Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

In case you were wondering.  I'm still an addict.  Mockingjay was the great ending to a great story about life, love and strength.  Katniss is a hero who never looked at herself as one.  She simply did what she had to do to save her self and protect those around her. Books about strong women are good for us all. They don't come along very often. Their stories help us to touch and nuture our own inner strength.

There were parts of this book that dragged along a little too slowly compared to the first two books.  It contained alot more war than I thought was necessary. I remained in suspense until the final pages and I have to admit, the story ended as I always hoped it would.  Enough said.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

I've become an addict.  Plain and simple.  I've known for a long time about my addiction to books of any and all kinds, but I've never been one to read serials.  I'm usually disappointed by the second book which serves to deflate my passion for the first book.  Leaving a beautiful memory intact is more my style.

But Katniss, I can't resist.  She's young and naive yet strong and determined.  We are watching Katniss grow from a child to a beautiful, intelligent woman under the most extraordinary of circumstances.  She made it out of the arena only to become a target of the government she loathes.  Peeta, Gale, and Haymitch too, all mold and change taking on each new challenge while trying to hide their emotions for the sake of protecting Katniss.

The writing is brilliant, leaving the reader on the edge of her seat.  Each and every word is meticulously placed to keep us wanting more.   And just when I thought I was not a serial reader, I read the last few words of Catching Fire and knew I couldn't stop.  Without a second thought, I turned on the wireless to my Kindle, downloaded Mockingjay and started to read.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

With the release of the movie imminent, I can't go anywhere, turn on the television or pick up a newspaper without seeing something about The Hunger Games.  A few weeks ago in the bookstore I picked up the book to see what all the buzz was about.   Frankly, I thought the premise was kind of disgusting.  I put the book back down and walked away.

I teach creative writing to a group of teenagers every week.  Most of them are also avid readers and we often talk about our favorite books.  One of them asked if I had read The Hunger Games. I expressed my concerns.  The student explained how the book was about so much more.  Katniss wanted to protect her family, her community and that she was strong and determined.

Not wanting a creative, knowledge, thirsty student to think I was an old and nerdy adult, I downloaded the book to my Kindle that evening.

I couldn't put it down.  The Hunger Games is by far the most compelling book I have read in ages.  It's a story with the ability to set the reader firmly in the mindset of the characters.  It's fast moving, high tension and every chapter ends with a hook that keeps you wanting more and more and more.  On the few occasions I did have to put the book down to do something like sleep or eat, I anxiously awaited the time I could delve into the story again.   It's not often that a book draws me in so completely.

I'm not young and crazy enough to get tickets for the midnight showing tonight, but now that I'm half way through book two, you can bet I'll be at the movie soon. The Hunger Games is captivating.  Don't let this one pass you by.