The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins

So, here’s what you do. You win, you go home. She can’t turn you down then, eh?" says Caesar encouragingly.

I don’t think it’s going to work out. Winning...won’t help in my case," says Peeta.

Why ever not?" says Caesar, mystified.

Peeta blushes beet red and stammers out. "Because...because...she came here with me.” 

-The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

I admit. I was definitely a little late at reading this series. Finally I got my hands on the first book... And well, these books quite frankly never left my hands.

My favourite book was Catching Fire, but that may be because my friends spoiled The Hunger Games for me. I knew who died. So Catching Fire had a little more suspense for me. I prefered Catching Fire over Mocking Jay, however, because I'm a girl, and therefore I obsessed over Peeta and Katniss's relationship. Mocking Jay was also super jam-packed with excitement... I just wanted to see more of Peeta and Katniss actually loving each other. 

The Hunger Games is beautifully written. It's so unpredictable, and yet, the ending is how you imagined it would be. As I was reading it, I was amazed at the brilliance of Suzanne's writing. How does someone come up with something like that? I could tell that from the first book right to the last... That this book - and entire series - was thoroughly thought out.

Catching Fire, as I said, was my favourite. I loved the new characters and different story line. During the book, I wondered how Suzanne would conclude it, without being repetitive. And she did just that. A total shock ending. And of course, the ending left me wanting more.

 Mocking Jay was.... Interesting. I can say I didn't finish it as quickly as the previous two books. I still liked it, but this book was focused more on war and revolution. Not exactly my favourite book subjects. I can see how Mocking Jay would appeal to male readers, and to certain female readers but just not to me. But don't get me wrong, this book also has its own surprises and tragedies. I wish I could express my opinions on all the events of this book... But I will not spoil a thing! (If there are any other late readers)

Of course, this series does deal with mature content. Violence. One reason why I started reading this series later than most is because I knew how violent the books were. This theme in the book can have controversial views. Some say it shows the pain in murder and death, and others say that murder shouldn't be publicized. I agree with both views, none particularly stronger than the other.

All in all, this series was superb. I loved seeing how Mocking Jay related to Catching Fire and Catching Fire related to The Hunger Games. It evidently demonstrated the power and quality of a well planned book series. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a new summer read.

Left Neglected - Lisa Genova

“I’ve been so focused on what’s horrible and unfair and terrifying about my condition that I hadn’t acknowledged what is positive about my condition, as if the positive had been sitting quietly by itself on the far edge of the left side of my condition, there but completely ignored. I can’t copy a whole cat. But I can recognize it, name it, know what one sounds and feels like, and I can copy most of it, enough for anyone who looks at it to know what I’ve drawn. I am lucky.”

-  Left Neglected, Lisa Genova

 

 

Another book by Lisa Genova! After reading Still Alice, I couldn't wait to get my hands on another one of Lisa's books.

 

The story centers on Sarah Nickerson, a successful woman who leads a fast-passed and stressful life. Wife and mother of three, working about eighty hours a week. Until that all changes. She gets into a car crash and suffers from a brain damage condition called Left Neglect. It was a very interesting twist to an other-wise average plot. Left Neglect is a disease I had never heard of, but I'm certainly more educated on it now. Basically, the brain ignores all information from the left. She will put makeup on only the right side of her face, but think she put it everywhere.

 

I really enjoyed this book, because her condition wasn't always the focus in the story. There's also a significant "side-plot" as a result of her accident. The book was honestly wonderfully written. It was engaging and we related to Sarah, even if we've never heard of Left Neglect. She is like every other American, but by the end ... well, I won't say!

 

I also like Lisa's book because I learn more about different diseases. I find diseases are so interesting, as weird as  that may seem. So, these books are perfect, however, they are never written in a boring or text-book style. It's written like every other story, but it includes something that we can take out of the story. She makes the disease a painful reality, and I can say that you put the book back on the shelf a different person. They are just wonderful.

 

The characters in the book were all lovable as well. It's fun to see how some characters restore relationships, change their course and start over. I find the book adequately demonstrated true love in a family. Sarah's mother halts her own life to help Sarah with her kids, her husband also makes some sacrifices for Sarah, and unlike many stories, he still loves her with her disease and he doesn't love her less. We see that and we feel that on every page of this book.

 

Truly, this book is one that you'll fall in love with. I can't wait to read more of Lisa's books.

 

 

The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas

“And now gentlemen, all for one, one for all - that is our motto, is it not?”

The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas

 

 

I will do my best to write out my thoughts on this book, but in short it was amazing. We fall in love with the characters, the story and just everything put together. It's honestly an awesome story and I will definitely be reading it again sometime.

