Titanic 100th Anniversary Reading Challenge First Quarter

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CONTEST: The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

In honour of my 100th Anniversary Titanic Reading Challenge, Random House Canada has been generous enough to offer this Titanic themed new-release title as a prize for me to offer.  I have one copy of The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott to give away!  You do not have to be a participant in my challenge to enter the contest but participants will have more chances to win!

Contest open to US & Canada mailing addresses only.

Just in time for the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic comes a vivid, romantic, and relentlessly compelling historical novel about a spirited young woman who survives the disaster only to find herself embroiled in the media frenzy left in the wake of the tragedy.

Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she's had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be a personal maid on the Titanic's doomed voyage. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men, one a roughly-hewn but kind sailor and the other an enigmatic Chicago millionaire. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes.

Amidst the chaos and desperate urging of two very different suitors, Tess is one of the last people allowed on a lifeboat. Tess’s sailor also manages to survive unharmed, witness to Lady Duff Gordon’s questionable actions during the tragedy. Others—including the gallant Midwestern tycoon—are not so lucky.

On dry land, rumors about the survivors begin to circulate, and Lady Duff Gordon quickly becomes the subject of media scorn and later, the hearings on the Titanic. Set against a historical tragedy but told from a completely fresh angle, The Dressmaker is an atmospheric delight filled with all the period's glitz and glamour, all the raw feelings of a national tragedy and all the contradictory emotions of young love.



Leave a comment below with your name and email for each of the following conditions met and you will receive one entry for each time you leave a comment:

+1 leave your name and email to enter
+1 do the above and tell me you are a follower (this means I click your name and see my blog listed under your "Blogs I Follow")
+1 do the above and tell me you are a participant of the challenge (sign ups are here)
+1 do the above and have already posted a review of a book or movie for the challenge, must be current (reviews go here)

That's a total of four possible entries!  Good Luck!  Contest ends Feb. 29.

I have a copy of the book for myself too and am looking forward to reading it!

32. The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett

The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett. Illustrated by Andrea Offermann (US) - (Canada) - (Kindle)

Pages: 217
Ages: 10+
Finished: Jan. 31, 2012
First Published: Sept. 13, 2011
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Genre: children, magical realism, war, WWII, historical fiction
Rating: 2/5


First sentence:

If the old bell had been hanging in the steeple it would have rung to announce midnight, twelve solemn iron klongs which would have woken the villagers from their sleep and startled any small creature new to the village and unaccustomed to the noise.

Acquired: Received a review copy from Candlewick Press.

Publisher's Summary:  "When the Germans attack their Romany encampment during World War II, Andrej and his younger brother, Tomas, flee through a ravaged countryside under cover of darkness, guarding a secret bundle. Their journey leads to a bombed-out town, where the boys discover a hidden wonder: a zoo filled with creatures in need of hope. Like Andrej and Tomas, the animals--wolf and eagle, monkey and bear, lioness and seal, kangaroo and llama-- have stories to share and a mission to reclaim their lives.

Master storyteller Sonya Hartnett crafts a magical and moving fable about war and redemption . . . and what it means to be free."

 

 

Reason for Reading: The story intrigued me as I enjoy WWII historical fiction and animal fantasy. How the two could be combined into a successful book had me wanting to read and find out.

Set in WWII, the story follows two Gypsy children who have managed to escape the wipe out of their family camp.  The setting of the book is never given, though it is obviously Eastern Europe.  There are signs in a foreign language and after researching that language and then double checking to see if Romany (Roms) were persecuted in that country during WWII, I've ascertained the country in question is the Czech Republic.  The story never really grabbed me, I have a fifty page rule, where I will stop reading a book at 50 pages if it hasn't caught my attention and I almost stopped reading at page 56 because I had just been hit on the head with the fact that I was about to be "taught. a. lesson." and was not impressed, however I decided to finish the chapter and picked up a bit of plot that did keep me reading the entire short book.

I can't really say it was time well spent.  The whole book is very "in-your-face" with the lessons and messages it wants to convey.  Humans treat animals badly, even when they love them, and not always on purpose, but wild animals deserve freedom.  Animals are not a part of any war and yet they suffer for it. Following suit, the gypsies were not at war with anyone, it was not their war, they only wanted freedom and yet it was taken away from then and they suffered.  And so on ... the war is nobody's, yet they all suffer from it when the invaders/aggressors come.  The book's main theme is freedom.  The freedom of animals to live in the wild, not zoos, not under human control, the freedom of humans to live in peace, not in the middle of someone else's war.

