love to read won’t delve into historical fiction just because they hated their history classes. The word ‘historical’ immediately scares them off.

The best authors in the genre are amazing story-tellers and certainly more interesting than a monotone professor. And while the books are often set during real events and feature real people, they don’t read like a textbook. Well written historical fiction brings life to people even when they're just names vaguely remembered from a lecture. They become real people with emotions, desires, and flaws we can relate to.

With that in mind, here are five pieces of historical fiction for the history-hater.

1) Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Who says historical fiction has to be serious or even accurate? Every now and then you just want to read something purely for entertainment. Written by the same man who gave us Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, this well researched and utterly ridiculous book is one of my favorites. Follow Abraham Lincoln as he takes on the Presidency and the Confederacy all while battling the undead.

(If you enjoy vampires taking a bite out of history, check out the sequel, The Last American Vampire.)

2) The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

For those who’ve slept since learning about Henry VIII, not only did he love women, he also loved getting rid of his mistresses and wives in creative ways, including beheading. The king also had a taste for lovers in the same family. This story full of drama and suspense follows Mary Boleyn, sister to Henry’s 2^nd queen, as she attempts to survive the love of a deadly king.

(One of my absolute favorite authors, Gregory has written a whole series about Henry’s unfortunate wives and family. If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, you’ll love the rest of the series found here.)

3) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Not only is this book set during World War II, but it has a unique narrator, Death. Death tells the story of an orphaned little girl who finds herself adopted by a couple in a small town in Germany. The Book Thief puts the reader into the home of a family that feels as ordinary and real as your own, except for the Jewish man they have hidden away in the basement. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as this little girl learns to fight against oppression in her own small way while Death guides you through this tragic period in history.

4) Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

While famed pharaoh and temptress Cleopatra did not survive Rome’s conquest of Egypt, two of her three children did. This story is about her daughter with Marc Antony, Cleopatra Selene. Forced out of Egypt by Emperor Octavian, Selene is a political prisoner in the home of Octavian’s sister and Marc Antony’s widow, Octavia. You will be entranced as you read of Selene’s attempts to do what her parents could not: survive.

5) The Godfather by Mario Puzo

Considered one of the greatest movies of all time, few know that this cinema classic started out as a book. Another one of my favorites, The Godfather is a thrill from start to finish. For everyone who’s seen the film, it follows the book nearly word for word. You won’t want to miss this look into the Italian Mafia of the 1950s or the surprise ending that wasn’t included in the movie.

(Don’t forget to check out the sequel, The Family Corleone, for more crime, intrigue, and family drama!)