The Hunger Games Prize Pack Giveaway (Ends 8/20) U.S.

We are so excited to bring you this giveaway in celebration of the release of The The Hunger Games on DVD!!!!
I’ve joined some super awesome bloggers and hosts My Crafty Life and Full Price? Never! to bring this cool flash giveaways to you!

One lucky winner will win the Hunger Games on DVD and The Hunger Games Book!

Come on, people, you know you want this!  My DVD has already been dispatched to me, and I have read all the books.  You want this!!  

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins Book Review

My name is Katniss Everdeen. Why am I not dead? I should be dead.

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.


It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.


The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost. (from goodreads)



Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am in shock.  I have finally reached the end of a series that I never thought I would read.  This third and final book in the saga is easily the most violent, the most emotional, and the most fast-paced of the bunch.  There were twists and turns that I never saw coming, and I can say as others have that the book ended the way it needed to.  I know some have complained about the ending, but I felt as though I had closure after finishing the epilogue.

This entire series is something that everyone is talking about, and I do not want to give away anything.  I would say that the author has given each character their proper voice and told a tale that will give one pause to think about the future.  Could it happen?  I do not know, but I can hope and pray this book is not prophetic.  All I can say is it is not improbable.

One of the sweetest points in the whole series was that of Buttercup, the cat.  I was quite touched with this part of the story though it was a small s,ene.

If you have not read this series, I can recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone over the age of 12.


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Yes, I have finished the Hunger Games series.  What took me so long?  I had so many other books I had to review, and I was glad to finally finish this today.  It was interesting.  I finished the series while subbing at a middle school, and it prompted some interesting discussion.  One read the series, and one had not.  Oh, and my mom read the series.  She finished it before I did, and she really liked them!

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) by Suzanne Collins Book Review

Summary (from goodreads): Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.


Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.


In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the first in the series and being completely mesmerized by it, I could hardly wait to read the second.  And I did read it in a matter of days.  And all I can say is that if you have read the first book, you absolutely must read the second book!

I felt like the book did an excellent job of picking up right where the first book left off.  The characters that we have grown to love were there--Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and more.  I found the plot of this book even more engaging than the last.  I don't want to put any spoilers in this review, so I won't say much.  But I truly think that Suzanne Collins's readers will find this book as engaging or more engaging than the first.

It is nice to report that there is absolutely NO profanity in the book.  A sexual encounter is implied (but we all know it did not really happen).  The violence depicted in the book is the most difficult part of the book to read.  But I will say this--it is necessary to get the point across.

As I read the book, I realized that if we don't start speaking up and telling the government to stay out of our business, we are honestly in danger of having something like this book happen.  It seems that as time goes on, we become less and less concerned about government involvement in our personal lives.  I am grateful for U.S. checks and balances in our government, and may we fight to keep those.



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About the Author:
Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear andOswald. She also co-wrote the critically acclaimed Rankin/​Bass Christmas special,Santa, Baby! Most recently she was the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days,and a freelancer on Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!

While working on a Kids WB show called Generation O! she met children’s author James Proimos, who talked her into giving children’s books a try.

Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part fantasy/​war series,The Underland Chronicles.

Her next series, The Hunger Games Trilogy, is an international bestseller.

At present, Suzanne is at work on a picture book with James Proimos.

She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.

Check out her website here.

Like her on facebook here.

The Hunger Games Movie Review

Well, like so many people this weekend, I got to see The Hunger Games movie.  When I first found out about the upcoming movie, I watched the trailer, and I was pretty intrigued.

I had won the book during Banned Book Week in the fall of last year, and I was not sold on reading it.  I had read some Christian reviews as well as others, but I just wasn't sure I would like it.  I decided that if I wanted to be able to see the movie, I needed to read the book first.  So I decided to pick it up and give it a try.  If I didn't like it, I could just stop reading it and that would be that.

I was so engrossed in the book that I could not put it down!  It is one of my favorite books, and I don't mind telling people that.  I could hardly wait to see the movie.  And discovering that Taylor Swift did some of the music only made it better.

I went with a group today to see it.  I was the only one who had read the book!  I was mesmerized from the beginning.  I had heard so many good things about it, and after all, the author did the screenplay, so what could be better?  I did have to explain a few items to the person next to me, but I truly didn't mind.  I was the authority, after all.

