Well, this book isn't about the Titanic, it isn't about surviving, and it isn't about books. How sad to witness such a unique premise devolve into yetWell, this book isn't about the Titanic, it isn't about surviving, and it isn't about books. How sad to witness such a unique premise devolve into yet another run-of-the-mill love triangle! If you're interested in love triangles, you might find something useful here, although I doubt there is much to set this one apart from the crowd of romances. The characters are mildly interesting, the pace at some points isn't egregiously slow, and prose is only distractingly over-written in a few places. So it's okay. Mediocre, sure, but definitely okay. I was perhaps most disappointed by the historical setting, which seems to fall flat, at least to me, as the characters feel quite modern. The whole book seems a little out of focus: the Titanic elements are good, but shoved into the background; the love of books is alluded to but not allowed to shine (which was just a constant reminder to me, the reader, that I could be reading something else); and the supporting characters in the book club scenes are so much more interesting than any of the three leads. If you got something out of this, good for you. I found I didn't care enough about the characters even to make it to the end....more
What an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't thinWhat an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't think there was a single one that I disliked—an unusual occurrence with anthologies and something that impresses me greatly. These exceedingly well-chosen sea stories have been grouped here into four different thematic sections, each of which explores a different element of the sea. The tales complement each other perfectly, and each section is an adventure unto itself. I cannot praise this book highly enough. Absolutely amazing collection.
Out of an already-strong collection, these seven were my favorites: • The Fog Horn (Bradbury) • A Descent into the Maelström (Poe) • The Cruise of The Jolly Roger (Vonnegut) • One for the Islands (Highsmith) • The Open Boat (Crane) • The House of Mapuhi (London) • Sail Shining in White (Helprin) ...more
What did I think? I loved it! Beautiful, melancholic, poignant, vast in scope—it was everything it needed to be.
Stuff it does well: • The first book wWhat did I think? I loved it! Beautiful, melancholic, poignant, vast in scope—it was everything it needed to be.
Stuff it does well: • The first book was an immigrant tale, too, but this, in many ways, does a stellar job of showing some of the long-term difficulties of making a home in a new land. The first book’s conflicts were more immediate, whereas this book shows more long-term issues, as well as the strain on families and children. • The timeline. The first book described some events that all happened in pretty short order. This book, however, takes many years to unfold. This gives Wecker a bit more latitude as she explores the characters' relationships over time. (It also gives her a chance to work in a few significant events from history . . . ) • Character development. Any sequel ought to expand the characters. It ought to let them grow a bit, and it should give the readers a chance to see these characters in a whole new light. This does that, not just with Chava and Ahmad, but with the supporting characters, too. • Historical detail. Some big events from the early 20th century are woven into this story, such as the sinking of Titanic and the tensions of WWI. Smaller details are worked in as well, little touches that add a great deal to the tale.
Stuff that disappoints: • Some of the conflict felt a little forced. Chava and Ahmad are a couple for much of this tale, but we never get to see them in a supportive relationship. They never feel like a team, they way there were in the first story. They argue all the time, and it’s about things that would be resolved easily if the characters would just talk to each other. These magical beings who never sleep spend hour after hour together every day but don’t ever talk about their feelings. I suppose it’s possible, but it just feels, well, contrived. I won’t give any spoilers here, but it does fall into that sequel trap of having minor problems become major for really no reason. There are genuine threats at different parts of the story, and the plot is sprinkled with some legit sorrowful and poignant moments, but there are also so many instances when the bad stuff gets dragged on too long, when if only Character A had told Character B about xyz, the whole thing could have been cleared up a lot sooner. • The epilogue. Again, no specific spoilers, but it’s very open-ended, and it raises a bunch of questions. Not sure it was necessary. I had the distinct impression she was trying to set things up for a third installment, although as far as I know, this is a duology.
Final thoughts: • The tone is great. It’s been a while since I read the first one, but I think this book’s style is a great match. It seems to blend seamlessly with its predecessor, and it picks up right where the first left off. • Different enough focus to justify itself. This isn’t just a re-hash. The first book told of the Golem and the Jinni coming to New York and making a life in a new country. It led up to an intense climax in which they had to face the main villain. This book, however, isn’t about a single life-changing event, such as arriving somewhere new. It’s about living with the consequences of such an event. In the first book, Chava and Ahmad needed to survive. Here, they need to find a way to live a meaningful life in a rapidly changing foreign land. There is no villain, no final showdown—just a handful of characters over the course of 15 years looking for meaning and purpose. It all leads to connection. Instead of building to a big life-and-death battle, the real climax of this story happen as the characters come together and watch out for each other. It’s a beautiful culmination of much of the novel’s conflict.
