Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Title:  Mockingjay: The Final Book of the Hunger Games Author: Suzanne Collins Publisher: Scholastic  Published: August 24, 2010 Format: Hardcover ($19.99CDN) Age Group: Adult  Other Books in the Series: The Hunger Games & Catching Fire My Copy: Purchased

 

Synopsis:

 

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

 

My Review:

 

Despite this being a fictional novel Mockinjay came alive for me in a way that extended past the pages of the book.  We may not live in the dystopic society that is an every day reality for Katniss Everdeen and her family but I can see our own failings mirrored in the pages of Mockinjay.  I can see it in our capitalistic society that is obsessed with material goods and is driven by consumption, in the genocides that have happened in our past and that go unnoticed by many in our present and the starvation that is a reality for many across the world.  As I reconnected with the characters of this novel and experienced with them the horror of their reality I was humbled and became grateful for all that I have.

 

In each novel of The Hunger Games series it is Katniss's selflessness that stood out to me and her willingness to do anything to protect those she loves.  The narration of this novel is very morose but it is occasionally peppered with stories of hope, moments of laughter and touches of kindness.  While Mockinjay is not a book with constant action like the first two novels in this series, each moment was well written and I found the change in pace to add to the story rather then take away from it.

 

Suzanne Collins did not present her readers with a happily ever after story where after accomplishing the goals set out in the novel Katniss catches the man she loves and lives out her life a happy utopian society.  This is a novel with pages filled with horror, pain, death, sacrifice and situations I have no name for.  This novel is genuine and believable but in a twisted way that had me gasping in horror, clutching the pages in suspense and angry at the author for writing such a emotionally charged novel.  With that said Suzanne Collins delivered a novel with a beginning, middle and end that paid tribute to the main characters of the novel without diminishing the sacrifices they had made to bring about a worldwide revolution.

 

However excellent I feel the book was, in the end it was a simple moment when a mangy cat with a name that does not reflect his disposition reduced me tears and had me unable to fall asleep as I replayed the book in my head.  If you haven’t read this series yet I highly recommend you look into purchasing or borrowing a copy of The Hunger Games. This entire series is emotionally charged and it provides the reader with a fictional example of how to have hope when your situation seems hopeless, have courage despite being terrified and how to never give up even when you think you can no longer go on. 

 

My Rating: 10/5

 

Books With Impact: Final Installment

I think that I will have to so another edition to this themed post in the future but for now this is the final installment of my Books With Impact themed postings.

Title: I Heard The Owl Call My Name
Author: Margaret Craven
Publisher: Fitzhenry & Whiteside
ISBN - 10:1550413392
ISBN - 13:9781550413397

From the Publisher:

In a world that knows too well the anguish inherent in the clash of old ways and new lifestyles, Margaret Craven's classic and timeless story of a young man's journey into the Pacific Northwest is as relevant today as ever. Here amid the grandeur of British Columbia stands the village of Kingcome, a place of salmon runs and ancient totems - a village so steeped in time that, according to Kwakiutl legend, it was founded by two brothers left on earth after the great flood. Yet in this Eden of such natural beauty and richness, the old culture of totems and potlaches is under attack - slowly being replaced by a new culture of prefab houses and alcoholism. Into this world, where an entire generation of young people has become disenchanted and alienated from their heritage, Craven introduces Mark Brian, a young vicar sent to the small isolated parish by his church. This is Mark's journey of discovery - a journey that will teach him about life, death, and the transforming power of love. It is a journey that will resonate in the mind of readers long after the book is done.

This is one of my favorite novels of all time but it is also one I am hesitant to ever read again because I cried a significant amount throughout the book.  I don't usually connect well with male protagonists however I felt as though I was tethered to Mark throughout his journey.  Although I am not Native I worked for a local Native organization as a Coordinator for Pre Natal services.  I can't tell you how many stories I listened to regarding the impact of residential schooling on the Native people.  Their personal stories touched me deeply and provided me with a better understanding and appreciation for Native culture and history.  I found a quote from the book online at Goodreads,  

"'We are glad you have been ordained as the first priest of your people. Now you can help us with their problem.' Tagoona asked, 'What is a problem?' and the white man said, 'Tagoona, if I held you by your heels from a third-story window, you would have a problem.' Tagoona considered this long and carefully. Then he said, 'I do not think so. If you saved me, all would be well. If you dropped me, nothing would matter. It is you who would have the problem.'"