So what were my thoughts?  Every character in the movie with the exception of Haymitch looked exactly as they should.  Except that for some reason, I didn't think of blacks being in it.  I don't know why, but I am glad they were.  Rue was too cute for words, and that scene made me cry.  The book's scene nearly brought me to tears, but it was definitely tears during the film.  I had pictured Haymitch as old and feeble.  I'm not sure why.  But no problem.  Haymitch's character was a little different than I imagined but was acted brilliantly.  I had to look up where I had seen that actor before--Cheers.  I never saw the show, but I had certainly seen the actor around.

I enjoyed the parts of the story that were not in the book.  I liked seeing "behind the scenes" during the Games.  It made things interesting.  And the love triangle was more pronounced.  I have just begun the second book, and there were parts that were alluded to in the movie that do not appear in the first book.  I found that interesting as well.

While it is true that you can enjoy the movie without having read the book, there are things that will not make sense.  You may wonder why some kids have their names in the lottery so many times.  You may wonder about the creatures--I wish they had focused on that a little more because I think it would have been much more chilling.  You may wonder about Catniss's family.  And what happened to the mayor and his daughter?
(See, I honestly gave no spoilers.  Those who have read the book fully understand!)

As to the rating, PG-13 is entirely appropriate.  There was a family there who brought a girl my daughter's age--8--but I do not feel that was appropriate.  There is no sex, and the language is very mild.  While the violence is not overly graphic, it is intense.  And I seriously doubt that a child who is not at least 12 would honestly not understand it.  My daughter would have nightmares if she saw it, I am sure.  This is a teenager/adult film.

As to the moral message of the film, it is outstanding.  Be willing to stand up for who you really are--do not compromise.  Good will triumph over evil.  Family is a top priority.  Don't let people change you.  Money does not buy happiness.

If you would like more information, be sure to check out the website here.  After this weekend, you should have no problem getting tickets!

Music Monday--Some Random Music Videos

Well, I should be doing a CD review.  I do have a couple waiting in the wings, but I decided I didn't feel like it.  I happened to check out Taylor Swift's new music video featuring a song from the upcoming film The Hunger Games. Martin did not like it all that well, he told me. And I didn't when I first heard it.  But now that I have watched the video, I can appreciate the significance of it.  And she looks really good.  Her voice is different, and I am going to post it here.  Enjoy!

Safe & Sound - New Broadcast Version/Closed-Captioned/The Hunger Games: Songs From District 12 And Beyond

Taylor Swift | Myspace Music Videos

Moving on, there has been a country song that I heard a couple months ago, I think, that I loved the first time I heard it. I had been meaning to look up the video, but I just didn't think about it.  Dierks Bentley is not someone I really tend to like.  He has a big head, and most of his songs do not resonate with me.  But once in a while, he releases a song that just captures something within me.  And his current single Home does just that for me.  If you don't like country, still give this one a try.  I think that if you are an American, this will remind you of why you are proud to be one.



And finally, this weekend, I overheard that Lauren Alaina (whom I knew was touring with Jason Aldean) sings Don't You Wanna Stay with him in the concert.  This is in lieu of Kelly Clarkson.  Now, while I cannot say that she is the absolute best fit for this song, I think that she is in the process of making it her own.  I would like to see her even do more with it.  And the redneck girl they have to escort off the stage in this video is pretty interesting.  Enjoy!

Well-Spoken Wednesday--Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Book Review

Summary from goodreads: Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun... 


In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. 
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was hesitant about reading this book for well over a year because I was so certain I would not like it.  It did not seem like "my kind" of book.  But I read a number of reviews by book reviewers that I trusted, and I figured the time had come to read it when I happened to win a copy of it.  And with the upcoming film, I knew it was now or never.


From the very beginning, I was drawn into this book like I very rarely am drawn into books.  The writing style was impeccable, and the characters were incredibly well-crafted. It was also frightening when I realized that what was being spoken of could actually happen some time in the future.


I found that I repeatedly forgot where I was as I read (even when I was subbing in a classroom of students), and all I wanted to do was read this book and nothing else.  I found myself thinking about the main characters and wanting to know what would happen in the story.  I wanted to believe that the author would not allow the unthinkable to happen, but I wasn't sure.  And I will tell you that the book does not end how you would like it to end, but it ends the way it should.  If the author had chosen to end it differently, I don't think I would even be considering reading another book in the series.  I wouldn't even think about it being part of a series.


