Books Like...

'Black Death at the Golden Gate' by David K. Randall is a historical account of the bubonic plague outbreak in San Francisco in the early 1900s. The book delves into the crisis faced by the city, the rampant racism, political cover-ups, and the emergence of key figures like Joseph Kinyoun and Rupert Blue who fought against the disease. Randall's writing style keeps readers engaged from the first outbreak to the last, shedding light on a lesser-known chapter of American history.

The narrative explores the obstacles faced in bringing the bubonic plague to light, including political alliances, societal prejudices, and the impact of the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Through a mix of historical facts and personal stories, the book highlights the struggles faced by Chinese Americans and immigrants during the epidemic, offering a comprehensive look at the events that unfolded in San Francisco during that time.

'The Great Mortality: An Intimate History of the Black Death, the Most Devastating Plague of All Time' by John Kelly is a detailed account of the Black Death in the 14th century. The author delves into the devastating impact of the plague, tracing its origins in Asia and its spread through Europe. Kelly provides a comprehensive exploration of the social, economic, and political effects of the Black Death, highlighting the day-to-day struggles of individuals during this catastrophic time period. weaves together historical facts with personal narratives, offering a vivid portrayal of the horrors faced by people living through the plague.

The Decameron is a collection of 100 short stories told by ten young people who fled Florence to a country house to escape the Black Death. Each person tells a story every day for ten days, resulting in a hundred entertaining tales that cover various themes such as love, wit, practical jokes, and travel. The stories provide a glimpse into Medieval life, culture, and the impact of the pestilence during the late Middle Ages. Boccaccio's writing style is described as witty, satirical, and humorous, with clever narratives that are sometimes suspenseful and almost pornographic.

The book is a mix of bawdy and humorous stories that portray the lives of ordinary people during the plague, featuring themes like love in all its variations, from erotica to tragedy. The tales are entertaining, funny, and satirical, showcasing the sexual exploits of nobility and clergy, pranks and tricks between spouses and friends, and adventures abroad. Despite some stories being misogynistic or reflecting the time's cultural norms, the overall collection is seen as a window into the medieval world, offering insights into human nature and societal dynamics.

'The Coming Plague' by Laurie Garrett is a work of non-fiction that delves into emergent diseases, offering a comprehensive exploration of infectious diseases. The book combines epidemiology with personal narratives, history, and discussions on the challenges faced by post-colonial nations. Garrett's writing style is described as dense, sciencey, and very interesting, providing extensive information, footnotes, and insights into the world of infectious diseases.

Daniel Defoe's 'A Journal of the Plague Year' is a non-fiction description of the bubonic plague of 1665, drawn from his uncle's diary. The book provides a vivid and graphic narrative of the effects of the disease on the population, the reactions of individuals, the collection and burial of the dead, and the attempts to counter the spread of illness. It offers insights into the social and political aspects of the time, highlighting the similarities between the issues faced during the plague and those of modern-day pandemics like COVID-19.

The book is written in a journalistic style, blending eyewitness accounts with Defoe's own research to create a masterpiece of historical documentation. It captures the essence of the events during the plague year in London, portraying the vividness of the eyewitness view while maintaining the talent and research expected of a historical account.

'Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic' by David Quammen explores the history of outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, focusing on how diseases in animals cross over into humans. The author delves into the factors influencing the transmission of these diseases and how scientists track down the cause of individual outbreaks. Quammen's writing style is described as engaging, informative, and even humorous at times, making complex scientific topics accessible to readers. covers a wide range of zoonotic viruses, such as HIV, Ebola, SARS, and more, providing insights into the potential for future pandemics due to the ongoing destruction of habitats.

'Forever Amber' by Kathleen Winsor is a historical romance novel set in Restoration England. The story follows the life of Amber St. Claire, a young and ambitious girl who rises from humble beginnings to become a mistress of King Charles II. The plot is filled with drama, passion, and scandalous events, including encounters with the plague, the great fire, and various escapades that shape Amber's character. The writing style is described as compelling and engaging, with a mix of historical accuracy and melodramatic elements that keep the reader hooked till the end.

'Year of Wonders' by Geraldine Brooks is a historical fiction novel set in a small English village during the outbreak of the plague in 1665 and onwards. The story follows Anna Frith, a young widow, as she witnesses the devastating effects of the plague on her village, the struggles of survival, and the resilience of the human spirit. The book weaves together true historical events with fictional elements, offering a gripping narrative that delves into themes of survival, loss, faith, and community. Readers praised the author's meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and vivid descriptions that bring the 17th-century setting to life.

'A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century' by Barbara W. Tuchman is a weighty and detailed history book that provides a captivating look at the society of the 14th century, covering events such as The Plague Black Death, epic battles like Poitiers, and struggles for dominance from England to Italy. The book delves into both grand historical events and the mundanities of ordinary life, exploring topics like childhood, marriage, money, taxes, war, and their impact on all levels of society from serf to noble to clergy. Tuchman uses the history of the Sires of Coucey to give a human face to the 14th century, making the narrative rich in detail and scholarship.

The book is praised for its narrative style that reads like a novel, following the life of one nobleman through the tumultuous events of the 14th century. Tuchman's approach, combining personal biographies with discrete essay chapters on various historical aspects, is commended for making the period come to life and providing insight into both the large trends and small details of the era, from shrinking populations and war to religion and the decline of chivalry.

Set in medieval Germany, 'Narcissus and Goldmund' by Hermann Hesse tells the story of two friends, Narcissus and Goldmund, who embark on contrasting paths in life. Narcissus, an ascetic monk, represents disciplined thought and religious commitment, while Goldmund, a sensual wanderer and artist, embodies unrestrained indulgence and a thirst for worldly experiences. The novel explores the dichotomy between living for the mind and living for the senses, showcasing the reconciliation of these two realms through art and friendship. Hesse's writing style is described as immersive, with deep philosophical insights and fully realized characters that delve into existential themes of human nature and experience.