My Name Is Memory

My Name Is Memory
Ann Brashares
Riverhead Books, An Imprint of Penguin

Please forgive me! I am so behind on everything- I promise I haven’t forgotten you and all the books! My list of books I need to blog about is now at around 20 titles! So one day, I will catch up! In the mean time, I just finished another book and I had to tell someone about it, so here we go!

I’ve re-written this sentence 4 times now. I don’t know how to Segway into talking about this book. So I’ll just start:

My Name Is Memory was incredible. It took me a while to get into it, but once I finally did- I could not put it down. It was not the most incredible book I’ve read all year (that is still reserved for The Fault In Our Stars) however, it was still incredible. It is a love story that defies all time and everything we ever thought about love. I know, eew another love story? But trust me- this was good.

It’s the story of Daniel and Lucy (nee Sophia), two “star crossed lovers” (not stealing from TFiOS or Shakespeare – it’s applicable) who have a love that transcends time. Daniel has the gift of memory, the ability to recall who he was in past lives and the ability to remember everything about them, including the ability to recognize souls around him. Unbeknownst to Lucy (formerly known as Sophia), she and Daniel are true soul mates-destined to be together for all eternity. In 2009, after spending over 1,500 years searching for her, Daniel is finally presented with the opportunity to be with Lucy-without being painfully torn apart as they had been in the past. Once they are finally together they must learn and understand one another and their destiny as a pair.

I know this is super lame. I swear the book is really good. It really gets you thinking about the idea of a soul being reincarnated and the idea of soul mates (which are totally real-in my opinion). The fact that they kept coming together throughout time- knowingly and unknowingly- proves that love is the strongest bond of all.

So there is a HUGE climax in the book- like at the end, so don’t give up on it even when you want to. Also, the book ends really abruptly. There are rumors floating around that Ann planed on making this a trilogy (which would be absolutely incredible!) but her publisher didn’t get the numbers they wanted, so they put the plan on the back burner (which SUCKS!) so hopefully soon they will take this on again! (achem publishing friends… someone want to read this book and show their editor? you’d be my best friend!) There is also talks of a movie deal, but you know Hollywood…

In the end, I give this book 5 stars. It is a story of love and hope. It is a story that reminds us that love is the most powerful force in the universe. It reminds us that we cannot give up on searching for love, and once we’ve found it- to grasp it with all we can. It reminds us that sometimes “love lasts more than a lifetime” -and that, is okay.

I really loved this book- and remember who is talking here- and I really recommend it to anyone who enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars , The Night Circus , or Water For Elephants you will enjoy My Name Is Memory !!

The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars
John Green
Dutton Books, An Imprint of Penguin

Over the past few years of writing this blog, I’ve said that several books are my favorite. I’ve said several books are essential pieces to any library. I’ve hyped a bunch of books and told you to drop what you’re doing to read them. I’ve said a book touched me or stayed with me long after I read it. But all those times I was wrong. All the mentions of a book you need to read immediately– they can wait. In my entire life, I have never read a book that was as On Par as John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars (TFiOS as Green himself refers to it). I have never wanted to re-read a book halfway through it, until now. In two words, TFiOS is wonderfully tragic. Grab a box of tissues and read on.

They say not to judge a book by its cover; but I did. I saw TFiOS on the shelf a few months ago, and I passed it over. I will formally admit, I was so completely wrong on this one. The cover is perfect for the book, in an abstract way. Anyways, enough lessons for the night… here’s the story (it should take you all of 45 seconds to realize why I am so in love with this book). By the way, there is a HUGE spoiler in the next paragraph. So you might not want to read the last sentence. Or anything from here on out…

