Immediately from the start, I loved the voice of the narrator Valora Luck. I loved her intelligence, street smarts, quick thinking, athletic abilities, and spunk. This book is one I had a difficult time putting down as the built in historical tension of this tragic event added an increased urgency for me to keep reading.
I felt as if I were aboard the Titanic--this author created a setting that popped to life. I could feel the ship pushing through the ocean, the occasional rolling with the waves, and felt as if I could touch the details of the ocean liner's finery down to the basics of the third class quarters.
The issues of racism played a huge part in Valora's life, especially with the Chinese Exclusion Act preventing her from entering the United States to follow her dreams of performing. The way the Chinese were treated on board by the crew and other passengers brought out anger and frustration in me, especially when life boats were sailed half-full and left Valora and her brother and others behind.
I loved the family aspect of this novel and the unexpected friendships that quickly formed. I enjoyed the message of not forcing your own dreams on others just because you think it's best for them. Valora realizes she never truly knew the people that she felt closest too, either because she didn't want to face the truth, or it was hidden from her.
I felt as if I were aboard the Titanic--this author created a setting that popped to life. I could feel the ship pushing through the ocean, the occasional rolling with the waves, and felt as if I could touch the details of the ocean liner's finery down to the basics of the third class quarters.
The issues of racism played a huge part in Valora's life, especially with the Chinese Exclusion Act preventing her from entering the United States to follow her dreams of performing. The way the Chinese were treated on board by the crew and other passengers brought out anger and frustration in me, especially when life boats were sailed half-full and left Valora and her brother and others behind.
I loved the family aspect of this novel and the unexpected friendships that quickly formed. I enjoyed the message of not forcing your own dreams on others just because you think it's best for them. Valora realizes she never truly knew the people that she felt closest too, either because she didn't want to face the truth, or it was hidden from her.