Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games trilogy

This was probably my favorite book(s) that I've read in quite a while. Talk about being left on the edge of your seat. Whew, I could NOT put these books down. I really wasn't sure if I would like these books. They are "science fiction" which is normally not my fave. Bravo Suzanne Collins, incredible read. I cannot wait for the movies to come out. There are three books in this series, hence "trilogy".  I would say the first two books are my favorite of the three. The third is a little different paced and also the tone of the book has changed a bit from the first two. - Still a good read and you obviously can't just skip the last. You would be so depressed. They are set in a "post-apocalyptic" time period that is sometime in the future. I am just going to give a brief "need to know" synopsis to give you a taste but cannot say too much because I know I will ruin something for you. This book is so incredibly unpredictable. I think that is why I loved it so much. There were times when I would literally gasp because I was surprised by something. How often does a book make you do that. Pick these books up today.  I'm sure this little synopsis makes it sound very violent and dark but I promise it is creepy or anything. I guess it can be a bit dark but just remember it has to end good, right?..Maybe?

      

The Hunger Games are an annual spectacle in which a group of children are forced by the government to fight one another to the death on TV.  It is obvious that something has gone terrible wrong with humanity. The world is being ruled by a ruling city called the Capitol, which a luxurious place with fascinating people. Everyone else lives in 12 districts who are cut-off from the Capitol and from one another.

Life in the districts is very oppressive. Hard labor and terrible living/working conditions. If things couldn't be worse, each year each district is required to give up two children, chosen through a lottery and enter them in "The Hunger Games." The 24 children are then left in an enormous area with traps and dangerous hazard to fight for their survival. The last child left alive wins a lifetime of luxury and fame. Everyone watches the live broadcast of the games.  

Book Review: Murder in Manolos

Murder in Manolos:

First off, this is a special book. Why? Because I lived across the hall from the author in my freshman dorm. I was so excited to read this book. I know that Linsey worked hard and is incredibly talented so the book had to be amazing.

I was right. Murder in Manolos has the whimsical theme of a romantic comedy {that everybody every girl loves}, along with the suspense of a Nancy Drew mystery. You instantly fall in love with Heidi Hart, a recent college-grad {I can relate!} who is broke and jobless. She comes from a prominent family who want her to be successful and married {like all of her friends} Heidi wants to make it on here own and reluctantly takes a job as a nanny so she can pay the bills. Her life as a nanny is not what she expects it to be. She is a nanny, er companion, to a 15 year old girl and the nice quiet job turns out to be a lot more than she bargained for. She plays a Nancy Drew nanny helping her companion solve a deep family mystery. 

I don't want to give too much away. I do suggest this book to you. I felt like there were many parts of this book that I could relate to as fairly recent college grad. I like being able to relate to the main character in a book. I think that is why I enjoy reading, it's better than television/movies. You can picture scenes and really live in them. Linsey gathered first-hand experience being a nanny herself, which adds extra perspective to Heidi's character. Although, I'm not sure Linsey has been having to solve in crimes lately! 


The ere of mystery will keep you reading. It is hard {at least for me} to put a book down when I'm not sure what is going to happen next. No, I'm not a patient person. 

Congratulation Linsey on your first book. I can't wait for Book #2! 

Where I've Been Wednesday: Book Reviews

My dad has always said that I waste books. He may be correct, but I think he is just jealous that I'm a speed reader. I don't intend to read books in a matter of days..it just happens. In a matter of a few days though, laundry multiplies like bunnies, blogs don't get written {oops!} and sleep becomes less of a priority. So for now I'm on a book fast. It's for my own good. So here goes - my book reviews. You will see why I have to "Just say NO to reading" for awhile now.


So to keep in the theme of my weird blog schedule -- where have I been in the last two weeks?---Oh, in a good book .....or seven. 
I'm going to write this in SEVERAL posts - I think it will be easier in the long run. 

So if you are looking for a summer read or a summer reading list - here goes. I highly recommend any of them. Each of them very different so there's something for everyone!

Enjoy. Let me know if you read them - I'd love to hear your opinions! 

P.S. Come back Friday -- I've got a recipe to die for..one hint: it has to do with OREOS! ;)