The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

TITLE:  The Dressmaker

AUTHOR:  Alcott, Kate
GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  7/9/2017 - 7/30/2017

MY RATING:  3/5

I picked up this gem at a library book sale. What a stunning cover! Totally judging...

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A historical novel documenting the journey of an aspiring seamstress and her journey from surviving the fate of the Titanic, to facing her future as a survivor. Romance, tragedy and all of the eleganza that comes with the time period.

First of all, I really love reading all things Titanic. It is such a tragic event during such a notoriously glamorous time. 

I did not expect this, but I found this book to read more like a YA novel, full of youthful indecisiveness and rash behavior. The heroine is still finding herself (aren't we all?) and obviously she has two handsome suitors to choose from. The true center of this geode is the heroine's attempt to find her place and her heart amidst the survivors of the Titanic.

The characters were simple and lovely to read about. Even the selfish ones, only out for themselves. I also enjoyed reading about the time period overall. The clothing and the drama. Also, I find the hopeful ending to a be a joy! Would recommend to anyone who loves historical fiction, doesn't mind a little YA fiction, and Titanic fiction in particular.

Will read and write soon!

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The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedman

TITLE:  The Light Between Oceans

AUTHOR:  Stedman, M.L.
GENRE:  Historical Fiction

DATES READ:  7/19/2017 - 7/23/2017

MY RATING:  3.5/5

July choice for regular book club.

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A lighthouse keeper, Tom, and his wife, Isabel, make a choice that changes everything in their world and another's. To heal a loss, they accept a miracle that may not be theirs to keep. And when two worlds collide, they learn how devastating that choice may have been.

Oh my gosh... this book! I am still reeling/trying to cool down from reading this! What a great discussion book for book club.

To start, I love the setting of Janus. And how many books do you read that are set in Australia? Then the characters, Tom and Izzy. I don't even know where to begin. I love Tom and his unending self-righteous guilt, and his steadfast moral compass despite his grief. And I understood why he did what he did. For his wife...

Poor Izzy was blinded by grief, loss, and isolation. It's enough to make anyone insane and just about anything to cope.

Overall, there was so much drama. It's hard to put my thoughts down. Stedman does an excellent job inserting you into the character's minds. To truly understand their motivations and walk a while in their shoes. This book really makes you think about what you might do if confronted with a horrific reality and a potential miracle.

Will read and write soon!

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The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

TITLE:  The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America 

AUTHOR:  Larson, Erik
GENRE:  Non-Fiction

DATES READ:  6/27/2017 - 7/13/2017

MY RATING:  3/5

An interesting choice by my regular book club. We don't usually go with non-fiction, but it's nice to mix things up every once in a while.

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Erik Larson brings to vivid detail the stories of real-life characters, including the master builder of the World's Fair as well as the murderer who created a torture palace known as the "World's Fair Hotel" (complete with gas chamber, dissection tables, and built in crematorium). Creations of marvels and horrors abound!

I don't normally like non-fiction (or maybe I haven't found the right stuff). I am surprised to find that I really enjoyed this book. But it was kind of a 50/50 split.

The fair dealings were not extremely exciting to me, but the amount of dedication Larson put into his research was astounding! It made me appreciate the whole process. And I adored his anecdotes about inventions (Cracker Jacks, Juicy Fruit, and the Pledge of Allegience!). And the insertion of the horrors of H.H.Holmes made a terrifying contrast. As a horror reader, it was fascinating to hear the true story about the "Murder Castle" that inspired so many fictional tales.

Overall, it is clear that Erik Larson loves and excels at research and writing.

Will read and write soon!

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