My Review: THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazing, amazing, amazing read!

This was a fabulous book - and Suzanne Collins did an incredible job at keeping me mesmerized page after page.  I simply couldn't put it down - and devoured it in less than a day!  And I knew immediately, that I would recommendation this to ANYONE, looking for a great YA novel.

The Story Line: in a not-sure-when distant future, Katniss Everdeen, is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister Prim, in the poorest district of Panem (District 12) - the remnants of what used be the United States.  Well before her time, there were 13 districts across the country - but they all waged war against the Capital...and they lost.  And the 13th district was obliterated.

Now, as part of the surrender terms - and to show that the Capital is more in control than ever - each of the 12 remaining districts are forced to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12-18, to appear in an annual televised event called, The Hunger Games.  And all districts select these two individuals, by form of a lottery.

In a game of kill or be killed - each year the terms are different and undisclosed to those participating.  Constantly changing terrain - which can be anything from the desert to the ocean - along with new and updated rules, are all a part of the games.  But the worst, is not knowing the skill level of the other 23 chosen - all of which, who have only one thing on their minds:  to be the last one standing, no matter what.

For the year of the 74th games, things change for Katniss and her family, when her 12 year-old sister Prim is randomly chosen by the  lottery.  In an effort to save her sister and protect her family, Katniss steps up to take her place.  And finds herself participating in the ultimate reality TV show - a fight to the death against 23 other kids.

With some romance, and a little humor thrown in amongst the carnage - all in all, Collins' first book of the Hunger Games series, is simply unforgettable.  A definite must read, hands down.
The only thing I can say about being so far behind on reading this series, is that I also bought Catching Fire at the same time (and Mockingjay will be out in a month and a half), so I don't have to wait long to read all of them.

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Check out the YouTube book trailer of THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins:

My Review: THE MAZE RUNNER by James Dashner

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

I have to say, the first few chapters were a little slow to start - but once it got moving, I rather liked the pace.  I also thought some of the "new" language that the author created, was a little awkward at first...but then I got used to it, and I liked seeing how the MC started to fit in, by using it. I did feel that the author did a decent job of explaining the story, while still leaving openings for the readers imagination. 

I rather enjoyed this book, along with the cliff hanger - which at 2:30am when I finished it, made me think, "Really? Are you kidding me?". Which is exactly what the author should make you feel, to make you want to read more. I will for sure, read the sequel. While it wasn't my absolute favorite, I still felt it was thoroughly entertaining.


James can be found on twitter:  @jamesdashner
He also has a blog:  http://jamesdashner.blogspot.com/
 

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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Web Site Recommendation

I recently came across a great website:

GoodReads

On this site, you can collect all the books you've ever read, any reviews you might have, and new books that you'd like to read.  You can rate the books you've read (simple star system) and write reviews of your own.  As well, you can add friends and see what they're reading or what they recommend.  
There are also a lot of great discussion groups, and I've found quite a few new books to read, from many of the chats that I participate in (books of the month, that sort of deal).  
The site also offers up some fun widgets for you to use on your own blog or web page - see mine to the right.  
Anyhow, thought this site made a good fit, for my "Web Site Recommendation" blog.  
You should check it out!

Why It's Important To Help When You Can

I know there are many things going on in the world for people to spend their time and money towards - helping with the oil spill in the gulf, donating to those that lost everything in the devastating earthquakes in Haiti and Chili, and a myriad of other issues happening around the globe. 

Well, Alyssa Smith has now made that list for me.  I have never met Alyssa.  I didn't even know about her, until yesterday.  Alyssa is a book editor for a large firm in New York - and I only came to find out about her, because I happen to follow a literary agent (Colleen Lindsay) on Twitter, that is friends with her.  

While Alyssa was at work yesterday, she received a phone call from her landlord, saying that her house was on fire. By the time she made it home, there was literally nothing left.  Unfortunately, her pets perished in the fire - along with all of her family heirlooms, her books, clothes, and furniture - it's all gone.  Alyssa lived with a roommate, who also lost everything - and in addition to their apartment, both buildings on either side of their's, was a complete loss as well. 

Initial reports assume that the fire started in the apartment directly below Alyssa's and spread from there.  Several friends have posted various blogs and sites, to follow this story - and a PayPal account has been set up, to help her during this time:

News coverage here with video of the fire and the burned-out building - courtesy of a garden in riotous bloom blogger:  http://rosefox.dreamwidth.org/1597560.html 

Web site for Alyssa:  http://helpforalyssa.wordpress.com/2010/06/09/5/

If there's anyway you can help Alyssa, even the smallest amount I'm sure would go a long way.  Please follow the following link, to donate:

http://tinyurl.com/helpalyssa

You can also follow Alyssa on Twitter: @booksandcorsets

I'm a firm believer in what goes around, comes around - so during this time when money is tight, I know that helping Alyssa is the right thing to do.  I hope many of you might agree.

Thanks to all.

Will Literary Agents Really Read Your Query?

Suzannah, author and blogger of Write It Sideways, just posted a great blog on her site.


The topic?  Will literary agents really read your query?


She brings up some great points, offers up some insightful links, and leaves all of us pondering...did they read my query?

Getting Published: Why Does It Take So Long!

Author Carrie Ryan - THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH and THE DEAD-TOSSED WAVES - just posted a great blog, as to why it takes so long to get a book published and onto the book shelves.

Her third book in the series - THE DARK AND HOLLOW PLACES - has already been written, but it's not set to release until Spring 2011.


So for those of us that are anxiously waiting...and waiting...and waiting...here's a little insight, as to why.  Carrie gives the inside scoop on all that's involved, and why it can take 12 - 18 months, to get a book published.  


Read all about it on Carrie's blog, here:


http://carrie-me.blogspot.com/2010/05/whats-taking-so-long-i-want-your-third.html


I'd just like to say, that I'd like to volunteer myself up to personally test out this timeline.  Anytime.  I'm here waiting.  Just waiting for someone to want to publish my book.  


Yup.  Still waiting.