Monday, April 15, 2013

Book Review Monday

Did you know that 101 years ago today, the RMS Titanic sunk?

I am obsessed with anything related to the Titanic. Seriously. I did a Social Studies fair project and paper on it in middle school and I wrote a screenplay about it.
So instead of giving you a whole speech related to all of the history of to it, I will share some fictional books set on the Titanic.

First is a Dear America book called "Voyage on the Great Titanic". I read this a long time ago, but I remember I enjoyed it very much. I think it was one of the first things that got me interested in the Titanic.

"Five years ago, Margaret Ann Brady's older brother left her in the care of an orphanage and immigrated to America. When the orphanage receives an unusual request from an American woman looking for a traveling companion, Margaret's teachers agree that she is the perfect candidate to accompany Mrs. Carstairs on the TITANIC, so that once Margaret arrives in New York she will be free to join her brother in Boston. But the TITANIC is destined for tragedy, and Margaret's journey is thrown into a frozen nightmare when the ship collides with an iceberg."

This book is geared toward younger readers (I was probably in 5th grade when I read it) but it is a good book and includes lots of true history. I loved it.


Next is "Distant Waves" by Suzanne Weyn. I read this a while ago, also, but I read it about six times in a row because I liked it so much. Again, a large chunk of it takes place on the Titanic. I like that it also includes a lot of information about the awesome inventor Tesla.

"The destinies of five sisters all converge on board the Titanic.Daughters of a famed clairvoyant, the five Taylor sisters have moved to turn-of-the-twentieth-century Spirit Vale, where their mother makes a living talking to the dead. The future, however, is something even she cannot see clearly.
The sisters are not meant to stay in Spirit Vale for long. All seem poised to move in different directions--science, society, fame, even the spirit world--but all of their destinies converge on board the Titanic. A transatlantic voyage that promises great wonders soon turns into a fight for survival that not everyone will win...or can they?"

I just love all of the elements in this book. I think there is definitely something for everyone in it. This is for a slightly older reader group, probably young adult. I still love it though!

Last is "Queen of the Waves" by Janice Thompson. I have not read it yet, but I bought it because I love the Titanic so much. It looks interesting to me!

"Two families on opposite sides of the globe are shaken by the rise and fall of the Titanic, 'queen of the ocean.'
When pampered Jacqueline Abington secretly elopes with the family gardener, she asks another woman to take her place on the much-anticipated maiden voyage of the Titanic. Tessa Bowen hails from a poor corner of London but has been granted the opportunity of a lifetime -- a ticket to sail to America aboard a famed vessel. But there's a catch: she must assume Jacqueline's identity. For the first time in her life, Tessa stays in luxurious quarters, dresses in elegant gowns, and dines with prestigious people. Then a wealthy American man takes an interest in her, and Tessa struggles to keep up the ruse as she begins falling for him. When tragedy strikes, the game is up, and two women's lives are forever changed."

So, what do you think of the Titanic? Have you read any fictional books related to it? Have you read any of the books I mentioned? 
Also, feel free to ask me questions about the Titanic. I love answering them!


6 comments:

  1. These books sound cool!
    I remember seeing Voyage on the Great Titanic at the library when I was younger, but I've never read it.
    I have read Distant Waves, and I did like it a lot.
    I've been wanting to read Queen of the Waves,too! It sounds very interesting.

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    1. Thanks, Cortney! I'm sure all of these books are great. :)

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  2. I hadn't realized this was the anniversary of the sinking.

    The books look interesting, I've read Distant Waves, and it was really good. I haven't read either of the other books.

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    1. I remember the day every year, Nathan. ;)
      Distant waves was a great book!

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  3. Heather, I didn't know about the anniversary. My better half knows a lot about the Titanic. I need to read something about it all. It certainly is a story that has captured imaginations for a long time. Cheers

    Ps I have an image of a vintage Titanic poster which I am happy to share with you. If you would like me to send it to you just drop me a line on ca4ole@gmail.com and I'll email it to you.

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    1. A lot of people don't remember the day. :) Thanks!

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