book data
29 ratings,
3.52
average rating, 9 reviews
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published
August 17th 2006
by Dutton Juvenile
binding
Hardcover, 160 pages
isbn
0525477314
(isbn13: 9780525477310)
description
Mallory Meer has just turned fifteen years old, and within an hour, thanks to the only boy she's ever loved, she'll be dead, a victim of the General S...more
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 49)
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avg 3.52
editions: all | this edition
editions: all | this edition
Read in July, 2007
recommends it for:
folks interested in inquests, motives and burning boats
You start this book thinking that you know the end before you get there because it's clear the narrator is dead. But then she dies right in the beginning of the book and you spend the rest of your time following her and the other still live characters around as she tries to get justice meted out for the burning of the boat she was on with over a thousand others, many of whom also perished. It is an excellent thing to be able to write a compelling book that holds you until the climax, guides yo...more
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Read in October, 2006
recommends it for:
everyone who likes historical fiction
This book challanged my expectations of young adult fiction. I read this book because it was assigned it to youth reading club that I moderate and I must say I was happily surprised at how well written it was. The story was engrossing, the characters well defined and I didn't feel as if I had wandered into a pint sized version of a soap opera.
The story revolves around an actual event, the fire and sinking of the General Slocum steamship in 1904 which until 9/11 was the worst loss ...more
The story revolves around an actual event, the fire and sinking of the General Slocum steamship in 1904 which until 9/11 was the worst loss ...more
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Read in December, 2007
I grabbed this one because I read Edward T. O'Donnell's Ship Ablaze: the Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum a few years ago. This novel is told from the point of view of a teenage girl, Mallory, who died aboard the ship and whose ghost is seeking closure (revenge? resolution?). I really liked the author's description of how Mallory can, as a ghost, travel anywhere, be inside people, appear to people, and know the past and future. I wasn't happy with the ending, though. I won't spoil it ...more
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Read in October, 2006
A vivid look at immigrant life in NYC as it is struck with tragedy -- the sinking of the General Slocum steamship in the East River, NYC, in 1904. More than a thousand mostly German immigrants lost their lives. It was the worst disaster in NYC history until 9/11. The heroine dies in the first chapter, and we watch as the ship burns and founders. She comes back as a spirit to ensure that justice is done, and those responsible for the tragedy punished. Beautifully written and haunting. I hig...more
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Read in January, 2007
I really don't believe in the whole unresolved spirit thing, but it was a good story anyways.
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Read in April, 2007
In 1904 steamship General Slocum burned and sank off Manhatten killing over 1,000 people – mostly German immigrants out for a Sunday School outing. (I grew up on L.I. and had never heard of this incident). Narrated by the ghost of Malory – 15 years old when dies on board – Did her young lover set the fire? Will those responsible for the tragedy be punished? Gripping story – read in a single sitting. (Elaine did not like as much)
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Read in July, 2008
I don’t like ghost stories in particular, but I did enjoy this one. It was dark in a few places and very sad.
My favorite quote, “Not that I was selfish, mind you; just self-preoccupied.”
My favorite quote, “Not that I was selfish, mind you; just self-preoccupied.”
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Read in July, 2008
Quick, easy to read historical fiction, but lacks a satisfying resolution. Reminded me of Lovely Bones but with a much simpler story line.
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Very good historical fiction with a tie-in to today's world that makes it germane.
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