I found myself reading this quote over and over again as if it were a riddle I needed to solve.  I am so interested in how other people and other cultures think especially when their was of thinking is so foreign to me.  Once I thought about it enough.....I can't explain it....it was as though my own perception has changed.  It was like a light bulb went off and I had an "ah ha" moment of understanding and clarity.  I love when that happens, don't you?

I highly recommend reading this book.  It is an incredibly well written, insightful novel, that paints a picture of a different way of life so clear that when I put the book down and realized I was not in fact in a remote Native village I was momentarily surprised. 

Title: Where the Red Fern Grows

Author: Wilson Rawls

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

ISBN - 10:0553274295
ISBN - 13:9780553274295

From the Publisher: 

Billy, Old Dan and Little Ann -- a Boy and His Two Dogs...

A loving threesome, they ranged the dark hills and river bottoms of Cherokee country. Old Dan had the brawn, Little Ann had the brains -- and Billy had the will to train them to be the finest hunting team in the valley. Glory and victory were coming to them, but sadness waited too. And close by was the strange and wonderful power that''s only found...

An exciting tale of love and adventure you''ll never forget. 

This synopsis does not do justice to this incredible childhood favorite of mine.  I would recommend anyone to read this novel but it is one that is often recommended for parents or teachers to read to their children or students.  This novel takes you on such a wonderful, heart warming, and heart wrenching journey with the main character, Billy.  I will warn you now I have never met anyone, myself included who wasn't reduced to tears by the end of this novel (and by tears I mean sobbing/doing the ugly cry).  Although it is an unforgettable read this book has more impact with children then adults.  It provides children with lessons in hard work, family, love, and loss all wrapped up in an exciting story.

I knew there was a film made a long time ago (1974 to be exact) but I didn't realize Disney made this into a movie in 2003.  I recommend books over movies any day but since you may be interested check out the trailer for the movie!

Title: Night
Author: Elie Wiesel
ISBN - 10:0374500010
ISBN - 13:9780374500016

From the Publisher:

A New Translation From The French By Marion Wiesel
"Night" is Elie Wiesel''s masterpiece, a candid, horrific, and deeply poignant autobiographical account of his survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps. This new translation by Marion Wiesel, Elie''s wife and frequent translator, presents this seminal memoir in the language and spirit truest to the author''s original intent. And in a substantive new preface, Elie reflects on the enduring importance of Night and his lifelong, passionate dedication to ensuring that the world never forgets man''s capacity for inhumanity to man.
 
"Night" offers much more than a litany of the daily terrors, everyday perversions, and rampant sadism at Auschwitz and Buchenwald; it also eloquently addresses many of the philosophical as well as personal questions implicit in any serious consideration of what the Holocaust was, what it meant, and what its legacy is and will be.

I have sat here for a good ten minutes thinking about what to write regarding this novel.  It is a book that shredded a piece of my heart still reserved for naive conceptions about the world.  I don't think my heart has ever been more broken by a book then this one and yet at the same time uplifted by the resilience, courage, and strength that Elie had.  What he and so many others endured can not be grasped or understood, we can only listen to the stories, pass them on to future generations and hopefully...hopefully learn from our mistakes.


Of all my books that I have recommended in this three part post, this is the one that stands out above all others.  It left me breathless, angry, frustrated, and unable to speak for at least an hour.  If you have read it you will likely understand.  If you haven't read it take some time and do so.


Thanks everyone for all your comments on this three part themed post.  I'll be making this a frequent thing so keep checking back for my next post!!!!!

Books With Impact

Although I read books primarily in the Urban Fantasy and Sci-Fi genre I also have a passion for reading books that have an insightful moral message, books that question societies values, and books that spotlight sensitive topics such as drug abuse, homosexuality, physical, mental, and sexual abuse, death, and rape.  You may or may not know that I graduated a year ago as a Child and Youth Counselor so many of these topics are very real for the youth I work with and are therefor of great personal and professional interest to me. I have compiled a list of books that I have read over the years that have truly bring these topics to light in a unique way. Although many of the books you'll see listed tackle heavy subjects they are all about so much more.  They are messages of hope, examples of courage, and role models in life.