This is all very idealistic and "nice" in a perfect world but this isn't a perfect world.  When does someone else's war become your own war?  When your neighbours are carted away?  When the next street over is bombed to pieces?  Or not until it is your own family stolen in the night or your house bombed to smithereens?  Perhaps then it is still not your war?  Do you suffer in silence, or do something about it?

Add to this idealistic message a strange magical realism aspect where animals in an abandoned zoo talk to the Gypsy children and all belief was thrown out the window for me.  I am a big fan of animal fantasy, so talking animals don't necessarily turn me off, they just need to be in *their* world for me to suspend belief.  Zoo animals talking to Rom children in the middle of WWII just goes way beyond my believability factor and coupled with the "beat you on the head" fable and moral of the story, I just was not impressed.

30. The Yellow House Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner

The Yellow House Mystery by Gertrude Chandler Warner. Illustrated by Mary Gehr. (Canada) - (US) - Kindle)

The Alden Family Mysteries, #3
Pages: 191
Ages: 7+
Finished: Jan. 28, 2012
First Published: 1953
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: children, mystery
Rating: 5/5




First sentence:

Four lively children lived with their grandfather Alden in a big house.

Acquired:  Purchased a used copy from a garage/book sale or thrift shop.

Reason for Reading:  This is part of my Random Bookshelf Reading project.  I'm also working on re-reading this series and collecting the first 19.

Publisher's Summary: "In this third book from the series, Grandpa Alden tells Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny of the curious circumstances in which the yellow house became vacant over forty years ago. Determined to solve the mystery, the children uncover a trail of clues that leads them to memories of their boxcar days."

Yellow House follows the established pattern of the first two books and yet also branches out a bit.  The children go back to Surprise Island and end up on an adventure that has them roughing it and living outdoors, camping, canoeing and taking care of themselves, as usual.  The children are a bit older this time with both Henry and Jessie in high school, Violet 12 and Benny 7, making the book suitable for a wide range of ages at the time it was written.  The new character picked up in the last book joins in as an important member of the cast of characters.  Yellow House is the first time the series really brings us a mystery, as the first two really only dealt with mysterious people, whose identities the children figured out by the end of the book, though others knew the secret.  This time somewhat in the same vein but still different we have a missing persons case and the children find clues and search out the long lost person.  For an adult the mystery is weak and unbelievable but as a first introduction to the genre it is a fun romp and I have to admit to thoroughly enjoying myself with the read.  The amiable, well-mannered children of yester-year who love to play outside are a breath of fresh air themselves.  Both my boys enjoyed these books so I know they are still appealing to today's kids and I think it's because of the freedom the Alden children have to wander far and wide in the outdoors with minimum adult supervision; something virtually unknown to this generation in today's modern world.  This book also brings about the first time the children refer to themselves as the "Boxcar Children".  The book concludes with another addition to the Alden family household and I think we probably have our full cast of regular characters set for further novels.  A strong book in the series.

29. The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby (US) - (Canada)

Pages: 386
Ages: 8+
Finished: Jan. 26, 2012
First Published: Oct. 1, 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: steampunk, historical fiction, fantasy, mystery
Rating: 5/5


First sentence:

When Giuseppe found the green violin, he did not think it would help him escape.

Publisher's Summary: "When Giuseppe finds a green violin washed up in New York docks, somehow he knows it will change his life. But how? The very same day, Hannah, a maid at a local hotel, gets a strange new mistress. Why are Madame X and her mysterious Russian minder living in a hotel? What are they hiding from? Across the square, Frederick, a clockmaker's apprentice, hides his dark terrors, and an amazing gift. There is nothing to link these three children, except the green violin and a chance encounter on the street. But soon they are swept away in an epic adventure. This is a mesmerizing story of chance, friendship, and courage. "

Acquired: Received a review copy from Scholastic Canada.

Reason for Reading: This book came unsolicited but I enjoy steampunk as well as stories set in Victorian-like eras, especially from the lower class point of view.

This is a tough book to categorize.  It centres around clockmakers, clockworks and an automaton within a Victorian (or Victorian-like) society and is obviously steampunk but from there it defies generalization.  There is a mystery; this is mostly realistic fiction but there is just that tiny hint of fantasy; the author's note let's us know that some of the events are a compilation from actual events in history, though no dates or name places are given to let us know whether this is happening on our Earth or an alternate Earth.  None of this really matters.  What the story is, is adventure at top-speed, unique plotline and a page turner.

