Rating: 
Summary: A Solid Piece of Work
Review: Sixteen-year-old Margaret Rose Nolan learns about life in America the hard way. As an Irish immigrant to the U.S. in 1911, she doesn't expect the series of complications that leaves her and her sister alone and fending for themselves in New York City. But little by little, "Rose" (as she calls herself in America) finds that she is managing in this new life. She has a job at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and is beginning to find friends. Yet will she feel that she still wants to be in America after the tragedy that is soon to befall her?Auch generally handled her topic and her character with skill. Although I am an avid historical fiction reader who has definitely heard similar stories of immigration and settling in America, good writing and pacing kept this one from seeming "deja vu." Rose and her sister will prove interesting especially to girls who read this novel, since it is fascinating to put yourself in the spirited Rose's "shoes" and see history though her eyes. And indeed, Rose's spirit carries the novel as well. The first person narrative showcases her steely intelligence and resourcefulness, and her quick thinking and determination make her a suitable heroine. Although I found the author's habit of dropping Gs on words like "walking" (to imitate the Irish accent) a bit annoying, little can detract from the strength of this main character. Finally, the development of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire in the story line was excellent. The author had obviously researched the topic thoroughly, since she described it (of course through Rose's eyes) with a breathtakingly complete but natural narrative. Also fascinating were the many "hard to find" facts about this fire that were seamlessly revealed throughout the book's final chapters. My only real complaint with this novel was the fact that it seemed to end a little too abruptly. Following the fire, I would have really liked to seem more of what happened to Rose, instead of just finding the end of the novel! Did she become successful in America? Marry? Have children? I felt disappointed to "meet" this strong character and see such a small portion of her life. In short, "Ashes of Roses" is a skillfully done book with interesting history and a well-drawn character. Especially recommended for upper-elementary/middle school girls.
Rating: 
Summary: Superb book.
Review: The book was obtained for our daughter. However my wife and I ended up reading it before our daughter ever saw it. Not only reading it but fighting over whose turn it was to read.
Mrs. Auch recreates the trials of the immigrants who built our country. It is difficult to imagine what it would be like to move to another country and start all over. But this book gives some insight into the difficulties of finding work. The ease with which young immigrants were taken advantage of; in many ways. The importance of finding friends who could guide the newcomers. The reader feels they are a part of life at the turn of the century with all its tribulations and triumphs. Although directed at juvenile readers it is a great adult read and one that would make for good discussions with children or grand children.
Rating:
Summary: Good REad
Review: The narrative was first-person, full of personality, and really "made" the book. It kept my interest. The solution was different from other books I've read about that time. And Rose is a likable character, a strong Irish woman-girl--more or less. I like her out-spokeness, adds a lot of character.
Rating:
Summary: Ashes of Roses
Review: This book doesn't even deserve one star. I read it last year for my history project and I hated it. The writing was poor, and the Triangle Fire wasn't presented well. The characters were shallow and idiotic. The only thing I remember from the book is a part where they're trapped on the 8th floor of the Triangle Factory and then one of the girls screams, "if we're going to die, we're going to die TOGETHER!" and pulls her friend out the window with her. I only remember that because I thought is was hilarious that the Mary Jane Auch really believes that people could be that incredibly stupid. Do not waste your time with this book. It is the worst book I've ever read, with the possible exception of The Island Of The Blue Dolphins. But that would be another review.
Rating:
Summary: Memorys Raised from the Ashes
Review: This book really moved me. The description of the city, characters and work conditions made me think about why something was not done about work conditions sooner. I see the character "Mary" as any immagrant coming into the city, or US for that matter, for the first time. This book really changed my perspective on what the world was really like for immigrants coming to this country. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a book that would make them think, enjoys the history of this country, or enjoys reading about courage that was in the heart of every immigrant who came to the United States the way the Nollans did. If their was one thing that disturbed me the most was how the owners of the triangle shirt waist factory got out of prison time, a conviction, and where able to continue running a company, caring little for the welfare of their workers. May all the workers who died in this disaster rest in peace.
Rating:
Summary: From the Ashes
Review: This is not your typical preachy Young Adult historical piece. The writing is just first rate, and this older adult could not put it down. Even though 1911 New York is evoked well, it is not overwrought with tedious description. The first person voice is entirely believeable. Enough complications ensue for the heroine to mature quickly - and yet one does not know who will die and who will be spared in the devastating fire that awaits these gallant young women, each wonderfully unique. The author's timing has been uncanny. She turned in her manuscript the day the last survivor of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire died at 107, a triumphant figure who lived her subsequent life to the hilt. And, in a line within the story, there is embedded a comment about the span of survivors' lives and a sort of reference to the event which not one of them would have to witness on 9/11. Some merciful providence had spared the last survivor. This is truly a graceful yet gritty tale, full of hope and of bitter realism. We are the same stuff of which those girls were made. Nothing so much compounded of love is ever truly lost.
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