This is perhaps the best children’s book on Titanic that I’ve ever been fortunate enough to read. It might be one of the best Titanic books, period. IThis is perhaps the best children’s book on Titanic that I’ve ever been fortunate enough to read. It might be one of the best Titanic books, period. I have read quite a bit about Titanic and often encounter misinformation; this is especially true in books for children. Here, however, Burgan’s dedication to accuracy is phenomenal. In fact, the main focus of this book is on distinguishing the actual history from the rumor and legend. I was quite impressed when he called out the 1997 James Cameron film for its role in perpetuating false ideas about the disaster. (The movie is not a documentary; it was designed to be entertaining, and Burgan doesn’t disparage the film in any way. But I still think it took guts to point out that certain events portrayed in the film, events that never happened, are still able to shape our collective understanding of the occurrences that night. It was part of his way of getting his readers to think critically about the information they have, and about the strength of that information’s sources.)
Burgan’s writing is clear, and his explanations for the origins of some of the rumors are well thought-out. His respect for his audience shines through, too: he never condescends to his readers, and he even treats them like mini researchers. Perhaps the best example of this comes at the end, where he gives three common rumors about the ship. He then states that these three rumors are all false, but he also explains how he knows this, why the rumors persist, and what children can do to find out the real story. He explains that they have the power to evaluate sources and to discover for themselves what is real and what isn’t. I also grinned when I got to the part where he mentioned that if they are in doubt about the quality of a source, they should “ask a librarian.” Terrific advice, that! ...more
This nice overview of the Titanic describes the ship, the sinking, the aftermath, and the lasting effects of the disaster. I knew from the title not tThis nice overview of the Titanic describes the ship, the sinking, the aftermath, and the lasting effects of the disaster. I knew from the title not to expect anything in-depth, which is fine, and for the most part, the book works well with its short format. However, there are some elements associated with the disaster that are complex and multi-faceted. Consequently, there are a few places in this book that tend toward over-simplification, which can be misleading. Usually, there are two options: a book will avoid subtle, complicated issues, or it will face them head-on and explore them. This book does neither, and I think it suffers a bit for it. Still, on the whole, it’s pretty solid. Someone who has read other Titanic books likely won’t find anything new here, but someone new to the history might appreciate it. It covers a lot of ground in a few words....more
This eloquent and highly moving account tells the experience of 17-year-old Jack Thayer the night of the Titanic’s sinking. He offers a clear and careThis eloquent and highly moving account tells the experience of 17-year-old Jack Thayer the night of the Titanic’s sinking. He offers a clear and careful description of his experiences, and although the account is very short, I found it to be quite worthwhile. Through it all, Thayer seems to have carried himself with dignity and tremendous grace under pressure. He wrote this memoir for his children, in memory of his father, who perished in the disaster. ...more
I am deeply impressed. This children’s book is full of information about the doomed ship, and it gives many details about a few key points. I am deligI am deeply impressed. This children’s book is full of information about the doomed ship, and it gives many details about a few key points. I am delighted to say that even through I have read many books on Titanic, I still learned a great deal of new information by reading this. Educational and succinct....more
This second installment of first-hand accounts focuses in part on some of the decisions made by those in charge, and on the characters of the ship’s oThis second installment of first-hand accounts focuses in part on some of the decisions made by those in charge, and on the characters of the ship’s officers. It even includes some testimony from people who weren’t on the Titanic, including relatives of those involved, and even the captain of the Carpathia. This highly illuminating treasure is a must-have for Titanic historians....more
Engaging and fun, and full of drama. The characters were vivid, and the banter between the siblings and their aunt helped to make them relatable for tEngaging and fun, and full of drama. The characters were vivid, and the banter between the siblings and their aunt helped to make them relatable for the reader. This book will almost certainly appeal to children who like adventure stories. However, parts of this story stretched credibility a bit too far. There are other fictional Titanic books out there for this age group that are better quality. Incidentally, it’s also quite possible that this author’s technique improved as she went. This one was only the first one in the series, and I remember being impressed with one of her later installments. Despite some very real flaws, the action-packed plot and memorable characters are sure to provide educational entertainment for children. It is no mean feat to portray such a distant time in a way that today’s children can understand and enjoy....more
This short book is a collection of 101 seemingly random bits of trivia about the Titanic. Many of them were things I’d known before, but a few were neThis short book is a collection of 101 seemingly random bits of trivia about the Titanic. Many of them were things I’d known before, but a few were new to me. It’s quick and engaging, and it’s likely to appeal to children. It paints a very broad picture of many different aspects of the ship and her fatal voyage. However, I was disturbed to find that some of their amazing “facts” were wrong. A few of their claims were only ever legends that have been contradicted and never substantiated, and a few of this book’s statements have been disproved. This troubles me because it casts doubt on the rest of their facts. How can I trust them in some points, knowing that they were inaccurate in others? I can also find no reason for their errors. The book is recent enough that there was already a tremendous amount of scholarship on Titanic; they should have been able to do research without needing to break any new ground. The whole book is interesting, of course, and it might inspire children to read more about the doomed ocean liner. But while much of this is correct, some of it is sloppy....more
This collection of survivor accounts provides magnificent insight into the events of that fateful night. The variety of testimonies, given in the survThis collection of survivor accounts provides magnificent insight into the events of that fateful night. The variety of testimonies, given in the survivors’ own voices, provide multiple perspectives on various factors of the disaster. Inspiring, horrifying, and unforgettable....more
SHORT REVIEW: This books does some things very well, but it has some content that might be misleading and confusing for children.