Quite a few years ago I picked up a novel in a used book store called, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.  Since that time this novel has increased in popularity and even become part of high school and college curriculum.  In 2004 it was adapted into a film staring, Kristen Stewart who is best known for her role as Bella in Twilight.

Title: Speak
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher: Thorndike
ISBN - 10:0786225254
ISBN - 13:9780786225255

From the Publisher:

Melinda is a friendless outcast at Merryweather High. She busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, and now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen to her. As time passes, she becomes increasingly isolated and practically stops talking altogether. It is through her work on an art project that she is finally able to face what really happened at that terrible party: she was raped by an upperclassman, a guy who still attends Merryweather and who is still a threat to her. It will take another violent encounter with him to make Melinda fight back. This time she refuses to be silent.

Speak Trailer:



Its been years since I read this book so I apologize for any inaccuracies.  To me Speak was a novel about resilience and courage.  I really enjoyed the slow progression of this novel and that the entirety of the story is not revealed to you all at once.  To me this novel was like putting together a large puzzle, clarity came slowly as more and more of what happened to Melinda is revealed.  One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much was because I could see myself in Melinda.  Although (thankfully) I am not a survivor of rape, throughout high school I expressed my own life challenges through art and spent many lunch periods alone or with other art students expressing ourselves through various mediums.  The awkwardness of high school, making friends, and having the courage to speak out are things most youth struggle with and overcome.  I believe this to be a "must read" novel for any young adult or adult.

The next author has two books that I think are fantastic.  High school can be a scary place where through our life experiences we slowly begin to discover who we are (I don't think we ever stop).  I can still remember trying to figure out who I was (I was in a rush), maintain decent grades, make friends, find acceptance, and generally try and pass through the day without attracting to much attention (I hate attention). The novels, Luna and Keeping You a Secret, by Julie Anne Peters bring to light issues surrounding sexual orientation and the search for love and acceptance for two very different teenagers.

Title:  Luna
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Website: Julie Anne Peters
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN - 10:0316011274
ISBN - 13:9780316011273

From the Publisher:

Regan''s brother Liam can''t stand the person he is during the day. Like the moon from whom Liam has chosen his female namesake, his true self, Luna, only reveals herself at night. In the secrecy of his basement bedroom Liam transforms himself into the beautiful girl he longs to be, with help from his sister''s clothes and makeup. Now, everything is about to change-Luna is preparing to emerge from her cocoon. But are Liam''s family and friends ready to welcome Luna into their lives? Compelling and provocative, this is an unforgettable novel about a transgender teen''s struggle for self-identity and acceptance.

Title: Keeping You a Secret
Author: Julie Anne Peters
ISBN - 10:0316009857
ISBN - 13:9780316009850

From the Publisher:

With a steady boyfriend, the position of Student Council President, and a chance to go to an Ivy League college, high school life is just fine for Holland Jaeger. At least it seems to be. But when Cece Goddard comes to school, everything changes. Cece and Holland have undeniable feelings for each other, but how will others react to their developing relationship? This moving love story between two girls is a worthy successor to Nancy Garden''s classic young adult coming out novel, Annie on My Mind. With her characteristic humor and breezy style, Peters has captured the compelling emotions of young love.

I LOVED this coming of age love story and it brought to the surface may of the awkward moments I experienced when falling in love with my first boyfriend.   I also really respected the honesty of this book and the characters.  I was especially frustrated by the expectations of the adults in this novel, I was angry at the harassment issues the main characters faced, and pleased that this novel tackled some of the stereotypes that exist surrounding sexual orientation.

At the end of this novel Julie Anne Peters writes a letter to her readers and in it she says,

"Readers, from my heart to yours: May you find the happiness you seek, the peace and you and comfort of community.  May you be save and secure and strong.  Be proud of who you are.  Be visable so you can see each other, find each other, show the world our humanity.  Be true to yourself and those you love. Use the words and actions against you to strengthen your will.  Teach acceptance and celebration of difference and diversity.  Keep your sense of humour.  Recognize your place in history and continue to work for positive, peaceful social change." - Jule Anne Peters

AMEN to that!

I have about seven or eight more books for this post but this is getting long so I think I'll continue this post throughout the week.

If you have any books that changed your life, the way you viewed the world, or that highlighted topics such as the one above please share!  If you have any comments or questions I always love hearing from you!

Blogging books Canadian style!