Okay, just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

TFiOS is the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, diagnosed with different forms of terminal Cancer. They meet at a Cancer Survivors Support Group and become quick friends. After their first meeting, they hang out and immediately bond over a book (a fictitious novel titled An Imperial Affliction by Peter Van Houton [it’s a book about a girl with Cancer]) and before they know it, the two are on a “roller coaster  that is only going up” and fall in love with each other. Although Gus is in remission, Hazel’s cancer is not, and it is unlikely that it will ever be. After she has a bout in the emergency room, Gus uses his wish from “The Genies” to bring Hazel to Amsterdam to meet Peter Van Houton. After a chaperoned and romantic rendezvous in the city of water, and a disappointing visit, Hazel and Gus return home to Indiana. (Spoiler Alert:) Shortly after returning, Gus relapses and slowly dies. Though not before having his own pre-funeral and forcing Hazel to write his eulogy and then… oh crap, I can’t tell you more- I’ll ruin the best part. Okay move along….

Like I said, it’s tragic. But the way the story was told (from Hazel’s point of view) made it fresh and enjoyable and so relatable. Hazel looks at the world in a unique way, and she’s completely fresh and honest with her observations. She doesn’t sugar-coat the things she sees, and she doesn’t lie about how she feels. The way she expresses her feelings for Gus and how in love with him she is, was something I didn’t know could be captured. Finally, the way Green wrote about how Hazel and her grief over Gus… it was fairly spot on. It wasn’t glossed over or cut short. It was real. Told in a way that I found myself nodding and agreeing, wanting to hug Hazel and say “me too” – in-between bouts of tears. I’m not going to lie, I cried every other page. Like I said earlier, this book was so on. It told me what I was feeling.Don’t get me wrong though, it was not like he jumped into my heart and just wrote everything down entirely. It in no way tells a reader what it is to have terminal Cancer, or to love someone with Cancer. But it can open your eyes, just a little. To quote John Green, “reading a book about coal mining, does not make you a coal miner.” But it will give you a glimpse/idea.

I don’t really know how else to explain it. It was wonderful and tragic. It was real and crisp, alarmingly honest. Romantic and surprisingly funny. I know it’s hard to believe a book as depressing as this could be funny and enjoyable, but I assure you- it was. Hazel and Gus made my heart smile (and literally smile… on the train), and it brought back many (good) memories for me. I’ve been searching for months for  a book that gave me the feeling that The Fault in Our Stars gave me. I cried, yes, but I smiled and laughed. I fell in love again, and thought of R over and over again. But even as I cried, there was too much of Her in TFiOS to make me stay sad. I’m sure none of this makes any sense to any of you. But just take my word for it, this book was worth every penny and every tear. It was beautiful, real, well written, original, and well… wonderfully tragic.

Randi once shared the following quote, (I don’t know if she’s the proper person to attribute it to but whatever) and the entire time I was reading TFiOS, I thought about this… so as my parting gift to you, I share it here: “What cancer does is, it forces you to focus, to prioritize, and you learn what’s important. I mean, you don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s not worth it…. and when somebody says you have cancer, you realize it’s all small stuff. And if it weren’t for the downside, everyone would want to have it… but there is a downside.”

Go out to Barnes and Noble (or even The Strand) and buy this book. Don’t order it digitally- show that cover off to the world!

Editors note:: This is one of my favorite quotes from the book.. and an example of why you should read it: “There are infinite numbers between 0 and 1. There’s .1 and .12 and .112 and an infinite collection of others. Of course, there is a bigger infinite set of numbers between 0 and 2, or between 0 and a million. Some infinities are bigger than other infinities. A writer we used to like taught us that. There are days, many of them, when I resent the size of my unbounded set. I want more numbers than I’m likely to get, and God, I want more numbers for Augustus Waters than he got. But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. You gave me a forever within the numbered days, and I’m grateful.”
― John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

My Sister’s Keeper

My Sister’s Keeper
Jodi Piccoult
Atria Publishers (A Division of Simon and Schuster)

Another masochistic book! I finished this book in June, and holy heaven it was… wow. A film was made with Abigail Breslin and Cameron Diaz (that I haven’t seen) but I can assure you it didn’t do it justice.

