With Thanksgiving break upon us, I’m looking forward to having time for myself, temporarily free from my academic responsibilities. Time to spend with family, to play with my dog, to eat delicious food (of course).

Most of my time, though, will probably be spent reading. It’s such a cozy, relaxing way to spend the break, as all other distractions melt away as I immerse myself in the lives of the characters for a while.

My favorite genre, and honestly the only genre I read, is historical fiction. It’s exciting and enlightening, thrilling and touching.

So, if you’re interested in reading over the break but don’t know where to start, here are my favorite historical fiction novels that will cure any boredom and liven up your week.

“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
I first read this book in sixth grade, and it was my first introduction to the historical fiction genre. The story is set during World War II and narrated by Death itself, which offers a really interesting perspective. The main character is a young German girl named Liesel Meminger, who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. Her sense of comfort found in these fictional worlds is heavily contrasted by her violent reality in the world around her, which adds depth to the book.

Ever since I’ve gotten into historical fiction, I’ve noticed a lot of the books revolve around World War II. However, what makes “The Book Thief” unique is how impactful it truly is. I still think about it, and reread it, six years after I first read it, which really speaks to how thought-provoking and powerful it is, with its poetic writing and engrossing plot.

“The Lost Girls of Paris” by Pam Jenoff
Like “The Book Thief,” this novel also takes place during World War II. It delves into the lives of women who served as secret agents during the war. The story is written using the perspectives of three different women who are recruited by the British Special Operations Executive, or the SOE.

The different perspectives, showcasing the varying personalities and experiences of each character, are set in different years and places but work together to weave a cohesive story of friendship and espionage. One problem I often find with multiple perspectives is that their relationships with each other feel forced. However, I didn’t notice that at all with this book, which used shifting perspectives to build an intricate and engaging plot timeline, contributing to a layer of intrigue and mystery.

This mystery is another reason why I would recommend this book. Despite it being technically categorized as historical fiction, it feels like a crossover between the two genres. This makes for a unique story that’s especially good for new readers in historical fiction.

“The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah
I never cry while reading books, but I did during this one. The writing was so emotional and gripping that it forced me to become fully invested in the story, to the point where I felt everything the characters were feeling as real as if it were happening to me.

The story follows young Leni Allbright, when her family moves to Alaska in the 1970s and faces its wild, harsh reality. The descriptions of their natural environment are so vividly and wonderfully portrayed, letting the reader know just how beautiful yet unforgiving Alaska is. Besides the setting, another thing I loved about this book was that it spanned many years, which truly allowed me to see Leni grow up. She started out as this sweet, hesitant girl but became a woman who kept that kindness but was so much more sure of herself.

Overall, the story this book tells is so rich, full of meaningful character interactions as well as heartfelt challenges.

“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles
I fell in love with this book from the very first page. I’m not exaggerating. The writing completely comes alive, until it seems as if I’m watching real life play out in front of me instead of reading text on a page.

The story is a cross-country adventure set in the United States, during the 1950s. Eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson was recently released from a juvenile work camp, and he hopes to make a fresh start in California with his younger brother, Billy. However, when two of his friends from camp suddenly arrive at his house, Emmett’s plans change, and all four of them are headed to New York instead.

The most appealing aspect of this book is its characters, each one having their own unique personality. Emmett is practical and independent, Billy is curious and friendly, Duchess is impulsive and selfish and Woolly (my personal favorite) is kind and sensitive. A lot of books have great characters, but what I love about these especially is their three-dimensionality. Towles highlights their positive traits, but he also doesn’t shy away from their flaws, adding depth and making them seem like real people.

“A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles
Amor Towles is my favorite author, and I love his works too much not to include him twice on this list. “A Gentleman in Moscow” is probably my favorite I have ever read. It just has everything a book should have.

Beautifully written prose. Loveable characters. Touching, vulnerable moments. There’s just no other way to describe it except perfect.

Its plot revolves around Count Alexander Rostov, who is sentenced to house arrest in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel after the Russian Revolution. I was sort of skeptical when I first picked up the book. I remember doubting if the story could keep me interested, considering most of it would take place confined within the ordinary walls of a hotel.

I was quickly proven wrong. I was engaged and captivated the entire time, which I think really speaks to Towles’ extraordinary writing ability. He was able to transform such a mundane place like a hotel into such an exciting, lively backdrop.

I can’t put into words how much I truly recommend all of these books, and I guarantee you they will be the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving break.

So, grab a mug of hot cocoa and a cozy blanket, and get to reading.