I hope its safe to assume that everyone knows the 2010 Olympics started this week and it's in Canada!  Watching the opening ceremonies on Friday night was a once-in-a-life time event.  To be honest I wasn't take excited about the Olympics and was kinda getting sick of all the commercials but when Nikki Yanofski sang our national anthem while the whole world watched I was a very proud Canadian.  Before I move onto the reason behind this post I want to take a moment to recognize Alexandre Bilodeau who won the first gold medal to ever be won in Canada in men's moguls!

Since everyone (well I hope everyone) is  very proud to be Canadian, especially right now, I thought I would highlight four of my favorite Canadian authors over the next two days!  For today I will be highlighting Margaret Atwood (a literary genus) and a genus in her own right Kelley Armstrong.

No list such as this one would be complete without mentioning Margaret Atwood .  Margaret Atwood was born in Ottawa in 1939 and grew up in northern Ontario, Quebec, and Toronto.  She is an award winning poet and writer of children's literature, fiction, and non fiction and is also the author of, The Handmaid's Tale, one of my favorite books of all time.  See below for more information on the book as well as a the publishers book synopsis.


Title: The Handmaid's Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
Publisher: McClelland & Stewart
ISBN - 10:0771008554
ISBN - 13:9780771008559

From the Publisher:
In this multi-award-winning, bestselling novel, Margaret Atwood has created a stunning Orwellian vision of the near future. This is the story of Offred, one of the unfortunate "Handmaids" under the new social order who have only one purpose: to breed. In Gilead, where women are prohibited from holding jobs, reading, and forming friendships, Offred's persistent memories of life in the "time before" and her will to survive are acts of rebellion. Provocative, startling, prophetic, and with Margaret Atwood's devastating irony, wit, and acute perceptive powers in full force, The Handmaid's Tale is at once a mordant satire and a dire warning.

Its been awhile since I read this book last but what always touched me about this book was how intimate a relationship I was able to develop between myself and the main character, Offred.  The life Offred is forced to live (I say forced because the only choice Offred has is really no choice at all) is unimaginable.  Taking place in the not to distant future, Atwood paints an ugly picture where the United States Government is overthrown and in its place a Christian extremest group establishes itself and women cease to have any rights.  

Next up is author Kelley Armstrong!  She is one of my favorite authors in the urban fantasy/paranormal genre and when I began reading her books I was excited to learn that she is Canadian!  She now has ten books in her Otherworld series (not including Men Of The Otherworld), two book out in her Darkest Powers series and two as well in her Nadia Stafford series. For a full listing of her books please check out Kelley Armstrong's website.

My journey into the magical world created by Kelley Armstrong started with the first book in her Otherworld series, Bitten.  The main character Elena Michaels, is the first and only female werewolf known to exist who was turned by her boyfriend Clay against her will.  Choosing to live estranged from her pack in Toronto, Ontario (who knew just a magical world was only a short drive away from my house!) she only returns to her pack when the pack leader calls her home to help with a recent uprising. When its all over it is Elena's intention to return to her home in Toronto and live a human life.

Title: Bitten
Author:  Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Random House of Canada
ISBN - 10:0307358038
ISBN - 13:9780307358035

From the Publisher:

An erotically charged, addictive thriller from the future queen of suspense.

Living in Toronto for a year, Elena is leading the normal life she has always dreamed of, including a stable job as a journalist and a nice apartment shared with her boyfriend. As the lone female werewolf in existence, only her secret midnight prowls and her occasional inhuman cravings set her apart. Just one year ago, life was very different. Adopted by the Pack when bitten, Elena had spent years struggling with her resentment at having her life stolen away. Torn between two worlds, and overwhelmed by the new passions coursing through her body, her only option for control was to deny her awakening needs and escape.

But now the Pack has called Elena home to help them fight an alliance of renegade werewolves who are bent on exposing and annihilating the Pack. And although Elena is obliged to rejoin her "family," she vows not to be swept up in Pack life again, no matter how natural it might feel. She has made her choice. Trouble is, she's increasingly uncertain if it's the right one.

An erotically charged thriller, Bitten will awaken the voracious appetite of every reader, as the age-old battle between man and beast, between human and inhuman forces, comes to a head in one small town and within one woman's body.



If you haven't had the pleasure of curling up with a Kelley Armstrong book do what you need to do to get one or more of her books ASAP.  

