Luck of the Titanic

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.

This is a gorgeous cover first of all! I just needed to say that and get that out of the way. The rest of the book was really well done too. I sped through this to find out what happens with Valora and if she can fulfill her dream of getting into the US, despite the Chinese Exclusion Act, after she finds her twin brother who is working as a coal shoveler on the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Now I am sure most people know about the ill fated Titanic but I had my hopes up that there might be a happy ending for this book. It does have a little blurb at the beginning where it says, of the 8 Chinese on board, six survived. I enjoyed reading about Valora's interactions with the various passengers on the Titanic (some of them actual real people) and it was fun to read about her plans to raise money (via acrobatic tricks) and how to get into the US. There is a little bit of romance, fancy dresswear courtesy of the House of July, and bonds of family like Jamie, but also two little boys that she kind of adopts. There is also racism due to the fact that Valora and her brother are part Chinese, true for the time and so a valid part of the story. Yes, there is tragedy, especially at the end and it is so heartbreaking but still a good story. I think it is a worthwhile read.

There are so many good things about this book. From the characters to the atmosphere. From the heartbreaking ending and the explosive beginning. As soon as I started this, I couldn't put it down, and after finishing it, I'm ready to pick it up again. My favorite thing about this is definitely the educational aspect. Now, don't take that the wrong way. This isn't an educational book. It just tackled things I'd never thought about before. I've read other books set on the Titanic, but they've never tackled how minorities were treated on it. Reading about them being denied lifeboats just because of their race was heartbreaking. I feel like it's one of the things about the Titanic's sinking that needs to be talked about, not hidden behind the other horrors of the event. Other than that, I really loved our characters. This featured a full cast: Bo, Wink, Olly, Tao, Jamie, and Valora. Every one of them stole my heart, and although I knew not all of them could make it out, I was hoping they would. Although I did get tired of Valora and Jamie's self-sacrificing act at the end, I felt like it stayed true to the characters and the story. Although it was a minor part of the story, I also loved the dresses April would give Val. They were gorgeously described, and I could picture them perfectly in my mind. It completely fit my idea of the Titanic, and made the atmosphere even more bewitching. As soon as I saw the cover for this, I knew I wanted a copy, so I'm so happy to be holding one in my hands. I already know I'll be passing this around to my friends at school, and forcing them all to read this masterpiece. I'd definitely recommend this! Thanks to Stacey Lee and Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!