Alternate histories

[Derfasciti]

This friday I'm going to get some surgery on my throat so I'll be out of school for probably at least 4 or so days. So I need a couple really good books or so to hold me over.

Let me first say I am a HUGE fan of Turtledove, besides some of his writing flaws his work is pure genius and for the most part, very enjoyable and intriguing. I have to say that from all his work that I've read, which is I guess a fair amount, his Great War Series is probably the most enjoyable thing i've ever read in my entire life. I'm probably in the minority of his readers who are actually rooting for the Confederacy (not because I think they're 100% moral or anything, but it would be so much more interesting if everything isn't so black and white.)

Which brings me to the main reason of this post: I'm looking for some alternate history books or series(or historical fiction) to get into. While the time era doesen't really matter, what does matter is the outlook from the author. This might sound strange but I don't want a book that actually shows you beforehand who is the good guys and bad guys and who's gonna win. Like Turtledove's work for the most part, the good guys and bad guys are non-existent; everyone is his own person with flaws as well as qualities. The "good" and "bad" sides both have good and bad qualities. In short, instead of black and white, I want gray. Maybe the supposed bad guys actually win. I think AH stories should display what was possible, regardless of the reader's probable hope that the good guys always win. Make it interesting jeesh!

Now, i've heard of the 1632 series and I just don't know. It's POD is really dumb and unrealistic but do tell me your opinions of it.

And just in general we could talk about this. I'm open to pretty much any ideas and suggestions. So type away! Err... sorry for the long post.

Also: Any Harry Turtledove forums around? I've been googling but can't find anything really.