50 Questions - Part 4

As part of my Day Zero Project, I am answering “50 Questions to Free Your Mind” (Google it).   I had originally thought to do these in my personal journal, but then I thought, why not put them on my blog.  So get ready for some rambling answers.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you… Here's my post for questions #1-5.  And here for questions #6-10.  And here for questions #11-20.

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton? Worried genius.  I like my education way too much to be a joyful simpleton.  Life is nothing without education.

22. Why are you, you? Nature and nurture.  There's the psychologist in my coming out.  My genes make up part of me.  My life experiences make up the other part.  To be more detailed, I would have to tell my life story, and that's a pretty long story.

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend? Yes and no.  I think I have overall been a good friend to people.  There have been instances that I wish I had put more effort into my friendships.  But all I can do now is try harder in the future.

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you? Losing touch with a nearby friend.  Staying in touch across miles takes time and effort, and sometimes you lose friends.  It's not necessarily a horrible, world stopping thing.  It just is.  But losing the friend down the street means something happened.  People got lazy.  People drifted apart.  People betrayed each other.  Whatever it was, it was probably bad and that's the sad part.

25. What are you most grateful for? My health.  I know that many parents would answer: my children.  But without my health, I would not be able to function, let alone live life to the fullest.  I would not be able to enjoy the time with my children, and friends, and family.  I would be preoccupied by my health.  So I am grateful to be alive and healthy.

26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones? As much as a treasure old memories, I would lose them to gain new ones.  I am determined to look toward the future more.

Quote Wednesday - Piaget

"If you want to be creative, stay in part a child, with the creativity and invention that characterizes chldren before they are deformed by adult society." -- Jean Piaget

I want to play pretend for a day.  I want to run around my backyard pretending to be dodging the lava.  I want to hid from the ninjas.  I want to play school (without all the annoying backtalking students).  I want to have a tea party with my stuffed animals.  I want to be the Queen of France for a day.

Do you ever have those days when you wish we were a child again?  Carefree with a wild imagination.  Somedays I want that.  But then I wake up and realize that I'm almost 30.  I like being close to 30.  I like being an adult.  Maybe I should just talk Piaget's advice and hold on the imagination and creativity that I once had.  Excuse while I go color in my coloring book.  I think I'll make the princess have purple hair...

Hatter M Vol 3: The Nature of Wonder

Title: Hatter M Vol. 3: The Nature of Wonder

Author: Frank Beddor, Liz Cavalier, and Sami Makkonen

Publisher: Automatic Pictures 2010

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 200

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it!

In Volume 3, The Nature of Wonder, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan follows the Glow of the setting sun into America's wild west in search of Wonderland's lost princess. Hatter's adventures will include a shamanic vision quest in the Grand Canyon and tracking Black Imagination through San Francisco's Barbary Coast where he discovers an astounding clue to his own haunted past.

I don't really have anything to add to this review.  Just like the first two volumes: loved the storyline, didn't really like the art.  This volume did have a few intriguing bits of information as to Hatter's past and what happened when he was younger.  We see his brief interactions with Redd when she was a teen and then after she took over Wonderland.  Supposedly there was going to be a fourth volume, but it never appeared.

Hatter M:

1. The Looking Glass Wars
2. Mad with Wonder
3. The Nature of Wonder

Top Ten Tuesday -- Recommendations

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We’d love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers’ answers. Everyone is welcome to join.  If you can’t come up with ten, don’t worry about it—post as many as you can!

This week's Top Ten is "Recommendations for People Who Don't Read X."  I read just about everything now.  I have become an equal opportunity reader.

For People Who Don't Read SciFi

1.  Have Spacesuit-Will Travel by Robert Heinlein -- It's not heavy on the science, but a great quick read.

2. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card -- Amazing story of humanity set in a scifi world.

For People Who Don't Read Romance 

3. Any Jill Mansell books -- I love her quirky characters and storylines.  They are fairly predictable, but very enjoyable reads. 

4. At the Scent of Water by Linda Nichols -- It's a beautiful love story through a couple's grief and journey back to each other.  I was alternately happy and in tears throughout this book.

