The Watch that Ends the Night: Voices from the Titanic by Allan Wolf

The Watch That Ends the Night: Voices From the Titanic

2012 marks the 100 anniversary of this famous disaster, and many books, both fiction and nonfiction, are being published this year. This novel is a stand-out - pulling the reader effortlessly into the experience of being on board this fateful ship. It's written in free-form verse from the perspective of various participants – including first and third class passengers, crew members, the rats and even the iceberg . This unique offering packs a powerful emotional punch, none more chilling than the undertaker’s comments “Bodies scattered for miles, in every direction./Bodies as far as my indifferent eyes can see.”

The author has done extensive and meticulous research and it shows on every page. Morse code messages, Titanic miscellany and an impressive bibliography including Internet sources and societies are a welcome resource for readers interested in learning more. Highly recommended. 2012

A. Basso

Revolution, by Jennifer Donnelly

This novel is an unusual pairing of realistic, contemporary fiction and historical fiction that works on many levels. Music lover Andi is devastated when her brother is killed and blames herself, because she was supposed to be watching him. Unable to cope with her grief, she barely hangs on by playing her music and using antidepressants. When her mother is admitted to a psychiatric hospital, her estranged father takes Andi to Paris, where she reluctantly begins researching her senior thesis on a famous French composer.

In Paris, she stumbles across a diary belonging to a servant of Louis Charles, son of Louis XVI and Maria Antoinette. The story then alternates between revolutionary Paris, and the servant’s valiant efforts to save the Prince, and Andi’s struggle to fight her demons and suicidal urges. The reader becomes fully invested in these two poignant stories as the suspense builds and the intense emotions of the plot lines converge.

This compelling, character-driven story is well-paced, with meticulous historical research/details and complex, engaging characters. Highly recommended. 2011

A. Basso

Heart of a Samurai, by Margi Prerus

Shipwrecked on a rocky, uninhabited Pacific island in 1841, fourteen-year-old Manjiro and his fellow Japanese fishermen are rescued by an American whaling ship. Once on board, Manjiro learns English and whaling and gradually gains the respect of the crew. Fearing they will not be allowed to return home, due to Japan’s strict isolationist policy and distrust of all foreigners, the Japanese fishermen decide to take refuge in Hawaii. But Manjiro is an adventurous soul and he accepts the captain’s generous offer to come to America as his adopted son.

Based on a true story, Manjiro, renamed John Mung, embraces the remarkable challenge of adapting to and understanding Western culture. Facing prejudice, bullying and discrimination with grace and courage, he forges a satisfying life with his new family. Yet the memories of Japan and the loved ones he left behind never completely leave him. After ten years, he bravely returns, knowing he risks execution.

An adventure story with true heart, this book is highly entertaining. The well-placed illustrations throughout the narrative add to the intimacy of the story and the historical notes at the end of the book provide readers with the remaining details of Manjiro’s life. 2010

A. Basso

Woods Runner, by Gary Paulsen

13 year old Samuel is a wilderness expert who provides meat for his entire settlement in colonial Pennsylvania. He returns home one day to find all the cabins burned to the ground and everyone slaughtered or missing (his parents are among the missing). He sets off for New York City to rescue them and along the way is caught up in the war. There is violence in the story, but it is more gripping and emotional than overly graphic. A superb reflection on the harsh nature of war. Highly recommended. 2010
A. Basso