With all my so called "Civil War" knowledge, I never knew it was Sherman who coined the phrase, "war is hell". This is the kind of book that educates you without you even feeling it. It is a first novel which I find usually are really special. This one was great. It's not your typical Civil War book in that there isn't great detail of positions, units, etc. But it gives you a side you rarely see so well written, the everyday person, especially a women, and everyday soldiers. This is a book you will remember for years and recommend to all your friends.

This tiny little work of historical fiction is amazing. The story of Sherman's march on Atlanta as told by him, an officer, and a Southern lady. Simply a great read. Anyone who is interested in the Civil War will enjoy this book. I agree with the reviewer before me, this book ranks up there with "Killer Angels." I highly recommend this book. It is a short book and reads quite fast.

This is an absolutely splendid novel, which has never received the attention it deserves. Few if any Civil War novels manage to intertwine so effectively a story of military action with a story of civilian experience; here both are given credible and powerful treatment. Though quite short, this book captures what the "March to the Sea" meant to the soldiers who took part, and to the civilians who were in its path, with honesty and tremendous emotional force. Her characters are so alive they could walk off the page. Only Michael Shaara, in The Killer Angels, has drawn major figures of the war with such vividness as her portrayal of General Sherman. The story itself is beautifully conceived, and its three converging strands come together unexpectedly and brilliantly.

This is a MUST READ for all Civil War buffs. But, whether Civil War buffs or not, I would also recommend it in particular to women who think they don't like "war stories," and to men who think a good "war story" takes place only on the battlefield. You will be pleasantly surprised.

I am recommending the book to everyone who is interested in the organizational paradigms within the higher educational institutions. The author suggests many innovative ideas and his language is very easy and the style and the structure of the book very applicable. Mr. Mactaggart tried his best while illustrating the major problems associated with the issues of restructurization of these institutions and he succeeded in doing so.

This is the book we have been looking for and it is wonderful that we finally got the one. I am from Tbilisi, Georgia and dealing with the very problems associated with the rootly restructuring of most of the colleges and universities in my country. The book suggests many ideas to ease the problems and burden you accept when you want to change many aspects within the Alma Mater. I would suggest to everyone to get the book and read it thoroughly. I would rate the book with 10 stars!

After reading this book I am left with the question of what this story had to do with the Titanic. The reality is this is more of a coming of age story about a wealthy young boy than it is a book about the Titanic. The story could take place in Iowa for all the setting had to do with the disaster of 1912.

Furthermore, the main character, Sumner Jordan, is quite unbelievable as a 12-year-old boy. In sections of the book Sumner's thoughts and emotions seem more like that of a 20 something; other times he seems more like a teenager, and once in a while a 12 year old emerges.

The only character of any interest in the book is Pierce Andrews who unfortunately occupies a relatively brief part of the book. Overall the book is long to get started (do we really need all the family background?), slow to develop, and predictably ended.

The main reason I read this book was because I enjoyed this author's first novel so much ("Sherman's March"). I also am a bit of a Titanic fan ever since reading, "Raise the Titanic" as a kid. As the other reviews point out, this is not a Titanic fanatic's book. It's closer to the Jack and Rose story from the recent movie, "Titanic". But it also discusses the often overlooked and under appreciated social issues involved, such as class distinction and "women and children" first. The Titanic went down before the World Wars and the many inventions which came along. It was a time of unreal riches (before an income tax!). Bass really captures the feel of that era and weaves the characters in a very entertaining way. You will not get the details of the sinking of the ship (see a "Night To Remember" for that). But you will get a better feel for what real people might have felt and experinced at this time in history.

It is an enjoyable read.

While it's true that this book had little to do with the sinking of the Titanic and the main character, Sumner Jordan, is far from a plausible twelve-year-old character, the style transcends all of that. Bass has a very eloquent way of writing and could set a good example for young and aspiring writers.
If you want to check out the book because you are a Titanic buff, keep on searching, but if you are interested in a real writing talent, by all means, try it out.