For People Who Don't Read Fantasy

5. The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger -- Sure, it's got vampires, werewolves, and ghosts, and it's set in a world not quite like ours.  But it's hilarious and full of adventure.  I love Alexia!

6. Fables comic series by Bill Willingham -- Think adult fairy tales, but better.  It's not secret I love this series.  Now I'm on a mission to convert everyone!

For People Who Don't Read YA

7. Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan -- Not just for kids, my 8-year-old boys and I loved this series!  All of the action and adventure kept them riveted.  And all the Greek mythology kept the historian in me interested.  We loved the series so much, the boys begged me to get the start of the second series so we could read it over Christmas break.  We're 75 pages into The Lost Hero and loving it!

8. The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry -- If you like fairy tales or princesses, this one might work.  I love the coming of age story and the world of kings and queens.

For People Who Don't Read Horror

9. The Forest of Hands and Teeth series by Carrie Ryan -- I loved this zombie trilogy.  The zombies are there, but they're an ever present threat more in the background.  These books focus on the survival and dreams of a few.  Plus, there's not much gore in these.

10. Autumn series by David Moody -- If you might like a bit more gore, go for these amazing zombie books.  They are way scary!  Even I was unsettled after reading them.  But they are beautifully written and intriguing. 

Hatter M Vol 2: Mad with Wonder

Title: Hatter M Vol. 2: Mad with Wonder

Author: Frank Beddor, Liz Cavalier, and Sami Makkonen

Publisher: Automatic Pictures 2009

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 208

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels; Mount TBR

How I Got It: I own it!

It's a mad, mad, mad world as Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan's maniacal quest to find Alyss continues! In Volume 2, Mad With Wonder, Hatter follows the Glow from London to the battlefields of America's Civil War in search of the Princess who must some day be Queen. The America that Hatter encounters is a sprawling, wounded, boiling landscape of innocence and energy run amok. The war is tearing the country apart, yet Hatter must maintain his sanity in this maelstrom of holy rollers, child healers, prophetic snake handlers, deranged outlaws, and passionate southern belles. As Hatter searches he learns he is not the only Wonderland presence that has found its way to the Promised Land. Queen Redd's black imagination is fueling the Civil War and threatening our world with her evil!

Just like Volume 1... love the storyline, don't really love the art.  This volume went much darker than the first.  We see Hatter interacting with Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.  I loved the section where Hatter is imprisoned in an asylum.  Such colorful characters!  I'm wondering how the series ends.  Guess I'll have to read Volume 3 and find out. Hopefully I like that one more.

Hatter M:

1. The Looking Glass Wars
2. Mad with Wonder
3. The Nature of Wonder

Hatter M Vol 1: The Looking Glass Wars

Title: Hatter M Vol. 1: The Looking Glass Wars

Author: Frank Beddor and Liz Cavalier

Publisher: Automatic Pictures 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel; Fantasy

Pages: 176

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels; Mount TBR; My Years - 2008

How I Got It: I own it!

Put to rest any delusions or disinformation you have of the tea-guzzling madman of faux literary history and prepare to expand your consciousness as the saga of Hatter Madigan and his relentless search for the lost Princess of Wonderland unfolds in Volume 1 of the Hatter M graphic novel series! In Frank Beddor's bestselling The Looking Glass Wars, Royal Bodyguard Hatter Madigan was ordered by Queen Genevieve to take Princess Alyss and leave Wonderland after a bloody palace coup staged by the murderous Redd. But while escaping through the Pool of Tears (the portal connecting Wonderland to our world) crushing centrifugal force pulled them apart, and Alyss was lost. In this first volume of the geo-graphic parallel adventure trilogy, Hatter finds himself in Paris, France in the year 1859 shockingly separated from the child he had been sworn to protect. Hatter must now embark upon a non-stop quest, crisscrossing the globe for 13 years in search of his lost Princess.

