Six years ago, a child at my writing programme asked me whether I’d read the I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis. I hadn’t, but she recommended it to me very highly, and that’s what made me look it up. Now, having read I Survived: The California Wildfire, 2018 and I Survived: The Nazi Invasion, 1944, we’re set to read yet another in the series – I Survived: The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912.
Here’s what we’ll do as we read.
Historical Periods
Do you have a favourite period in history? Tell us all about it! I’d like for each book clubber to make a small presentation about a historical period of their choice, telling us a little about the period as well as why they chose it.
Analysing Language
While most of the book is written in spare and straightforward language, author Lauren Tarshis punctuates her descriptions of life on the Titanic with dramatic metaphors and similes. These literary devices create a surprising or distinct picture in readers’ minds. We’ll take a look at a few examples of these and try to create some of our own as well.
Journal Entries
We’ll write three journal entries as we read this book.
First, imagine that you are all set to board the unsinkable Titanic. What would your emotions be like? What would you write in your journal?
In the second journal entry, imagine that for some reason, you can’t board. You’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. How do you feel now?
The last journal entry will be after you hear about the sinking of the Titanic. What are your emotions now?
Explore Stories with Us!
Read, Write, Explore is a wonderful way to dive into books, as we explore analysis, creativity and critical thinking. Over the years, we’ve read over 75 books at this book club alone (and some more than once)!
Join us as we read our next three books.
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