My Sister’s Keeper is the tragic story of Anna and Kate Fitzgerald, their family, the power of love, and Cancer. Anna is the product of in vitro fertilization; she was created to be a perfect genetic match for her sister, Kate, who has an extremely aggressive form of Leukemia. At the age of 15 Kate ends up relapsing once again and Anna is called upon to donate a life saving kidney. Instead of giving up her body part again (as she did whenever Kate needed anything in the past) Anna hires the famous (and soulless) lawyer, Campbell Alexander, to sue her parents for Medical Emancipation and control over her own body. The resulting chaos that ensures tears the family apart and unites them at the same time. Ultimately, Anna’s case garners national attention and  it goes to court. Kate and Anna’s mother is so desperate to save Kate, she forgets the meaning of family and   I’d tell you more, but I cannot spoil the ending- it’s insane.

Reading this book really reminded me that the age old adage is true: Everything happens for a reason, exactly when and how it’s supposed to happen.

There’s been a lot of controversy about the ending and if it’s right… however it’s real. I didn’t love it the ending, but it was still good. Ive been told that the ending of the film is different than the ending of the book. So don’t watch the movie to get the story.

The book is written in a format that Piccoult uses often, and when done properly is a good way to tell a story from multiple angles. Each chapter is narrated by a different character, in first person. Though they all form different angles, they tie together to create a flowing narrative; with random flashbacks to explain the history and relationships between characters.

There’s so much more I want to say about the novel, so many plot twists and revelations to share, however I will not spoil it for you. If you’re a fan of Jodi Piccoult, you hate cancer, or you have a sister you’d do anything for, then you’ll find this book… enjoyable (I don’t really know if that’s the right word… just take my word for it).

“A jewel is first a rock put under enormous heat and pressure. Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look” -Jodi Piccoult, My Sister’s Keeper

The Night Circus

 

The Night Circus
Erin Morgenstern
Doubleday

I regret to inform you all, that I finished one of my new favorite books of all time. The Night Circus. This novel was absolutely amazing and I cannot believe I went my entire life without reading it. If you read one book this year, make it this one. Morgenstern did a fantastic job of creating a world that exists perfectly in ours, and creating 3-dimensional characters who are able to bring the entire story together in a way that I absolutely loved.

I saw an ad for this book before it came out, and it looked really cool. But I didn’t think twice about it, then once it was published I saw the jacket and fell in love. It was on the top of my list. That was early September. Then things got crazy and life happened. Once I finally started to get back into my swing of things and reading, I went and got this book. In hard cover at full price. Like 10 days ago. I know that’s a long time to read a book, but this is not a book you read quickly- and I’ve been busy! I’ve read it on the Nook and in print, and I couldn’t put it down. Another book I read at work waiting for the Christmas rush. So, that’s how this book was acquired…

Now onto a very vague and hopefully understandable summary: The Night Circus is a circus that opens at dusk and closes at dawn; it is a sprawling lot of mystical tents and magical performers. One tent can take you on a journey beyond your wildest dreams, and another will bring you into the performance of the Illusionist, a beautiful woman who has a gift you’ve only dreamt about. The Circus is run off a giant fire in the middle, that never goes out, and travels via a train that no one ever sees. There are no set tour locations, and the circus often stays in place for weeks at a time. A journey to the Night Circus is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

The circus was created to act as a venue for a fierce competition between two men and their students, one boy and one girl. Each man had a different way of teaching magic and instilled those methods in their students. Then threw them into the circus and they had to outlast one another. It doesn’t make much sense, but that’s because neither does the competition. Think of it as a Hunger Games thing with magic and only two tributes. And they aren’t literally killing one another, their magic will eventually fade or kill one of them. It makes more sense as you read. Each student has their own piece of the circus and together they keep it up and running. Students Celia and Marco go for years without knowing what is going on. Having only met on a few occasions, Celia has no reason to believe Marco is her competitor. However, Marco knows the powers Celia holds and knows immediately that she is his. Once they do finally meet they fall into a deep love that will have even the greatest cynic gushing. The lights flicker, the room goes silent, the chaos around them disappears, its romantic but not in a gushy way. It’s the kind of love that makes you want to fall in love; the kind of love that you actually feel. Not the fake “I’m actually in love with my ex, but she’s unavailable so I’ll just date you” love, this is real deal. This is the love that jumps off the page and slaps you in the face- the love that you take a picture of and post on Facebook!

