What are the best historical fiction and nonfiction books to start with for a beginner?

A really good starting point is 'The Sign of the Beaver' by Elizabeth George Speare. It's set in colonial America and is an easy and engaging read. It shows the relationship between a white boy and a Native American. Another beginner - friendly book is 'Johnny Tremain' by Esther Forbes, which is about the American Revolution. It has simple language but tells a great story.

I would recommend 'Ivanhoe' by Walter Scott. It gives a good sense of the chivalric code and the political and cultural aspects of medieval England, like the relationship between the Saxons and Normans.

I would recommend 'Gone with the Wind' as well. It's a classic historical fiction paperback that takes you through the American Civil War and Reconstruction era from the perspective of Scarlett O'Hara. It's full of drama, love, and the struggle for survival in a changing world.

Another good one is 'Le Morte d'Arthur' by Sir Thomas Malory. It was one of the first to compile the Arthurian stories comprehensively, and it gives a very in - depth look at the characters and the world of Camelot.

I would recommend 'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory. It's a relatively easy read and tells the story of Mary Boleyn in the court of Henry VIII. It gives a good introduction to the Tudor period and the power struggles in the court.

One great beginner fiction book is 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It has an engaging adventure story with hobbits, dwarves, and a dragon. Another is 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White. The story of the friendship between a pig and a spider is both heartwarming and easy to follow. Also, 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll is full of strange and wonderful characters that draw readers in.

Sure. 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' by Mark Twain is a good start. It gives a sense of life in the 19th - century America. Also, 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett has elements of historical England. Another one is 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott which shows family life in the 19th century.

Well, in the realm of fiction, 'The Great Gatsby' is a must - read. F. Scott Fitzgerald's work is a poignant look at the American Dream. As for nonfiction, 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' by Rebecca Skloot is remarkable. It tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the impact of her cells on medical research in a very engaging way. These are just a few of the best books in both categories.

Some of the best - selling fiction books include 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that has touched many with its story about racial injustice in the South. Another is 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien, a high - fantasy epic that has a huge following worldwide. For nonfiction, 'A Brief History of Time' by Stephen Hawking is very popular. It makes complex scientific concepts about the universe more accessible to the general public.

You could also start with 'Kidnapped'. It's not overly complicated and it gives a good introduction to Scottish history through an exciting adventure story. The characters are memorable and it has a fast - paced narrative.