The Hunger Games

Yeeeeeeeee!

Mortal Instruments

I have mixed feelings about the actor cast as Jace. He is too "pretty boy," in my opinion; as in straight out of a calvin klein ad. Hopefully they can rough him up a bit for the role. I remain optimistic about this movie...time shall reveal!

One for the Money

I've started this book and can't wait to get into the series. My friend Amanda tells me that by book four, you realize how laugh-out-loud hysterical Stephanie Plum is. As a bonus, One for the Money, the movie is releasing later this month [starring Katherine Heigl], so what better time to pick up the book and enjoy?!

The Mortal Instruments Movie!

Looks like the first cast member and star of the movie, "Clary," will be played by Lily Collins.

Here's to hoping this movie resembles the best qualities of the series!

Let's hope it doesn't go terribly awry like that "I am Number Four" movie--ugh!

The Hunger Games' Movie: KATNISS Revealed

Jennifer Lawrence has been selected to star as Katniss in The Hunger Games movie; tentative release date 3/23/2012. I think there is potential here, eventhough I hadn't considered her a candidate. Hope she pulls it off!

Matched by Ally Condie

conditioned.
contradictory.
complimentary.

The first 316 pages of the book where the tiniest bit tormenting for me. Its not that the book up to this point was bad, by any means. It was just so "cookie cutter," so "perfect" in its imperfection that it made me sick. Even in Cassia's attempted inner rebellion, she still follows the rules on the outside! I kinda wanted to scream at her.

It wasn't until chapter 29 that everything that I despised about the story finally found its purpose. In that moment, I felt the journey had been worth it. I understood the necessity to feel the emotions I experienced leading up to that point. I am pleased to report that I was happily surprised to realize how much I ended up appreciating this book. And guess what...100% clean read! Wow, now that is a feat.

3.5 out of 5 stars

The next book is slated to be released Nov 1st, 2011...oh, and planned to hit the big screen in the future as well. Enjoy...

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

marketing ploy.
mysterious.
chilling.

First, I need to get something off my chest. When I saw the previews for the movie of the same title of this book, I was intrigued by the possibility of a new take on a timeless classic. I was disgruntled when I discovered that the "bonus chapter" was not included in the original book published, but would become available online to read once the movie officially released. To say this irked me is an understatement. The book shown at TOP left is actually a different version that is being sold now (lower left), and I have to wonder if the newer version has the "bonus chapter" included in it. If anyone is privy to this info, I'd be curious to hear. It may be too late for me to purchase the book in its entirety because there is something wrong with contributing any more money to this marketing ploy, but that doesn't mean its too late for you.

The book is prefaced with the director of the screenplay telling readers about the author and how she is the perfect person to accurately portray the vision of the storyline. I wish this info came after the story so that I wasn't being so critical of her writing style, since I had recently discovered that this was the author's first novel post-graduation. Because of this, I found certain scenes to be overly descriptive which took away from the story at times.

That all being said, I did enjoy the mystery of the story and am still dying to know what happens in the final chapter. I happened to forget that it is available online (or maybe I blacked it out). Nevertheless, I am at a place where I can sit down and read the last dozen or so pages. I just hope that the wait will be well worth it in the end and that I will find satisfaction in whatever resolution of the story awaits me.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Because I'm still bitter...hey, I'm just being honest (;
Read BONUS CHAPTER here.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

heart-wrenching.
honest.
masterful.

Wow. Initially, I felt like the book started off slowly. But around page 80 it picked up pace, and again around page 270.  It was at this point that I couldn't possibly set the book down until I absorbed every last word. I had been wondering where Suzanne Collins could possibly take this third book, given the plot of the first two, but I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed, I cried, I got goose bumps.

This series is everything I can possibly ask for from an author. Crafted in my mind is a painfully vivid and poignant reality--from the capitol and its extravagant personalities, to the districts and their bleak and uncertain existence. The characters are witty, memorable, and believable.  Interwoven in the story is a cornucopia of suspense & drama, romance & tragedy, materialism & raw humanity. Suzanne Collins manages to tie it all together with a neat little bow: the effects of war and violence on adolescence. This was her intention, but there's even more depth to the story than that. I could go on and on, but I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who hasn't read the series. That being said, "READ IT!" (Yes, as in right now.)

5 out of 5 stars

Don't forget to start with books one and two in the series:

















...Or why not go for all three (=

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

intelligent.
captivating.
passionate.

Once again, I had no idea this story could be pulled off, while still maintaining intrigue and mystery, but Suzanne has done it again! What a cliff hanger. Ugh! I'm pretty much crazy about Suzanne Collins' writing...she's onto something here and I hope she keeps rolling with it because I can't get enough.

5 of 5 stars

 ...Already read this book and want to join the conversation? Click here: 
[SPOILER ALERT!]

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

colorful.
humanity.
hope.

Where to begin? This book was everything I could hope for and more. My only thought when I finished the first book, was that I needed to start the second book, Catching Fire immediately...and I did. The only pity is that the third book doesn't come out until August!

I had my doubts when I read the summary of the book, I mean how could an entire book be written about children fighting to the death for food? Sounded like a serious downer to me. I was pleasantly surprised to find the overall plot to be hopeful and heart-warming.

Lionsgate is making a movie and I just hope it will do the book justice because the book, is amazing.

5 of 5 stars

 ...Already read this book and want to join the conversation? Click here: 
[SPOILER ALERT!]

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

conflicting.
adventure.
love.

The Host was the obvious choice when I was searching for what would be the third fiction book I've ever read. I figured since I was into Stephenie Meyer's writing, then it should be pretty safe. While I can see how some people thinnk this author has plot issues, I actually appreciate the way she writes. The plot builds slowly but steadily and I always think the suspense is worth it in the end. I was glad that the pace of the story kept up throughout this book.

I'd probably compare it to Eclipse in the Twilight Saga because it has quite a bit of action and I had no idea how everything was going to resolve, but it did...beautifully. This book made me laugh and cry. Can't wait to read the next Host book that Stephenie is rumored to be writing.

5 of 5 stars