Ok, enough about love. I’m sorry but their tragedy and Morgenstern’s writing just makes everything so amazing and in a world of black and white, the red of their relationship jumps off the page. Each word is as romantic as the last, even when describing something as mundane as a clock, tree, or train car. Morgenstern managed to accomplish something that most authors dream of, and many authors built entire empires trying to do. She created a love story that was so much more. There are characters intertwined with Marco and Celia, there are events out of place, deaths and births, and every page has a sense of magic. I have not had a feeling like this since I finished Harry Potter- I literally closed this book and hugged it. I think I will have to go back and amend my Hunger Games posts- this is the book of the year.

I was talking to a co-worker about the possibilities of making this into a movie and I almost cried at the thought, while it’d be incredible, it would be a definite let down. There is no way to capture the emotion, the magic, and the overall sense of the circus on film. Like it’s not possible to capture the magic of Wicked the Broadway version in any media but on stage. If they made this into a movie, I’d have to seriously think about attending, I don’t want to ruin the illusion I have.

I left out quite a lot, but that’s because this book is so __, I can’t accurately tell you everything without ruining the reading experience. It’d be like watching the 8th Harry Potter movie, then watching 1-7. Just not right. All I will say is this, Morgenstern’s writing style is  beautiful. Her word choice is as rich and vivid as the world she created. Nothing is left out, and there are no questions left at the end- but there is the room for a sequel. Each character has a purpose, as does each scene. This book is perfect. Kudos to the editor.

One last thing before you go out and read the book; my advice to you? Read every word. Let it sink in. Read the dates and the locations, read the simple little details that mean nothing to you, but mean so much to the story. Just trust me on this one.

If you loved the magic and writing of Harry Potter, and the thrill of Hunger Games. As well as the general beauty of Water for Elephants, go read this book. These are unfair comparisons because there’s nothing like it. It is books like this, that makes me proud of my chosen profession, and really excited to get started.

Kind of ironic that the book of the year last year and this year were both about circuses. I guess it shows you what state my life is in!

Until next time dear readers,
Keep reading

***

My original post from a few days ago, just incase you still want to read it:

Alright, I know I usually don’t post until I finish books, and I likely won’t finish this for another few days. But this book warrants an exception: you must read this book. Right now. Before you do anything else, before you get on a train/plane/bus/car/broomstick/whatever to go home for the holidays- go to Barnes and Noble and get this book. It’s that amazing. This book is pure magic. It will take you on a journey to a circus, to turn of the century (1886-1902), and it will make you want to fall in love. I don’t remember the last time I read a story as absolutely beautiful as this. The imagery is fantastic and the words themselves are as carefully chosen as the plot points. No amount of adjectives will do this story justice. I will try to explain more once I finish it, but for now go check out a copy. And remember, nothing is as it seems on the surface. If you loved Harry Potter and you love true fiction and want a story that reminds you what fiction and literature should be, go read The Night Circus. This book is incredible, the beauty in the words and in the story– ugh, it makes me want to fall in love!

the perks of being a wallflower

the perks of being a wallflower
Stephen Chboksy
Simon & Schuster

In 1971 the anonymous diary of a young girl was published under the title Go Ask Alice. It was the story of a few years in the life of an American teenager going through very real emotions and experiences. Sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll for short. Almost 30 years later, Chbosky wrote a book that was very similar to the story that has captivated millions of Americas of all generations.