LONG REVIEW (Feel freSHORT REVIEW: This books does some things very well, but it has some content that might be misleading and confusing for children.
LONG REVIEW (Feel free to skim): I have mixed feelings about this book. On the one hand, it has a lot going for it. It sticks with the series’ usual practice of looking at grisly history with wry gallows humor; the somewhat light approach and goofy pictures take the edge off what might have been a very dark read, and yet the book never takes this too far. It NEVER makes fun of the disaster or the victims, and it NEVER tries to soften the truth of what happened that awful night. The book also does a good job of giving what might be considered dry, tedious facts in an entertaining manner; for example, cartoon figures will have a speech-bubble conversation in which they casually bring up information about the ship's size and cargo. This is more interesting than simply reading a list of figures.
I like that the book takes time to explore other perspectives. In real life, Ismay's reputation never recovered from the stigma of taking a seat in a life boat. Even some modern books still condemn him for that. Here, however, readers are invited to experience the sinking from his point of view. I mean that literally: the book is written in second-person, and "you" do various things that Ismay did. It's fun, but it's also a much more even-handed approach than I've seen in other Titanic books. My favorite part of this book is when they talk about the workers on the ship. There is one scene in the book when a stoker is complaining about how little he makes for all his hard work. And it definitely shows his hard, physically demanding work. But the book also shows that although the stoker probably had a more demanding job than, say, the able seamen, he was also making more money than the able seamen. And even the able seamen, for their 8-hour days, were making more money than the stewardesses in their 17-hour days. This information is interesting, and it makes it easier for children to understand the many different kinds of jobs that were done on the ship, and the different people who did them.
I didn't like that this book is sloppy. It takes shortcuts. For example, in comparing salaries, some of the wages are adjusted for today's dollars, and some are not. I think they should be consistent. It will be difficult enough for a child to understand just how far $27 could go in 1912, but it will be impossible for them to get a sense of scale when they're comparing it to some other salary in today's money. The stewardesses worked long hours, yes, which makes me wonder when the other people were working. What were the stokers' hours? How do the jobs compare?