I'm a bit disappointed in this volume.  I loved the storyline.  Since reading The Looking GlassWars, I've always wondered what happened while Hatter was looking for Princess Alyss.  The story entertained.  We learned more about his travels.  We met some other exiled Wonderlanders.  We met some humans with a little bit extra.  I really enjoyed that part and wanted to hear more.  The part I didn't enjoy--the art.  The smudgy, dark, not quite complete look just didn't settle with me.  I wasn't impressed and had a problem following the action.

Hatter M:

1. The Looking Glass Wars
2. Mad with Wonder
3. The Nature of Wonder

Music Monday -- 2010

As part of my ongoing celebration for my 30th birthday, I am highlighting some popular songs from throughout my years.  Songs were picked based off of a list of Grammy award winners and Billboard Top 100.  Then, I chose my favorites to highlight.  

Year: 2010

Book: Fables: Witches

Music Selections:

1. Lady Antebellum "Need You Now"
2. Muse "The Resistance"
3. The Black Keys "Tighten Up"
4. Switchfoot "Hello Hurricane"
5. Eminem and Rihanna "Love the Way You Lie"

I adore Lady Antebellum.  I can't say that I like many country artists, but Lady Antebellum has become a favorite.  Muse is one of my favorite bands.  Ditto for The Black Keys.  I am a spot in my heart for Switchfoot.  The odd one is Eminem and Rihanna.  There's just something about that song that gets me every time.  I find myself singing along...  Enjoy these music choices!

Day Zero Project Update: Week 15-17

Instead of daily posts, I thought it would be a lot easier for me and you if I did weekly update posts.  These will track my progress each week.  I will highlight what I’ve done, what I want to do, and any interesting tidbits.  Sometimes I’ll add pictures and/or links.  Hopefully these posts will keep me accountable to me list…

What I Did

6. See all of IMDB's Top 250 movies  (10/250) -- All rewatches this time around. We introduced the boys to the Star Wars trilogy.  I'm happy to say that they loved all three movies.  Plus we started on the Indiana Jones trilogy (there are only 3).

• 23. Raiders of the Lost Ark
• 16. Star Wars
• 12. The Empire Strikes Back
• 100. The Return of the Jedi
• 108. Die Hard
• 190. Ratatouille

12. Watch all the James Bond movies (6/24)

• Dr. No
• From Russia with Love
• Goldfinger
• Thunderball
• You Only Live Twice
• Her Majesty's Secret Service

15. See 101 new movies (14/101)

• Arthur Christmas -- Actually a decent Christmas movie with the boys.  I'm not planning on owning it or anything, but it was a good 90 minutes spent.
• We Bought a Zoo -- Went last night with a friend.  Loved it!  A real feel good movie.

18. Make a list of 101 inspirational quotes (25/101) -- You can find them here.

19. Blog 1001 times (176/1001)

22. Keep a journal for this project — Obviously an ongoing goal. I got a beautiful black soft cover journal to use.  I am determined to journal at least a bit each day.

28. Reread all of the Harry Potter books -- I joined a Harry Potter reading challenge.  The plan is to read one novel a month.  This month I re-reread Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

32. Read my height in books — This week’s height: 3 in   (33.5/68 in.)

72. Complete "50 Questions that Free Your Mind" (20/50) -- Answers to questions #11-20.

100. Scrapbook 100 pages (58/100)

What I Plan to Do Next Week

More James Bond, more blog entries, more inspirational quotes.

Monthly Goal

January’s task is to watch all of the James Bond movies.  We have 22 movies to watch this month.  We're getting there.  One Connery to go, finished with the Lazenby, on to Moore!

Overall Progress

7 / 101

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 -- Wrap-up Post

Today's Progress:

• Books Read: .3
• Total Books Read: 5.7
• Pages Read: 113
• Total Pages Read: 1775
• Time Read: 30 minutes
• Total Time Read: 16 hours 16 minutes
• #todayinsixwords: Too distracted to read much today.