the perks of being a wallflower follows the story of a year in the life of 15 year old Charlie through a series of letters to an anonymous friend. Charlie’s story is perhaps even more relatable than Alice’s. Charlie is the youngest of 3 and lives in the Midwest with his parents and older sister while his older brother is away playing football at Penn State. A few months after the loss of a beloved Great Aunt and a close friend/classmate, the fall of 1992 finds Charlie afraid of starting High School for the first time and feeling all alone in the world. Soon he befriends seniors Sam and Patrick, a sister and brother duo, who seem to have everything figured out. They take him under their wing and show him the ins and outs of high school and life. Soon he is falling in love with Sam and feeling emotions he never knew before. Add in some crazy LSD trips, multiple packs of cigarettes, weekly showings of The Rocky Horror Motion Picture Show, some gay sex, straight sex, and a mental break, and mix it up- bam you have perks.

the perks of being a wallflower is probably one of the greatest books I’ve ever regretted not reading in High School. It is a super thin, super quick read. The language is simple and conversational, Charlie is literally telling the story through writing a series of letters. There is enough description to make you feel like you’re there, but it’s not over the top. I typically do not like the epistolary format of a novel (letter writing), but this worked and was enjoyable and easy to get through. The writing was genuine, really seemed like a 15 year old wrote it, though at times his writing seemed a little too naive and a little too young.

My favorite part of the story, and a lot of people seem to agree, was the fact that Charlie was so fresh. He saw things that most people don’t. He had a way of looking at the world as a fresh face and he came to conclusions and said things that many people think, but never voice out loud.

In all, this book was amazing. It should be required reading for everyone in High School. If you haven’t read it, run to your local Barnes & Noble and pick up a copy today. You won’t regret it. Chabosky’s use of language was impeccable, capturing the Character and those around him in a fresh and frightening way. This is the type of story that sticks with you long after you finish reading it. It is hauntingly true and refreshingly relevant to anyone at any stage of life. Go read it and tell me your thoughts.

Last thing, I want to share my absolute favorite quote of the book; it was on page 25 and goes, “we accept the love we think we deserve.”

Mockingjay

Mockingjay
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press

Let me start out by saying that this book was freaking phenomenal. It was way too short in my opinion and I couldn’t put it down. I was reading at work, on the way to work, and instead of doing homework. I guess it’s a good thing this series is finished because I need to go start doing something productive with my life.

Because I’m about to divulge quite a bit of spoilers, I am doing this a little backwards. I’m going to do my review first and then the blurb. So you can read my thoughts and then go ahead and stop if you’d like. I don’t want to spoil the story for you, but it’s call your mom and tell her about it, phenomenal. You must go out and read this book. This book managed to continue the earlier stories, build on it, and wrap it up. Not only did the book do it, but it did it well. My only issue was that it ended too abruptly. Yet, I don’t think another book would have been necessary. I wish Collins had drawn out some scenes a bit, but I understand why she didn’t. The epilogue needed some work as well; it wrapped up a little too nicely. But not nice enough.

Go read this book, you will not regret it. I cried at the end. The characters felt like friends and the scenery and imagery felt real. Every sentence had me clamoring for more, it was not until the very last page that I knew what would happen. Collins did an impeccable job at taking the reader out of their lives and into a very real futuristic society, her characters (in all 3 books) were extremely real, as were their emotions. You found yourself rooting for some, booing for others, crying, laughing, and genuinely shocked at the end of every page. I have not read a book to date that has kept me on the edge of my seat as The Hunger Games trilogy has kept me. So many books are so predictable, but I assure you, these are anything but.

So last time I left you Katniss had beat all odds and managed to survive the 74th hunger games along with her co-tribute Peeta. Then, after touring for several months, she was selected again to compete in the 75th Annual Hunger Games. Unbeknownst to her and the government, a group of rebels had planned on kidnapping her from the games and bringing her onboard as the mascot and spokesperson for them. Due to the massive amounts of psychological trauma, this proves to be difficult. Katniss is rescued with a few other tributes/co-conspirators (not Peeta, he’s a hostage of the Capital) and is brought to District 13 to be trained and fixed for fighting. There she meets her mother, sister, Gale (BFF/guy she’s in love with) and some other people who were able to escape from District 12 before the Capital blew it up. Once in the giant underground bunker that is District 13, Katniss learns that many of the other Districts are also uprising and a civil war is imminent. Katniss insists on fighting for her people, herself, and her future… At the end of all of this (she’s the narrator, she has to survive) she is forced to make a decision between the man who she has spent a lifetime with (Gale), and a man she has survived for two lifetimes with (Peeta). There are other fantastic events and happenings that go on, deaths, and stuff; but if I told you I’d never forgive myself. You must read it. Then you may email me and we can talk about it!