Worse than leaving information out, the book includes much that is either incorrect or misleading. At the end of the book, for example, it mentions that only one person was saved out of the water. Since there isn’t ANY other context for this, and since there is no source given for this, I have no idea what to make of it. ONE person only? Who was this one individual? Was it Jack Thayer, who survived the plunge into the water? Or Second Officer Lightoller, who was swept into the Atlantic when the ship sank from under him, and who was saved from the water? Colonel Gracie? Harold Bride? Or the Chief Baker, who swam around by himself for a long time before being rescued from the water? All of these people lived to tell about their experiences on the sip—and this is just off the top of my head. Fifth Officer Lowe pulled at least 14 people living from the water, and of these, 6 survived. And Lowe’s boat was only 1 of 3 boats that, after being launched, either stayed nearby to pick up survivors from the water or returned after the sinking to rescue whom they could. And in addition to these three boats, there were two others, Collapsibles A and B, that were never launched, but which were still on the ship when it sank, and whose passengers almost exclusively came from the water. So this book’s comment is either flat-out wrong, or I’m not understanding it the way they meant it. Either way, it muddles the situation, rather than clarifies it. Similarly, I didn’t like how much the book piggybacks off the 1997 Titanic film. The design of some characters mimics the actors and actresses of the film. The purple striped dress Rose wears in the film is seen here, along with some other visuals that nod to the movie. But it's dangerous to take a certain idea from a very long epic film, and portray just part of it in a few illustrations. This is how things get missed. One thing the movie did very well was show the many difficulties faced by the poor immigrants on the ship. There were definite language barriers, which were problematic enough before the collision, and fatal for many afterward. There were financial difficulties, too. Many of these passengers were already facing an uncertain future. Would they find a job? Would they have a home? Many of the steerage passengers had left relatives behind, or were planning to meet up with relatives who had traveled earlier. It was not uncommon for one family member to go to America to seek employment while the rest of the family would wait. But which movie scene does this book select? The party scene where they're all dancing. It was a fine scene in the film because it came in context. This book has one two-page tour-of-the-ship spread, and it shows the first class passengers as super boring and the third class passengers as carefree, happy-go-lucky people. In real life, these people probably had music and celebration, but they also had strength and courage to try to make a new life elsewhere. They weren't blind to reality: they were aware of the difficulties they would face in a foreign country and were determined rise above them all. It makes me sad that a hardworking group of people facing very real problems were only shown in their only big pre-collision scene having a silly dance. It makes the immigrant experience seem like one long birthday party....more
This pocketbook has been meticulously researched and is very well-crafted. Although it is a modern book, it is written in the style of a guidebook forThis pocketbook has been meticulously researched and is very well-crafted. Although it is a modern book, it is written in the style of a guidebook for Titanic passengers, so the tone imitates other writings from that era. The guidebook even includes some primary sources from that time, and it’s difficult to tell where the “real” material ends and the modern sections begin. Blake really nailed the writing to get such a seamless blend. This guidebook is somewhat fictional insofar as it reads as one big primary source, even though it was (mostly) only written recently. However, its content is nonfiction, and this has to be one of the most detailed accounts I’ve read of the construction of Titanic.
I really liked the level of detail, and the illustrations, charts, diagrams, etc. added a great deal to the experience of reading. I struggled through all the technical information about the ship; those sections used technical jargon without defining any of the terms. I appreciate that someone with more knowledge of ships might enjoy those passages—and I love that they weren’t oversimplified—but they also weren’t something that I could understand. It’s that same attention to deal that made other parts of the book so appealing. I read the menus from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class dining saloons; I learned about the history of the White Star Line and its rise in the mid-nineteenth century. I looked at maps showing the layout of all ten decks of the ship. I read the rules for flying different flags. I read the prices for sending telegrams, as well as the hours that either gender could use the swimming pool. It’s full of details about all sorts of things. My only criticism is that it should have been clearer where the primary sources ended. There is a list in the back of the book, but since it doens’t include page numbers, it’s hard to know what sections are included under a particular name. All in all, an unforgettable read....more
I heartily recommend this memoir. This might be the single most fascinating account of the Titanic that I have ever had the privilege to read.
Col. ArcI heartily recommend this memoir. This might be the single most fascinating account of the Titanic that I have ever had the privilege to read.
Col. Archibald Gracie was an extraordinary man, and his account of the sinking—with its clarity and its unassuming tone—provides both insight into the disaster and closure for those shaken by the tragedy. Gracie seems to have been a methodical man, and he lays out the information as smoothly and logically as possible. He makes it abundantly clear what things he witnessed personally and what things he deduces based on evidence. His eye for detail is extraordinary.
This book has two parts. The first is Gracie’s memoir, in which he shares his experience on the ship the day of the sinking. He describes the loss of his friend James Clinch Smith, who was with him until the ship sank beneath them both. He recounts the valor of the men and women on the ship, as well as the kinship he felt with the other survivors on Collapsible B. He describes, quite scientifically, a telepathic experience that was attested by three people thousands of miles apart. He recounts with gentle humility his own shortcomings. His writing is poignant but never maudlin. There is dignity here, not just for Col. Gracie, but for everyone whom he describes. He includes names whenever possible, but he also pays tribute to some brave people whose identities he never learned.
The second part of this book is Gracie’s meticulous research. Much of it is not his own words, as he has collected a great deal of survivor testimony and drawn from the transcripts of the inquests in order to provide a more complete picture of the the disaster. It’s not as personal or as moving as Gracie’s own account, but it provides a great deal of background information, particularly with regard to the people in the other lifeboats. It seems that Col. Gracie’s purpose for this publication was to collect as much historical record as he could—including his own account—and preserve it for all. It is truly a phenomenal project.