My goals:

• Read at least 5 books √
• Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer √
• Review all books read √
• Participate in at least 2 mini challenges√
• Read at least 2 hours a day √

My TBR pile:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins
• Sunshine by Robin McKinley
• Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
• Hatter M Vol. 1 (current read)
• Hatter M Vol. 2
• Hatter M Vol. 3
• Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
• Fables: Rose Red
• Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
• A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)

Comments:

Overall I did very well this readathon.  I read 5 complete books, plus sections of  Gatsby, Midsummer Night's Dream, and Hatter M Volume 1.  I thought I would get a lot of reading done over this weekend, but it turns out I was mistaken.  Being at home, I became very distracted with house chores and movies and television.  Turns out I read most of my hours at work during lunch time and right when I got home.

I did have fun completing a few of the mini challenges and reading others' updates.  Can't wait until the next Bout of Books.

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 Day #6

Total fail for today.  I didn't read a single page...  Promised myself that I will go out strong tomorrow.

Today's Progress:

• Books Read: 0
• Total Books Read: 5.4
• Pages Read: 0
• Total Pages Read:  1662
• Time Read: 0
• Total Time Read: 15 hours 46 minutes
• #todayinsixwords: I am such a failure today!

My goals:

• Read at least 5 books
• Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer
• Review all books read
• Participate in at least 2 mini challenges
• Read at least 2 hours a day

My TBR pile:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins
• Sunshine by Robin McKinley
• Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
• Hatter M Vol. 1 (up next)
• Hatter M Vol. 2
• Hatter M Vol. 3
• Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
• Fables: Rose Red
• Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
• A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic 2010

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 390

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Young Adult; What's in a Name -- Sky; Mount TBR

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.

I am still in tears.  I held it together until the last 10 pages or so and then I just lost it.  This is how I know a book affects me deeply...  I lose all sense of time and place and I have a visceral reaction.  To this I was anger with Katniss, happy with Katniss, and then sad with Katniss.  I am in turmoil over the book.  That's not to say I didn't love, because I absolutely did.  It's just that I am sad about the consequences of actions in the book and that it then ended.  So sad.  This series will not be leaving my library.  I am definitely going to keep this and reread it (sooner rather than later).  And btw, I'm still and forever will be Team Peeta.

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 Day #5

Today's Progress:

• Books Read: 1.4
• Total Books Read: 5.4
• Pages Read: 305
• Total Pages Read:  1662
• Time Read: 2 hours 58 minutes
• Total Time Read: 15 hours 46 minutes
• #todayinsixwords: Tears in tears after the end...

My goals:

• Read at least 5 books
• Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer
• Review all books read
• Participate in at least 2 mini challenges
• Read at least 2 hours a day

My TBR pile:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins
• Sunshine by Robin McKinley
• Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
• Hatter M Vol. 1 (up next)
• Hatter M Vol. 2
• Hatter M Vol. 3
• Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
• Fables: Rose Red
• Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
• A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)

Mini Challenge #5: Picture and Snack Time

From The Reading Housewives of Indiana:

This challenge is very simple. I did it this way on purpose. Sometimes for read-a-thons, you just want an easy challenge you can complete rather quickly so you can get right back into reading. So, I came up with a very simple picture that has you just taking one single picture.

All you have to do for this challenge is post a picture of your current read (physical book or ebook on your ereader) and your snack & drink all together in one shot. Feel free to also include yourself in this photo, it isn’t required, but it could be fun!

I got the chance to read a bit at work today, so here you go...

I read my sections of The Great Gatsby and A Midsummer Night's Dream for my readalongs and continued Mockingjay.  My snacks are my usual that I stash in my desk drawer.

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 Day #4

Today's Progress:

• Books Read: .6
• Total Books Read: 4.5
• Pages Read: 329
• Total Pages Read: 1357
• Time Read: 3 hours 13 minutes
• Total Time Read: 12 hours 48 minutes
• #todayinsixwords: Totally wrapped up in Katniss' world.

My goals:

• Read at least 5 books
• Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer
• Review all books read
• Participate in at least 2 mini challenges
• Read at least 2 hours a day

My TBR pile:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins (current read)
• Sunshine by Robin McKinley
• Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
• Hatter M Vol. 1
• Hatter M Vol. 2
• Hatter M Vol. 3
• Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
• Fables: Rose Red
• Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
• A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers for Book 1.