This series was fantastic and I absolutely cannot wait for the films to come out, because they actually look good. Check out the Hunger Games post for a trailer of the movie! On a scale of 1-5, I’d give this book a 7. It was not my favorite of the books, but it was the most well written and it kept me the most interested and on my toes. I am so devastated it’s over but I am so excited for March!

Until next week, keep reading! AND- May the odds ever be in your favor!

Catching Fire

Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press

Hello everyone! First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Black Friday!  I hope your bellies are full and your bookshelves are too! I know mine are! :) I hope you all enjoyed your time off from school and work and are super excited to get into the hustle and bustle of finals, it’s almost December- I can’t believe it!

Just an update, I haven’t seen my parents since I moved to NYC, early August, so they decided to come up here for a week to see my brother and I. It was fantastic, they stayed with me and drove me up the freaking walls for 7 days straight. The best thing to come out of it? I was able to get lost in not one book, but two- yay for literary distractions! Anyways… here is the review for the first book (I finished late last night) and the second I’m about 1/4th of the way through, so expect a review soon… now without further adieu: Catching Fire, book two of the Hunger Games Series.

Usually here is where I’ll tell you how I acquired the book, whether it jumped off the shelf like Water For Elephants did, or if the name just caught my attention like How To Be Single did. However, this has no epic story- except a friend and I were reading it at the same time (same page and all) totally coincidentally. That’s never happened to me and I couldn’t stop laughing- see, everyone’s reading this series-so you should too. Anyways, I started reading Catching Fire because it came after Hunger Games and I heard it was even better than the first. This book I read in about 4 days (a longggg time, I know) because I had several assignments due and my family (and work!). I couldn’t put it down though, I was reading at work, while walking, blah… alright enough jibber jabber, here ya go:

So last week I told you about Hunger Games, this incredible story about a girl named Katniss and her pseudo boy-friend (hehe those are fun… but I digress) Peeta who manage to survive the 74th Annual Hunger Games. A competition of 24 teenagers who must fight to survive; they fight each other and other elements that have been created by the Game Makers in this arena. I know it’s vague, but that’s really all I can say without ruining Book 1. But basically, Katniss and Peeta survive together, against all odds and it pisses off the Capitol, the government structure that is omnipresent and completely controlling-think of a dictator. Anyways, since they survived and the entire country loves them, Katniss and Peeta set off on a victory tour of the country. Before leaving the President visits Katniss and gives her a heads up about a revolution that Katniss is the spark of… anyways, they go on this grand tour and try to make sure everyone sees them as pawns of the capitol, and not as leaders of this new revolution. Once home, Katniss goes hunting and meets people from District 13, a District that was said to have been obliterated 74 years ago… this ends up sparking another flame in Katniss who returns home determined to become the spark of the revolution. Only to find out that the 75th Annual Hunger Games will be special, and all 24 competitors are to be picked from the pool of competitors who have already won, in other words Katniss and Peeta are back into the arena. This time Katniss knows she will not make it out alive and she is determined to make sure her fiancé, Peeta, does. The games begin and well… you’ll have to read to see what happens because I WILL NOT spoil it for you. Gah, how am I supposed to blog about Book 3? Hurry up and read people.

I have yet to read a book, since Harry Potter that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat as Catching Fire did. It improved on the story more so than the first book; a feat in itself. Not only was Katniss suddenly more likable and mature, but she became a protagonist worth rooting for. In Book 1, you want her to win because of her family back home; now you want her to survive for Peeta, her family, and the people she is coming to represent. I really enjoyed reading Catching Fire and like I said before, I couldn’t put it down. I downloaded it to several Nook devices at work and even debated buying the digital copy to read with me when I couldn’t bring my book (I didn’t, I ended up finishing too quickly). I was going to wait until Monday to get book 3, but I couldn’t wait; the ending of 2 was so insane, so abrupt, so unexpected; I had to keep going. So I did. It was that good.

