Hunger Games

I found this story to be a quick read and very disturbing at the same time.

This book is about the country of Panem, which is the former United States of America. In the 12 districts that make up Panem, every year 2 children between 12-18 years old are sent to fight for their lives in the arena known as Hunger Games. Who ever makes it to the end.. after all the other 23 kids have been killed is the winner.

This 'game' is to remind the districts that the Government is in control and can take away anything they want to. The Game, which includes children murdering each other as well as other disturbing events is shown across Panem for the districts to view.

Katniss is the main character in the story and is the District 12 female tribute for the games. She is clever and rough around the edges. The stories that are shared about her childhood through the games really give you insight into the world to which she lives in.

I liked the book. I know there is a second book after this one revolving around the same story and I plan on reading that one too. This was a selection for one of my book clubs and I would not have read it other wise. I am glad that I did.

Read July 2009

Living Dead in Dallas

I think after reading the first book in this series, and HATING it, I am pleased that this one flew by!I read Dead Until Dark and then watched season 1 of True Blood. I really liked the show and the book wasn't to bad after that. In this book Sookie is loan out for use of her abilities. She gets out of her small town life and takes on Dallas, Texas. She is very naive compared to the characters that she meets.I found this book to be much more interesting then the first. I am still not a fan of the writing style. I feel that it jumps around a lot and things have to be re-read (as if I missed a paragraph).

Read July 2009

Memoirs of a Geisha

I was highly reluctant to read this book. This was chosen as a Book Club selection. I thought that I had no interest in the world of a Geisha or Japan, with in 50 pages I was hooked!

I was quickly entertained and interested in the life of these Geisha. I had no idea of what being a Geisha involved. Although this book is not 100% accurate to what a Geisha would do or go through, I have learned a lot from it.The details of their daily lives and the struggles during the war were very interesting. I was very happy with the style of writing and the way that the story was told. You learned about a girl through most of her life until adulthood. Sayuri is faced with many challenges from when she lived in her crooked house with her family, till she made her way to New York.

This book was great! I know I will recommend it to my family and friends. I read it with in a few days and was shocked on how much I really did enjoy it.

Read June 2009

The Time Traveler's Wife

This book was not like any of books I have read before. I was confused by the dates and ages through out the book. However it was a story that makes you wonder about love and what life means to you. I was undecided if the main character, Claire was smart or a fool. We learn so much about her and her life through out the story. I wanted her to act out more or change her path.

It set the question in my head of what would you do now, if you knew what your future would become. There is a span of years in this book that reached from the late 70's to present day.

Henry, the other main character is sometimes sweet and polite, then switches to some one who is mean and angry. We see a man who has trouble understanding himself and the world around him. His only constant is Claire.

Read June 2009

My Sister's Keeper

I can honestly say this book was heart breaking. Picoult seems to really understand how a family works and thrives off of each other. I did not know what to expect next. I love the view points from all the character's involved in the book. I was trying to read this before I saw the movie, and I have accomplished that. I wasn't expecting to use so many tissues reading this book. Although it is not a 'light read' because of the material, it is an interesting and dynamic book.

I can not say I was thrilled with the ending. However there are so many ways that you could end this book. I think that, that is what makes this book so interesting.

Read June 2009