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic 2009

Genre:  Fantasy

Pages: 391

Rating:  5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Young Adult; A to Z - C; Mount TBR

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

I am so in love with this series.  I just speed right through this book.  I couldn't wait to see what happened.  It's like an addiction.  Collins' writing continues to suck me in.  I love her descriptions.  I love the characters.  I love the dialogue.  It's not often that I find a book I don't find major things wrong with.  If I had to say something, it would be about Katniss' character.  Sometimes I really want to shake her and tell her to stop being so mean and distant to Peeta.  But that might be because I really like him...  Otherwise I just love this book and the series.  I read some reviews that had problems with the cliffhanger and repeat plots, but I don't see those as deterrents.  Obviously this is the second book in the series.  You had to expect one hell of a cliffhanger and some slower parts.  I think this is a great middle book.  I didn't get bogged down in the slower parts.  They were beautiful bits of characterization.  I can't wait to find out how the story ends...

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

BTT: Interview

1. What’s your favorite time of day to read? I usually read before bed...  But that isn't my favorite time, it's just the most convenient.  I really liked reading in the morning after my shower. 

2. Do you read during breakfast? (Assuming you eat breakfast.) No.  I am very clumsy and don't want to get breakfast on my books. 

3. What’s your favorite breakfast food? (Noting that breakfast foods can be eaten any time of day.) I really love apples and cinnamon oatmeal.  It's not the most glamorous breakfast food, but I love it. 

4. How many hours a day would you say you read? Usually less than an hour.  During readathons, I really try to focus.  But with work 9 hours a day, making dinner, and hopefully spending some time with J, I just don't have a lot of time available for reading.  I do try to read on my lunch break. 

5. Do you read more or less now than you did, say, 10 years ago? Definitely more.  Or at least I'm more consistent with my reading.  Ten years ago, I was in college, so most of my reading was class assigned.  I didn't have a lot of pleasure reading. 

6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader? I definitely read faster than most people I know.  So, I guess that makes me a speed reader. 

7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To retain everything I read.  I know, a pretty geeky superpower.  But wouldn't it be awesome to have total recall? 

8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go? Of course!  And sometimes I even have two, just in case I finish the first one. 

9. What KIND of book? Genre -- whatever.  I am an equal opportunity reader at this point.  Type -- Usually trade paperbacks or mass market paperbacks.  Hard back books are murder on my purses. 

10. How old were you when you got your first library card? I was probably in middle school.  I have always frequented the library, but I can't remember if I had my own in elementary school or we just put books on my mom's card...  I definitely had my very own in middle and high school. 

11. What’s the oldest book you have in your collection? (Oldest physical copy? Longest in the collection? Oldest copyright?) Longest in collection -- The Awakening by Kate Chopin.  Oldest copyright -- probably something by Jane Austen. Oldest physical copy -- possibly my copy of Contact (I'm not at home, so I can't check the book to make sure).

12. Do you read in bed? Yes.  Although recently I have learned that trying to read science fiction (e.g. Heinlein) in bed is a bad idea.  I really have to concentrate on his words and as I'm falling asleep is not a good time. 

13. Do you write in your books? No way.  They are too precious to write in.  I do make notes in journals and of course on my blog.  But I try not to write in books. 

14. If you had one piece of advice to a new reader, what would it be? Don't be afraid to try new genres.  It might just become your favorite.

15. What question have I NOT asked at BTT that you’d love me to ask? (Actually, leave the answer to this one in the comments on this post, huh? So I can find them when I need inspiration!) Sorry, I can't think of any today. 

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 Day #3

Today's Progress:

• Books Read: 1.5
• Total Books Read: 3.5
• Pages Read: 482
• Total Pages Read:  1028
• Time Read: 4 hours 42 minutes
• Total Time Read: 9 hours 35 minutes
• #todayinsixwords: In love with The Hunger Games!