Col. Archibald Gracie never lived to see his work published. He died of complications from his exposure in the icy water. In a sense, this makes him the last victim claimed by the disaster. He was 53 years old....more
This was enjoyable for what it was. I love reading about the Titanic, so I’d probably be drawn to any story that ties into that history. This is enougThis was enjoyable for what it was. I love reading about the Titanic, so I’d probably be drawn to any story that ties into that history. This is enough of a story on its own, too; the authors took time to develop characters and a plot, and they didn’t just expect the details of Titanic to be enough to hold readers’ interest. The bad: It’s really, really short (this was my first Bookshot, and I read it as an ebook, but apparently that’s the nature of them?); the dialogue feels far too modern for 1912, especially for the high society of the era; and some of the events felt a little too unbelievable. The good: The characters were very interesting; the writing was tight; the story had nice tension as well as some twists and turns; the characters had some opportunity to develop and change; and the ending left some things open, so that not everyone’s fate is revealed. A very interesting story, and not quite like any other Titanic book I’ve seen. If you like realism, you may be disappointed, but if fast-paced action suits your fancy, this may be the story for you....more
The title is a little insulting, but if you can get past that, the rest of the book is wonderful. Maltin's writing is clear and not the least bit condThe title is a little insulting, but if you can get past that, the rest of the book is wonderful. Maltin's writing is clear and not the least bit condescending, and he uses clearly documented pieces of evidence to substantiate or to disprove 101 of Titanic's greatest myths. He also explores, to a degree, various what-if scenarios. What if the Titanic had hit the berg straight-on? What if there had been more lifeboats? A very interesting little book that explores the physical ship, some of its passengers, the science of the sinking, and the many legends that grew from that one fateful night....more
Five stars! It can’t have been easy taking such a complex and tragic topic and writing about it for children, but Matt Doeden has pulled it off admiraFive stars! It can’t have been easy taking such a complex and tragic topic and writing about it for children, but Matt Doeden has pulled it off admirably in this brief graphic novel. The language is simple and clear, but never condescending. In telling the story, Doeden shows a remarkable instinct for knowing which elements to include and which to omit. There were a lot of complicated factors that led to the disaster, but Doeden presents a clear (and very accurate) narrative, and he does so in only 27 pages. I am especially in awe of this book’s professional nature—this is one of the most balanced, objective, and non-misleading children’s history books I’ve seen. Doeden also shies away from the unprovable and the debunked. For example, there is debate about the last song performed by the band; Doeden shows the band playing as the ship sinks, but he does not specify any particular tune. Decisions such as this helped keep the book grounded in fact. Dialog that is quoted exactly appears in yellow speech bubbles, so that readers know what’s true and what’s been reconstructed. The illustrations are evocative and highly emotional, but never gruesome. Magnificently done! ...more
This lavishly illustrated historical account is filled with information about 13 honeymooning couples who sailed on the Titanic. This account providesThis lavishly illustrated historical account is filled with information about 13 honeymooning couples who sailed on the Titanic. This account provides background information on the couple, as well as, for the survivors, a summary of their lives afterward. Other information about the ship, its amenities, and the events of the disaster rounds out what would otherwise be a somewhat sparse volume. I have read many books on the Titanic, and I was glad to learn things here that I hadn’t known before. Perhaps the biggest flaw with the book is its tendency to speculate; some of the information is merely inferred, and may or may not be accurate. For example, it includes some romantic dialog from the ship, but some of these intimate conversations were between people who’d both died in the sinking, so how can Paul know for sure what was said? Similarly, some broader claims might be difficult to substantiate, or may oversimplify a complex subject. Nevertheless, for most of the book, the facts are laid out clearly and neatly. The couples chosen for this book represent all three classes on the ship, and the research into their backgrounds and families must have been arduous. I am grateful for the chance to learn about these remarkable people....more
Hoopla has this, but in an abridged format. The unabridged version still appears to have been edited. I don't know to what extent the editor changed tHoopla has this, but in an abridged format. The unabridged version still appears to have been edited. I don't know to what extent the editor changed the original text. Does "edited" mean he reworked parts of it, or left out parts? Or does it just mean that he gathered the sources and published them as-is? Your guess is as good as mine. But because it isn't clear, it is difficult for me to rate the book's value. This hearing's transcripts should be an indispensable primary source for anyone interested in learning about the Titanic disaster. I'm just not sure to what extent this—an abridgment of an edit—is useful. Did I read the actual record, or just a modern person's retelling of it? The version I heard was an audiobook with a multicast group of readers, so that was exceptionally well-handled. But I also have no idea whether the words are authentic or modern. A mixed bag....more
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