I was hooked at the first chapter and was held in this book's grip until the wonderful satisfying end.  The three child characters are each fantastic as we get to know them and beautifully written.  They are all similar in age and yet they go gradually from eldest to youngest.  Each has a wounded soul and a problem in their lower class life that seems insurmountable.  As pairs of the three meet each other and start helping each other it isn't until the three finally all meet together they realize that each one holds the key to another's problem and as such sets forth the tale that will change each of their lives forever.

The book has a Dickensian feel to it.  Of course, starting with the Oliver Twist-like story of orphan Giuseppe and the buskers under the abusive thumb of Stephano.  Then with the motley cast of characters with names such as Mrs. Treeless, Mr. Grumholdt and Mr. Stroop.  A fantastic story that both readers of Victorian historical fiction and those of steampunk or sure to enjoy.  A brilliant first novel, full of characterization and a plot that doesn't let up until the end.  Very satisfying and recommended.  I'll be reading this author again!

27. Irena's Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan

Irena's Jars of Secrets by Marcia Vaughan. Illustrated by Ron Mazellan (US) - (Canada

Pages: 32
Ages: 9+
Finished: Jan. 23, 2012
First Published: Nov. 2011
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Genre: children, picture book, historical fiction, WWII
Rating: 4/5


First sentence:

On a cold February day in 1910, a baby girl was born to a Catholic family in a small town near Warsaw, Poland.

Acquired: Received an egalley from Lee & Low books through Netgalley.

Reason for Reading: I enjoy this type of children's biography and the Catholic connection interested me.

Publisher's Summary: "Irena Sendler, born to a Polish Catholic family, was raised to respect people of all backgrounds and to help those in need. She became a social worker; and after the German army occupied Poland during World War II, Irena knew she had to help the sick and starving Jews who were imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto. She began by smuggling food, clothing, and medicine into the ghetto, then turned to smuggling children out of the ghetto. Using false papers and creative means of escape, and at great personal risk, Irena helped rescue Jewish children and hide them in safe surroundings. Hoping to reunite the children with their families after the war, Irena kept secret lists of the children’s identities."

This is a picture book biography of a Polish Catholic heroine, whose legacy has been hidden in obscurity due to the Communist state of Poland after the war. However, Irena's story did get out and has become wider known thanks to books like this. Though a picture book, this is one for the older set. I'd recommend it for the 9-12 age group or a younger child only if they are aware of the reality of the killing of the Jews in WWII. Irena's story is told wonderfully and we get a glimpse of what makes an ordinary person a hero. How bravery and courage are a part of a person's moral compass, and beliefs in human dignity can cause one to accomplish great deeds with no thought to their "greatness", simply just to their "rightness".

The accompanying illustrations are beautiful and fit the mood of the story. They are dark and by that I mean using a dark colour palette to remind us of the desolate atmosphere of the Polish ghetto. I'm not sure what medium the work is done in, perhaps guache or chalks, but it is very effective and blending and shadowing has been used to great effect. A great insight into the Jewish Polish ghettos of WWII and a little known Catholic hero. Would make a great addition to Catholic school classrooms.

Watching in January

Well, I kept away from the small screen this month more than I had wanted to.  I had a very successful reading month, getting on a roll reading 33 books this month, that it left me with very little time to sit in front of the screen.  I always feel like I'm not doing anything when I watch TV, which isn't fair to myself but I do hope to try and cure myself of that.  Maybe I'll pick up knitting again.

Anyway, I did absolutely no TV surfing at all.  We did go to the movies for our anniversary and saw MI 4.  We both love Tom Cruise (for different reasons LOL) and had a good time.  My brief review:

1. Mission: Impossible IV Ghost Protocol - (2011) (theatre) I don't have a lot to say about this. Dh and I went to see it on date night. We enjoyed it. Of course. We both like Tom Cruise (for different reasons, hehe) The movie was just what you'd expect but I didn't enjoy it as much as the others. It was just more *tame*. It certainly deserved its PG rating; we could have taken our son to see it. Their was lots of action but no real violence and Tom didn't even have a love interest! So no sexy bits. But still I loved the action. We enjoyed our time.

As far as TV seasons, I've put them on hold for now as I'm watching Death Note anime online.  This is my very first time watching an anime after reading the manga series and it is quite an interesting experience.  I'm on episode 10/37.  They've made a big change in how they present the main character though which makes the dynamics totally different from the book which I'm not pleased with, otherwise they seem to be sticking fairly true to the events.

I must get back to watching Arrested Development though because I need to have finished that for when the new mini-series and movie come out.  So will start Season 2 sometime soon.

