Book One

So I am hoping by the end of 2011 I will have fifteenish books under my belt. I am only counting one of the books in this trilogy because I technically finished the last book in 2011. I am no book reviewer, let's get that out of the way first. I read for enjoyment, not sport. But in keeping up with my resolutions I want to document and slightly overview my feelings about each book. Most likely they will all be good, in part to me reading referrals from family and friends. Others will be from my own interested eye. I love book covers. If one happens to catch my eye I will probably read it. This is where some not so good books will come into play. Ahem, Twilight series. If only it had lived up to those graphic covers.

Speaking of the Twilight series, I hear this trilogy has been compared to it. Yes, the main character is a young girl. Although at times I wasn't fond of her, she is in no way as pathetic or unlikable as Bella Swan. And yes, you love the minor characters more than the main character, Katniss Everdeen. And yes, there is a love triangle. Next to those, there are no other connections or similarities, at all. Collins's characterization is so impeccable. She had this ability to create a world that I easily found myself in the middle of .

I had heard nothing about this book series. I was on Amazon Kindle skimming over books when this caught my eye. Not the cover so much, but the striking title. I had no idea it was a young reader book or that it was a trilogy until after I completed the first book. Didn't matter to me though, it was a fun read. I read the series in about a week. And they are making a movie. So read them before you see anything on TV.

What I found most interesting and disturbing about this book is that the hunger games could actually become a reality in today's age. Think of some third world countries and the drastic measures some may take to care for their families.

Suzanne Collins brought to life what a post apocalyptic world could possibly entail. Book one is the most well written, of course. Book two was your typical second book. And book three actually turned into a great read. I thought I would be saying, "Why couldn't she have just done a really fabulous single book!" But I didn't.

My not so good feelings on this book series are simple and I found them easy to overlook. In book three she could have really dove into the relationships that Katniss had with each character. It would've helped me with the ending a bit more, because I found it to be a bit muddled and abrupt. Especially when the series, in part, is about the relationships in her life. And even though the main character is stubborn, hard headed, and at times you wanted to yell at her, " Don't you see, ya moron?" I never doubted that she was genuine and legitimately cared for those she loved.

My recommendation for this book is: Read. Although the plot is a tad unsettling, it is written in a way that isn't too gruesome that you won't want to read on. She did great at setting the pace in this book to where I would look at the clock an hour after picking it up going, "NO WAY!" There is no profanity or sex. Anything close to that is modestly written. It touches on topics of interest like government, trust, relationships, and society's obsession with what's bigger and better. Which can't we all relate to in some way or another?

Also, I'd like to hear any thoughts on any of the books I put up. Read on!