My goals:

• Read at least 5 books
• Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer
• Review all books read
• Participate in at least 2 mini challenges
• Read at least 2 hours a day

My TBR pile:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (current read)
• Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins
• Sunshine by Robin McKinley
• Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
• Hatter M Vol. 1
• Hatter M Vol. 2
• Hatter M Vol. 3
• Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
• Fables: Rose Red
• Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
• A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)

Music to Love

Just some music I am absolutely loving tonight... Thought I would share. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic 2008

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 375

Rating:   5 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Young Adult; Read Your Name - C; Mount TBR; Books2Movie - 2012 Release

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games," a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

I am hooked.  I kept hearing all these great things about the books, but I didn't jump on the bandwagon.  And then, I finally decided that I wanted to read these.  I just finished this book and I am speechless.  I was right there with Katniss through the entire story.  I was so hopeful that she would survive.  I couldn't break away.  Suspense, action, quiet moments, romance... this just has everything.  I love Collins' style of writing.  We really get into the head of Katniss.  We feel everything she feels.  I love that the story is from her point of view.  We experience the Games right along with her.  And that ending...  Oh my!  Such a cliffhanger!  I can't wait to start the next one.  BTW I am Team Peeta all the way!

The Hunger Games:

1. The Hunger Games
2. Catching Fire
3. Mockingjay

Quote Wednesday - Aesop

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." -- Aesop

I wish people would remember this.  I was raised to be mindful of others.  Show a bit of courtesy and kindness.  Somehow I just don't feel like I get that in return most days.  People are selfish.  We live in our own little worlds with little regard to things not circling us.  In fact, we live like 3-year-old who are just learning to comprehend a world outside of their immediate time and place.  At least once a day I  am courteous and polite and I get shit back.  Maybe it comes with being a receptionist.  But I just wish people would show others small acts of kindness.

Bout of Books Readathon 3.0 Day #2

Today's Progress:

• Books Read: 1.3
• Total Books Read: 2.3
• Pages Read: 364
• Total Pages Read: 546
• Time Read: 2 hours 33 minutes
• Total Time Read: 4 hours 43 minutes
• #todayinsixwords: Finally on Team Katniss and Peeta!

My goals:

• Read at least 5 books
• Read my required (for readalongs) sections of Gatsby and Midsummer
• Review all books read
• Participate in at least 2 mini challenges
• Read at least 2 hours a day

My TBR pile:

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Current read)
• Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
• Mockinjay by Suzanne Collins
• Sunshine by Robin McKinley
• Lost in Austen by Emma Campbell Webster
• Hatter M Vol. 1
• Hatter M Vol. 2
• Hatter M Vol. 3
• Brains: A Zombie Memoir by Robin Becker
• Fables: Rose Red
• Harry Potter Film Wizardry by Brian Sibley
• A Midsummer Night's Dream by Shakespeare (Act II)
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Pages46-90)

Mini Challenge #2: Paranormal Book to Movie (Picked by Poison)

Disclaimer: I am participating in this challenge on my blog only.  The prize is a book from The Hunger Games, and as I own all three, I didn't want to enter myself into the contest and take away a prize from someone who desperately wants them.  But I did want to have a little fun and chose my perfect picks.

My Book: The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger

My Characters:

Alexia -- I chose Monica Bellucci.  She's gorgeous, but definitely wouldn't fit the traditional Victorian England ideal for women.

Lord Maccon --  Gerard Butler.  Scruffy, buff, Gerard Butler.  Perfect fit for the slightly overbearing, but very delicious Lord Maccon.

Lord Akeldama -- I always see Tom Cruise as Lord Akeldama, well Tom Cruise playing Lestat from Interview with a Vampire.  A bit effeminate, very well dressed, but with an undertone of violence (and a bit crazy).

Professor Lyall -- I see James McAvoy as the perfect Professor Lyall.  He can be intimadating, but can also play the dignified and refined Englishman.  And so yummy!  He's my favorite of the werewolves.

Madame Lefoux -- I'm going with Gail Carriger's own choice... Audrey Tatou.  Lefoux is French, she's quirky, she's fesity, beautiful yet enigmatic.  I think Audrey would play the perfect Lefoux.  And she would looo great dressed in men's Victorian clothes.