26: Jellaby: Monster in the City by Kean Soo

Jellaby: Monster in the City by Kean Soo (US) - (Canada)
Jellaby, Vol. 2

Pages: 172
Ages: 10+
Finished: Jan. 22, 2012
First Published: Apr. 21, 2009
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: children, graphic novel, fantasy, Canadian author
Rating: 3/5


First sentence:

That's the last of the sandwiches, so don't eat it all at once, okay

Acquired: Borrowed a copy from my local library.

Reason for Reading: Next in the series.

Publisher's Summary: "As Portia, Jason, and Jellaby continue their journey through the city of Toronto, Portia is torn between her friendship with Jellaby and her duty to help the sweet monster find his way back to his home. How can Portia say goodbye forever, when Jellaby has become her best friend?

But the clues leading them to Jellaby's origins begin to turn sinister. When a hooded wizard introduces them to another monster like Jellaby, Portia and her purple friend are in for a gruesome shock -- this monster befriends children, too -- and then she eats them!

Now Portia must find a home for Jellaby, save Jason from the grasping tentacles of his new "best friend," and come to terms with the mysterious disappearance of her father.

It's a lot to take on, but Portia is mad, bad, and ready to kick some monster butt."

I enjoyed this volume a might better than the first since I at least knew what to expect but was still disappointed.  Sure I love the illustrations; they are cute and all once you get used to the teeny kids and I like the expressions the artist can convey just with the character's eyes.  But story wise I did not find it satisfying.  Too many questions were left in my mind and no questions were answered.  What happened to Portia's father?  Is Jellaby an imaginary friend?  If so, why can others see him?  Or do they really see him?  The ending leaves this all up in the air and just left me feeling flat and disappointed.  Others really enjoy this little series but I have to say it just wasn't my cup of tea.

25. Shot at Dawn: World War I by John Wilson

Shot at Dawn: World War I, Allan McBride, France, 1917 by John Wilson (US) - (Canada)
I Am Canada series

Pages: 201
Ages: 12+
Finished: Jan. 22, 2012
First Published: Feb. 1, 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Canada
Genre: YA, historical fiction, Canadian author, WWI
Rating: 4/5


First sentence:

I grew up on my father's ranch in the Nicola Valley in British Columbia.

Acquired: Borrowed a copy through Inter-Library Loan. 

Reason for Reading: I am reading this series plus I enjoy this author.

Publisher's Summary: "The reality of trench warfare is a shock to Allan McBride. Like many other young soldiers, he enthusiastically signed up for the chance to join the war effort and be a part of the fighting. But after months in the ravaged battlefields, watching men, including his friend Ken, get blown up by German shelling, something in Allan snaps and he leaves his unit, believing he is "walking home to Canada" to get help for his friend.

After nearly a week of wandering aimlessly, Allan is taken in by a band of real deserters — men who have abandoned their units and live on the edge of survival in the woods of northern France. Once Allan realizes what he's done, he is paralyzed by the reality of his circumstance: if he stays with these men, it's possible they will be found and have to face the consequences; and if he returns to his unit, he will be charged with desertion — a charge punishable by death.

In this outstanding new title in the I Am Canada series, acclaimed author John Wilson explores life in the horrific trenches of WWI and the effect of battle on a shell-shocked soldier."

Having read this author before I knew this would not be a book for young children.  John Wilson writes war stories that are gripping, horrific and page-turning.  He describes the death in graphic detail which is not for the faint of heart and yet he does so in few words without gratuitous adjectives.  The simple brief truth is enough to bring the reality of war home to the reader.  The "I Am Canada" series, while recommended for 8-12 year olds, is not consistently suitable for the age spread with each individual book.  Some books are OK for 8+ while others, like this one, are more for 12+ (as is suggested on the publisher's website).  So make sure you know the title will match your child's maturity when choosing. 

I found this book gripping and read it in one sitting which was only interrupted by a need to eat.  This is a brutal look at war and not very sympathetic to the soldiers' plight as we are only getting the point of view of one person.  Now, don't get me wrong, the reader is made sympathetic, terribly so, to the plight of the soldiers but the book does come across as harsh and slightly anti-war in its sympathies.  This is clarified though in the author's note which is very informative on the Canadian role in WWI and speaks particularly to Canada's pride and remembrance of soldiers who fought at Amiens.  I learnt quite a lot of information in this note about the shooting of British Empire soldiers for desertion.  A moving read which will appeal mostly to boys, and those who enjoy gripping and personal war stories.