If you are a YA enthusiast I highly recommend, The Summoning, the first novel in her YA Darkest Powers series.  


Title:  The Summoning
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Doubleday Canada
ISBN - 10:0385665342
ISBN - 13:9780385665346



From the Publisher:
After years of frequent moves following her mother's death, Chloe Saunders's life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she's not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts-everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe's small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home-charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a "thing" for fire-Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn't your usual "problem kid" behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…




If you haven't read a novel by Margaret Atwood or Kelley Armstrong please take some time to check out two great Canadian authors the next time you are in a book store or library.

Thrifty Thursday?

Having joined in on, "Teaser Tuesdays," and "Waiting on Wednesday," I wondered what happened on Thursdays until I happened to be at the right place ant the right time today.  I dub this particular Thursday, Thrifty Thursday (I truly hope I am not "dubbing" anything that has been "dubbed" before and if I have PLEASE tell me).  I had an hour and a half to spare between jobs today and decided to walk downtown to peruse the YA section of my local book store, Manticore, in hopes of finding something new.  I couldn't find anything to interest me but on my way out I noticed this book .  When I went up to the counter to purchase the book I was told I could have it for freeeee!  At first I though he was joking (what book store gives out free books?) until he told me that in fact he was not.  Turns out they had been sent a "special advanced reading uncorrected proof" and that if I wanted the book it was all mine.  I have been looking online to see what I can find about this book and the author. It turns out that there seems to be quite a bit of buzz about this book on the internet.   Publishers Weekly posted an article about the novel, Juliet and the Danish born author, Anne Fortier.  Both Harper Collins and Publishers weekly are comparing this book to, The Thirteenth Tale, The Birth Of Venus, and The Historian.  Free books are excellent but even before I knew I was getting this book for free I wanted it.   I'll get to the synopsis of the book in a moment but what really sucked me in was this,

"Full of delicious secrets, sleeping potions, 

medieval wedding rituals, curses, the glorious Italian countryside

and sibling rivalries, Juliet is at heart an epic romance that proves 

love is strong enough to conquer even death."

If your not interested yet I hope you will be after the synopsis.

Book: Juliet

Author: Anne Fortier

Release Date: August 17, 2010

Publisher Canada: Harper Collins $29.99

Publisher US: Ballantine Books $25.00

Page Count: 444

When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a precarious journey into the true history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo turned medieval Siena upside down. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families involved in Shakespeare's unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse – "A plague on both your houses!" – is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems the only one who can save her from her fate is Romeo… but where is he?

Most of the books I read and love are of the paranormal genre but I can't resist a good love story full of "Double, double, toil and trouble." 

The author, Anne Fortier grew up in Denmark and immigrated to the U.S in 2002 but now lives in Quebec, Canada!  I hope to have this novel finished soon at which point I'll post a review.  I hope to love this book!

Happy Reading!

Peeps by: Scott Westerfeld (Worth reading more then once...so I am!)

After reading my first book by Scott Westerfeld I devoured anything and everything he had ever written with the intensity of a prize winning pie eater. I read Peeps quite some time ago but it was so good I am going to read it again. It’s not your typical YA Vampire book but that’s what I loved so much about it. Rather than vampires with the strength of Hercules and the beauty of Aphrodite these vampires are just your regular everyday mortals who are known as “parasite positives” or simply as the title states “peeps.” Scott Westerfeld said,

“The main thing to remember is that there’s no magic involved. No flying. No transforming into bats or rats either. We’re talking about a disease.”

Another thing I loved about his book is that before every chapter of the book he has a smaller chapter describing interesting, gruesome, icky, yucky, disgusting parasites that do unimaginable things to other life forms.  I am not going to post a more in depth review at this time. I have read a hundred other books since Peeps and want to freshen up my memory so I can rant and rave about it more accurately.  Some guy named Kirkus (Totally dig that name...probably because of the "Kirk" factor) describes this book really well (see below).

“Both medical thriller and science fiction, this fast-paced, captivating modern vampire story is enriched with biology and history. . . Entrancing throughout—but squeamish readers beware.”

—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Click here to check out Scott Westerfeld's website and check back for a review in a few days.  Additionally I'll be posting links and reviews to his other books most notably for me his Uglies series which you can take a look at on his website.

Happy Reading!!