I know I keep saying “good” and “amazing” but honestly, without a thesaurus- there are no other words. Collins managed to accomplish something that people have been trying to do for ages, she took an incredible story and improved on it and grew on it making it better. I am in love with this series and am so happy it was recommended. A book like this, with a strong female protagonist, is exactly what young girls need to be reading- it shows a message about being strong and fighting of your survival, etc; not on the importance of having a boyfriend like in Twilight… but again, I digress.
Bottom line, go read this book. And then read Mockingjay which is also fantastic so far. I am so awed by Collins’ language and use of language; I can’t even describe it. All I can say is that this book shaped out to be better than the last and is an essential part of every modern library. Go read it, the entire set is available for the Kindle for like $20 or you can buy the trilogy for about $50 from BN.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games
Suzanne Collins
Scholastic

Hello everyone! I know it’s been ages since I last posted, and I’m terribly sorry! It seems Grad School is a little busier than I anticipated. But no worries, it appears my schedule just opened up a little bit and now I have time to read again (or finish reading the four books I started this semester!). I promise I will keep up with the posting and reading! Don’t fear loyal readers, there will be a lot of wonderful posts happening soon, just in time for the holidays! Thank you for staying with me and enjoy tonight’s post!

-I

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I know I know, I’m a little behind; ok so I’m way behind, but don’t hold that against me…. several customers at work came up to me to buy the second and third books in the series and basically yelled at me for not reading it… then my now ex sent me this book and told me to read it… so I did. At first I only read it at work and on the train, so a few pages a day. Then last night I was looking for something mindless so I decided to pick this up; and boom I haven’t put it down since… I even read it on the new Nook at work (SO cool, review to come on that too!). This book was awesome!

The Hunger Games follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl who steps in to take her sisters place in a competition that will either result in fame or death. 24 people begin the games and only one can win.

That’s the nutshell.

The long version? In the future, in the ruins of North America, lies the country of Panem, a country made up of 12 districts controlled by a single capital. An all-knowing omnipresent and oppressive government who makes sure that everyone has a place, knows their place, and stays in it. To enforce that, every year there is a competition called the Hunger Games; in which every district is forced to send one boy and one girl tribute to fight to survive, on National TV. Being a tribute is a dreaded thing for the members of the poorest district, district 12. The district that Katniss lives in with her Mother and younger sister. When her sister’s name is called to be the tribute, Katniss steps forward to take her place and sets off a series of events that changes her life. Her fellow tribute is a boy named Peeta, the son of a baker and a boy whom she has a debt to. Together and alone they must survive a battle of the fittest against not only the elements, the Capitol, but their fellow tributes… at the end of the games, only one can survive and 23 must die.

A bunch of teenager fighting to the death; nice and distracting! I promise, it’s not as gory and guy-ish as it might sound. It’s an amazing story of survival, the will to live, and pure strength. Collins captured what I can only assume is the pure essence of what life is like, not only in the poorest of the poor areas of a nation, but what it means to fight to survive. The vivid details and incredible plot twists make you feel like you’re actually in the arena with Katniss. Not a single detail or step was spared in the creation of the world of Panem, and the world of the Hunger Games.

Collins took readers into the heart, mind, and soul of a girl who just wanted to survive. A goal I know a lot of us share. I could not put this down and cannot wait to start the next book. My only regret is not beginning sooner. This book is a must read  and is an essential part of every bookworm’s collection! I’m going to buy the series too!

A quick and easy read that will have you calling your mom to say “I love you” and will have you begging for more!

The Hunger Games Trailer

The Lovely Bones

The Lovely Bones
Alice Seabold
Little, Brown

“My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.”