 

I LOVE the characters. It's pretty rare that I meet characters in a book that I actually admire, and don't forget about after reading. This book had those characters - particularly d'Artagnan. He was fun, brave and determined character. The readers root for whatever he does, because we love him.

 

The story also had so many interesting things happening. It was like a mysterious romantic tragedy. Seriously, it covered all those topics. There was definitely mysteries to be solved in here, a few romances and unfortunately, tragedies. The book was not, however, an emotional roller coaster where we didn't know what to feel. It was clear, and  thought out. Very superb.

 

The ending was also a mixed ending. A tragedy hits, but it is avenged.. in a few chapters. The last chapters definitely have you on the edge of your seat. The ending was very good, everything just fit and it seemed that all was as it should be

 

The language was also easy to read! Usually it's quite difficult if it's an older book. I was actually surprised to find out that the version I was reading was unabridged. It makes the story flow much more easily when you can understand the language.

 

Notably, the sentence "It was a dark and stormy night." was in here. I wonder if that sentence became so popular because of this book. It would make sense... it is a classic.

 

I honestly don't know what else to say. I loved this book and I'm positive that anyone who loves a good storiy will also love this book. It's a classic for a reason, you know.

 

 



The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt By Day - Scott O'dell

"His name is William Tyndale."

The Hawk That Dare Not Hunt By Day , Scott O'Dell

 

 

I have no idea why this book was called "The Hawk That Dare Not Fly By Day." Not a clue. The word Hawk wasn't even mentioned. I figure it has an indirect meaning.

 

Originally I though I wasn't really going to like this book. I read The King's Fifth by Scott O'Dell  some time earlier this year (read my review on it here !) and it was okay, not superb. But this book was different - I really enjoyed it.

 

It was good from the start. Martin Luther was mentioned a few times... so it was even better. However, as you may have guessed from the quote above, the book wasn't about Martin Luther. Slowly we meet William Tyndale, the man who translated the Bible into English. The story is told from an interesting perspective. It is told looking through the eyes of a sailor. A sailor whose uncle is particularly greedy for some cash, which means he'll smuggle the Bibles into England. Although this is the main plot, the whole story doesn't revolve around it. There's another issue going on. An issue about wills and property. It's really interesting to see how things pan out.

 

The book was a historical fiction, my favorite. I love to see how actual historic people weave into a fictional story. We see references to Henry VIII (and his wives), and other people who played a sneaky role in William Tyndale's life, like Henry Phillips. I actually forgot that Henry Phillips was a real person, but the story had much more impact once I realized he was real.

 

It also opened my eyes to the life during that time. The rules were strict and anything opposed to the Catholic church was heresy. Now, evidently Bibles are allowed in England, and other modern countries. It was a time of chaos! Everyone was being watched - literally! In the book, there were spies for other spies!

 

We also get a glimpse of William Tyndale's character. Despite this time of chaos, he always appeared to be at peace. He did not show panic, but instead was always peaceful, calm, collected  no matter what kind of trials he faced. He was never rushed. It would've taken amazing faith to live like that now, let alone during a time where everything was heresy.

 

In all, this book was a surprise. It surpassed the expectations I had for it and gets a well-done from me. Read it, you won't be disappointed.



 

 



 

 

Live Original - Sadie Robertson

“there's nothing wrong with starting small if you just keep going. You just take what you have, whether it's a little idea or a little bit of extra time or a little bit of money, and you make the most of it. You do the best you can with that little bit, and you keep working at it, and pretty soon it will grow. It might even get so big that the whole world knows about it someday.” 

 Live Original, Sadie Robertson

Before we get started, this was a great nonfiction book, I liked to read it, and I mean no hate by this post. I saw  Sadie Robertson's different opinions, but I did disagree with some things in the book.

I felt that the book wasn't real. It seemed like her world was just roses and rainbows, no hardships.She gave examples of hardships, but I don't know, it just didn't seem genuine. I've read most of the other Duck Dynasty books, and they were more real. I felt I found out a little more about the person writing it, and that I saw how they think, without them trying to push their ways on me, There were some personal stories in here, but it seems to me that she was trying to tell people how to be happy. In my opinion, maybe, there are a few general rules on "how to be happy",but not one direct path.

I realize that this book may help quite a few people. It was a cheerful book, easy to read, and it offered a very positive views into things. I think it would help someone who's shy,  to just "go for it" more. And It might also help people who struggle with depression and other related issues, Sadie displays an optimistic attitude and a positive outlook on life.