Ohhhh Chapters...your calling to me strongly

Chapters is calling very strongly.  I finished reading Beautiful Creatures a few weeks ago (it was like a book sunday with a fat, red, jucy cherry on top and extra sprinkles) and since then I have not had much to read.  I have a few books on the go but nothing that has me in "book fever."  In anticipation for my next trip to Chapters or Manticore (my local book store) I have compiled a list of books I want to read. 

First up is The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.  I keep walking by this book at the store but keep not buying it as other authors I read have released books more reciently. After snooping around on Carrie Ryans web site I became more and more interested in the plot line of this book because more then anything (ok almost more then anything) I love books who's main characters are young women on the cusp of adulthood.  I am so intrigued by how the events in our lives shape us and sometimes you find an author who captures that on paper.  I think its great to have fictional role models who demonstrate how to be honest with yourself, how to have courage and resilience when challenged by unfortunate life circumstances, and to be true and have respect for yourself.  I am hoping (and I have a feeling it will) this book lives up to that expectation.  Click here to read a indepth excerpt from the novel, it got my attention, I hope it gets yours to.

Coming out in March 2010 is the companion book to The Forest of Hands and Teeth.  Below is a quick excerpt from the book however if you would like to know more about Carrie Ryan and her novels click here.

Gabry lives a quiet life, secure in her town next to the sea and behind the Barrier. She's content to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. Home is all she's ever known, and all she needs for happiness.



But life after the Return is never safe, and there are threats even the Barrier can't hold back.

Gabry's mother thought she left her secrets behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, but like the dead in their world, secrets don't stay buried. And now, Gabry's world is crumbling.
One night beyond the Barrier...
One boy Gabry's known forever and one veiled in mystery...
One reckless moment, and half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned.
Gabry knows only one thing: if she is to have any hope of a future, she must face the forest of her mother's past.

I have lots more on my reading list which i'll be happy to add tomorrow.  For now I need to do less typing and more reading so i'll say,

Good Night and Happy Reading!

Twilight Saga by: Stephenie Meyer

Hate it or love it the Twilight saga is loved by millions, myself included. You would have to have lived under a rock for the last few years not to know what this series is all about. However on the off chance that you have in fact been living under a rock and have neither read the books or seen the movie then you may want to pick up a copy of Twilight ASAP. Whether you’re a teenager dreaming of love or an adult reminiscing about your teenage angst your sure to find something to love about this vampire human love story. When recommending this book I should however post a few recommendations on what you should do before beginning to read any of the books in this series. For your safety and the safety of those who will have to put up with you for however long it takes you to read the books please read below.


1. Stock up on enough snacks, no-hassle dinners, and drinks to last for a few days

2. If possible begin reading this book on a Fri night (if you have weekends off) so that you will have no distractions while you read

3. Only talk to people who already love the series as you’re bound to annoy everyone else with your "twilight fever."

4. Don't be surprised if you begin to have life like dreams of Edward or Jacob

5. And please for the love of all that’s holy please never post to web sites such as MLIT!

I really don't feel that a synopsis of this book is necessary as 99% of people who love to read YA fiction have already read this book but if you need to know a little more please click here to go to Stephenie Meyer's web site.



Happy Reading!





 

Harry Potter Series by: J.K. Rowling

As anyone who knows me/anyone who will listen knows, I HEART HARRY POTTER almost as much as I heart my husband, friends and family combined.  I was "one of those people" in costume, in a line up, eagerly waiting for midnight to come around so I could purchace my shiny little hard cover copy of J.K Rowlings latest masterpiece of imagination.  The world of HP is for me a place of comfort, adventure, and happiness, where in just the time it takes for me to take the book off the shelf I can be back with my fictional best friends solving riddles, casting spells, brewing potions, and getting into trouble from Professor Snape.  If you havnen't yet read HP I have half a mind to reach through my computer screen and bonk you on the head.  I advise you to not tempt my wrath any further so please make your way as quickly as possible to your nearest book store and pick up your very own copy.  I hope you love the series as much as I do.  Maybe one day if we're really lucky we'll meet eachother at the Hog's Head and have ourselves a Butter Beer. Click on the links for, J.K. Rowlings web site,  Alivan's Wand Shop, (where you can get your very own one-of-a-kind wand), and Muggle Net, (for the best up to date news on eveyrthing HP.

Happy Reading!