I usually don’t write reviews like this one, but tonight’s review is based on a book that I read three times growing up. Then last week, I met the woman who made it all possible (not the author, the publisher). So tonight’s emotional post is going to be short and sweet; and different. The quote above, is the bone chilling opening sentence to Seabold’s The Lovely Bones a fictitious account of Susie Salmon’s death and adjustment to life in heaven, a life far different from anything she could have ever imagined for herself.

The story takes place in the early 1970’s in the days and weeks following Susie’s disappearance one snowy evening after school. Though no one in the story knows how, Susie is raped and murdered by a neighbor in her quiet suburban neighborhood. The story is narrated by Susie from heaven, looking down on her parents, relatives, friends, and her murder. No detail is spared and emotions beyond your wildest dreams are captured. Though it is fictitious, you will finish this book feeling as if you knew the Salmon family personally and are grieving along them.

I know I’m not giving you a lot to go by here, but the premise is here, Susie was murdered and her body was never found. Her family had to cope with what happened after, as did those who were close to her family. Ultimately some family members fell and some rose up from the tragedy; like any story. And ultimately, Susie had to accept what happened to her and move on with her, err life.

This story was amazing. It was well written and captivating. It was worth every moment of reading time and every job that was sacrificed to make it happen. I know it’s cliche to say it, but this book changed me. This book me not only slightly more aware life, but it also made me realize that life is short, so if you love someone, tell them.

Go read this book. Don’t watch the movie; it doesn’t do it justice. It’s amazing and you won’t regret it. Promise. Seabold did a fantastic job of capturing some of the most painful human emotions in a way that you forget it’s all fiction. Don’t take my word for it; go read it… I read the book 3 times people… that has to mean something to someone.

And Professor C, if you’re reading this: thank you for taking a chance on this book and publishing it… it probably sucked to lose your job, but it was so worth it to the readers.

The Boy With Pink Hair

The Boy With Pink Hair
Perez Hilton
Celebra Children’s Book, Penguin Group

I know I normally don’t post about children’s books; but this one I simply couldn’t resist sharing. It is fresh off the press (published 9/1/2011) and I read it at work today; it took about 10 minutes to read and it was 10 minutes well spent.

The Boy With Pink hair was born different. They don’t know why, but he was born with cotton candy, bubble gum pink hair.. His life was difficult because of his pink hair, but with the support of his parents he was able to grow up happy and loved. Instead of trying to change him, his parents embrace his uniqueness and encourage him to be the best he can be. He discovers that his talent lies in cooking so his parents build him a tree house with a huge kitchen and he cooks all different types of pink food for himself. Soon, it’s time for the boy to start school and when he does he is met with the typical adversity of kindergardeners who tease him. Then the girl with pigtails befriends him; because pink is her favorite color. SOO the next day there’s drama in the lunchroom and the Boy is called into save the day by cooking food for everyone; armed with his new friends he makes a whole batch of bright pink food for the entire school. The next thing you know everyone has come to accept the boy for who he is and not for what he looks like. It’s a happy ending.

OK so, I don’t have anything negative to say about this book except that perhaps it was a little too cliche. “Everyone is special, love everyone for who they are” blah blah. But guys it’s true. Anyways, I enjoyed it. My co-worker gave me shit for reading it, but once she read it she ended up buying a copy. This book changes lives people.

It’s a quick read and you probably spent more the reading this than you would reading the actual book. I really liked it and have my copy next to me now. It’s a touching story that Lady Gaga, Dolly Parton, and Cher have read and loved as well. So I’m in good company.

For anyone who has ever struggled to fit in and accept who they are, this book is for you. For anyone who has ever judged someone for being “different” this book is for you too. And for anyone who doesn’t know what the hell I’m talking about, this book is for you too.

It’s ok to be different. It’s ok to be pink. It’s ok to be who you are. To quote Lady Gaga (and The book) he was born this way. And the boy with pink hair embraced it. It’s a lesson we can all learn from; amazing things will happen when you embrace who you are and love yourself and everyone else.

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