For those of you that don't really know me, I am a huge history buff. That started out as my major in university, but I switched to English and just had History as my minor. It still meant taking lots of history courses while there, though. I like many aspects of history, but one of my favourite time periods is the earlier part of the 20th century. Well, actually, probably up until the end of the Second World War. A lot of the non-fiction on my shelves is from this time period. I try and read lots of fiction from this time period (when I am actually reading historical fiction). I think I am drawn to the many changes that occurred during those years. There is just so much to talk about!
One of the events that occurred during this time period was the sinking of the Titanic. Even before the Blockbuster movie I was interested in the subject. I have a Titanic shelf which is mostly non-fiction books about the event, but I do have a few fiction reads. I have been a bit overwhelmed this year. The amount of books being released about, or based around, the Titanic is staggering. Thankfully my library has been buying some of them because I could never buy them all myself.
Just in the last little while I have read:
Halifax and Titanic by John Boileau
Gilded Lives, Fatal Voyage: The Titanic's First-Class Passengers and Their World by Hugh Brewster
The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott
The Last Days of the Titanic: Photographs and Mementos of the Tragic Maiden Voyage by Edward Eugene O'Donnell
Unsinkable (Titanic Trilogy, Book 1) by Gordon Korman
Collision Course (Titanic Trilogy, Book 2) by Gordon Korman
S.O.S. (Titanic Trilogy, Book 3) by Gordon Korman
I have a few more started, but I am having a quiet reading week. Then, there are many more to start...
This is all a lead-up to April 14. This is the last day the ship sailed. At just before midnight this evening it will strike an iceberg and sink to the bottom. It will not be seen again for 73 years. Then, Robert Ballard and his dive team will finally make their discovery. And, it all happened 100 years ago today.
The pictures are some that I have used on various posts on Historical Tapestry. We are just finishing up the first week and will be starting the second week. If you haven't stopped by, you should! (There is even a give-away.)
What are your favourite books about the Titanic? What are your impressions on the actual history? Have you seen the movie in 3D?
Passage, by Connie Willis, is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI have a giveaway going for The Time-Travelling Fashionista on board the Titanic, which is a fun one for kids...with beautiful pictures!
Hey Kelly, this documentary was on here on TV last night: http://natgeotv.com/ca/titanic-case-closed
ReplyDeleteI thought it was really interesting!
I am currently read a good non-fic about the Titanic A Night to Remember by Walter Lord. I am half way through..it is a pretty interesting read.
ReplyDeleteI read that a few years ago. I actually started to reread it, but was not successful... Maybe later in the month or next month.
DeleteI don't think I've read any fiction based on the Titanic, but I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by the amount of coverage it has been getting recently. I can't look at my TV without stumbling over a documentary about it. I've watched a few, but to be honest I'm a bit Titaniced out at the moment. Perhaps I'll be more ready to read one once all the attention has died down.
ReplyDeleteI don't really watch tv, so I don't really see all the documentaries and things... It might be a good thing.
Deleteall the documentaries on Titanic are all good.. maybe you should watch a little more tv lol... didn't see the movie in 3d because the 3d glasses give me horrendous headaches!..but I still have the movie in vhs that was given to Deforest to watch for his votes.. it keeps saying "for your consideration".. he considered it alot lol
ReplyDeleteI just read The Watch That Ends the Night - a novel in verse about the Titanic and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it's the only Titanic book I've read.
ReplyDeleteI was completely fascinated by the Titanic and time period when I was growing up, though some of that interest waned with time. It's been interesting to see all of the remembrance this year and I even watched part of the mini series last night.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff! I think I'd like to try some of these books, so thanks for the list, Kelly!
I hope you find something there that interests you, Andi!
DeleteI have always been interested in the Titanic, but I have so many interests, especially since I started blogging, that I have a hard time concentrating on everything...
I too am a big history buff and am completely fascinated by the Titanic. I'll have to check out some of these books!
ReplyDeleteThere are just so many books out there! I hope you find something you enjoy!
DeleteI've been seeing tons of stuff about the Titanic because of the anniversary. There is something so compelling about that story.
ReplyDeleteHonestly the only thing I really know is based on the movie. :-/ I'm glad you provided a list of books because I wouldn't even know where to start...
ReplyDeleteDid you see how apparently last week all sorts of Twitter users (hopefully most teenagers?) were tweeting about how they just found out that the Titanic was real and not just a movie. It blew their minds. And then it blew my mind that people don't know that it was a real ship and a real event! (http://gothamist.com/2012/04/09/psa_the_titanic_was_real_and_not_ju.php)
ReplyDeleteI've never read anything about the Titanic except for various snippets here and there but am sure that there's loads of fascinating stuff out there. I do remember watching the movie and being outraged that the way the ship looked was put above safety. I can't really grasp how anyone could have thought that was ok.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you were a history buff, me too! I love nonfiction books with great historical tidbits. I would love to read more on the Titantic. It's always been such a fascinating event. I'll have to check out some that you listed. If you have an absolute favorite I should start with, email me!
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