But the book just wasn't for me. I did read it all, and the last chapter was my favorite. Then, I feel like it finally got to talking about how to actually live original. 

I feel like the book should've offered more insight on how she lives original. For all I know, she could just be dishing out this advice and not really follow them herself. I think more everyday examples on how she does it herself would have been great and made the book a whole lot better. 

 I am still a fan of Duck Dynasty, 

 but just not of this book.

The Giver - Lois Lowry

“They were satisfied with their lives which had none of the vibrance his own was taking on. And he was angry at himself, that he could not change that for them.”

The Giver, Lois Lowry

 

 

Oh, oh, oh, this book is good! It's the kind of book that you read when cuddled up with a cup of coffee, that is, if you drink coffee. Regardless, this book is superb. It's going to stand the test of time.

 

I read this book for a book study in school. The book study killed me. I had to read about 3 three chapters, then answer questions, then read more. If it wasn't for the book study it would've been done in maybe two days. It was that good. I always wanted to read it and I stayed over-time in class to read it. I would've missed the bus, but hey, I'm homeschooled.

 

This is one of those books that has a deeper meaning than simply a good story. It has impact, emotion and such interesting thoughts that I still think about the book. It's such a creative book, too. I have no idea how Lois Lowry came up with the ideas in here, but they were so unpredictable, yet followed the story. There was some good planning on her part.

 

Jonas's world is perfect. He feels no pain, no fear or worry. Everything is planned out for him. Everything is decided for him, how he spends the day, his career, and wife. That all changes, however, when Jonas gets his career as Receiver, the next Giver. He is trained by The Giver who transmits memories to him every training session. The memories are pleasant at first, some of sunshine, color and sliding. Then, the memories become painful. There are many memories, all from the past. Some of sunburns, wars, and other things that Jonas has never experienced. The Giver is needed to hold the painful memories, so the other citizens can live in peace.

 

The plot is so good, it shows us not only a wonderful story, but the importance of sharing pain. It was a book with meaning. I don't really know how else to describe it. It was just... memorable. I think that would be the best word. I loved it.

 

The book is dedicated to children "to whom we entrust the future" It's a perfect reminder that we shouldn't try to create the perfect society, and that if we do share painful memories, it will be better for us.

 

 



Still Alice - Lisa Genova

“And I have no control over which yesterdays I keep and which ones get deleted. This disease will not be bargained with. I can't offer it the names of the US presidents in exchange for the names of my children. I can't give it the names of state capitals and keep the memories of my husband.
...My yesterdays are disappearing, and my tomorrows are uncertain, so what do I live for? I live for each day. I live in the moment. Some tomorrow soon, I'll forget that I stood before you and gave this speech. But just because I'll forget it some tomorrow doesn't mean that I didn't live every second of it today. I will forget today, but that doesn't mean that today doesn't matter.”

- Still Alice, Lisa Genova

 

 

 

This book was SOO good. I loved it. Okay, fun fact, I love to learn about diseases of any kind, so this book was perfect. It was a third-person story about a successful woman who has early-onset Alzheimer's disease.

 

This book was educational, in a sense. I never really knew much about Alzheimer's. I knew the obvious, that it was a loss of memory, but this book really opened my eyes. I thought Alzheimer's was an almost immediate thing, like you forgot sentences and then in a week time period, you forget everything. I was wrong. This book shared the horror and reality of Alzheimer's disease. It was chilling, but so good, I hardly left the house without it.

 

Alice is a successful, happy and healthy woman. She teaches at Harvard University, has as good marriage and three grown-up kids. She's about 50 when she's doing a presentation and forgets a word. Slowly, the symptoms persist. She forgets family recipes, introduces herself to people twice, and becomes completely disorientated on her street. Her struggle was so heart-breaking. It seemed like she's real, and right there telling you everything as its happening. The quote above sums the book up perfectly.

 

She knows she'll become an "outcast" in society, and I finally seen the injustice in that. Alzheimer's patients don't control their childish  behaviour, or aggressive demeanor. After reading the book I was seriously so upset that Alzheimer's patients are looked at as outcasts. Why?! It's something that frustrates me. I don't get it!

 

She also has a rare form of Alzheimer's - a genetic kind. So her three kids are in danger. We see her kids anxiety as they go for Alzheimer's tests, and feel the defeat or joy as they are positive or negative. There is not a boring moment.

 

This story was beautiful. It is one that I just feel like telling everyone "Listen. You have got to read this book. Now." It's an eye-opener and indescribable. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a story with an impact. Well done, Lisa Genova.