I am absolutely "taken" with Suzanne Collins. She is one of the best authors I have read in recent times.  I appreciate the fact that there was almost no profanity of any kind (only one word that I recall, and it was not even that bad).  There is no sex (go figure--a YA book with no sex!).  And she knows exactly how to keep you guessing.  Although the science fiction, futuristic elements are there, everything makes sense. You aren't left wondering why thus and such happened--you know why!  The action was mesmerizing, and the unexpected love story was absolute genius!  She even has a sense of humor that comes out at exactly the right time.


This is a book that I can unequivocally recommend to anyone who enjoys reading fiction.  It makes no difference if you like historical fiction, romance, science fiction, action, or an genre!  This should be at the top of your TBR list if you have not read it!


One other thing I would like to add is to thank the author for such a positive message for young people (and everyone)even when dealing with such a dark topic.  And the message is resonating with young people.  As I read the book, I was asked by so many teenagers about the book.  Many had read it and said how much they liked it.  It is good to see an author write about a character who stayed true to what she believed and did not forsake her morals.  She didn't let anyone change her!  Thank you, Katniss!

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About the Author 

from http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/bio.htm

Since 1991, Suzanne Collins has been busy writing for children’s television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains it All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. For preschool viewers, she penned multiple stories for the Emmy-nominated Little Bear andOswald. She also co-wrote the critically acclaimed Rankin/​Bass Christmas special,Santa, Baby! Most recently she was the Head Writer for Scholastic Entertainment’s Clifford’s Puppy Days.

While working on a Kids WB show called Generation O! she met children’s author James Proimos, who talked her into giving children’s books a try.

Thinking one day about Alice in Wonderland, she was struck by how pastoral the setting must seem to kids who, like her own, lived in urban surroundings. In New York City, you’re much more likely to fall down a manhole than a rabbit hole and, if you do, you’re not going to find a tea party. What you might find...? Well, that’s the story of Gregor the Overlander, the first book in her five-part fantasy/​war series,The Underland Chronicles.

At present, Suzanne is hard at work on the third book in her sci-fi series, The Hunger Games. (she's finished, actually!)

She currently lives in Connecticut with her family and a pair of feral kittens they adopted from their backyard.

Most of you know that a movie will be coming out soon based on the movie--the author herself adapted the novel for film.  

All I can say is that if you have not read the book and you plan to see the movie, please read the book first!  The trailer is very accurate.  It was something to see scenes from the book come to life!  And to think I nearly did not read this book.  What must I have been thinking?

Hunger Games Review (Guest Post)

Review: The Hunger Games

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: Scholastic Inc., 2009

Synopsys: The story begins at an unknown future time in the area that used to be North America. This country, now called Panem, consists of twelve districts and the governing city, The Capitol. In this time, humanity has taken a turn for the worse, and most of the districts starve while those lucky enough to be born in the Capitol live a life of luxury.

Long before the beginning of the book, this world was at war. A now destroyed 13^th district rebelled against the Capitol, and suffered an excruciating loss. To remind the citizens of Panem of this defeat, and to make sure this kind of rebellion doesn’t happen again, the Capitol came up with the Hunger Games.

Each year, the Capitol requires two youths from each district, one boy and one girl between ages 12 and 18, to be sent to the Hunger Games. They are chosen randomly through a lottery. Once they are in the Hunger Games arena, they must all fight to the death on national television. The last child standing will have a life of luxury within their district.

We meet our heroine, Katniss Everdeen, on the day of the lottery. She is a strong, avid hunter, and must feed her family with the illegal game she kills in the forest. She lives in possibly the most impoverished district of all. District 12 is in a harsh, cold region of the country, and most of the citizens make what little money they can in the coal mines.

Katniss is very passionate and truly hates the Capitol, but she is very careful not to draw attention to herself or her family, whom she cares about very much. She is shocked to hear that her sister, Prim, is drawn to take part in the Hunger Games. With very little hesitation, Katniss jumps forward and volunteers to take her sister’s place.

My Thoughts: My mother was actually the one who told me to read this book. She knew I enjoyed authors like Stephanie Meyer and J. K. Rowling, but I found it odd that she would read something I would like as well. (She would rather read Pride and Prejudice or To Kill a Mocking Bird a thousand times than read something like Twilight.)  So you can see why I would be a little skeptical when she took me to the book store specifically to get this book. I picked it up, read the first two pages, and was hooked.

Collins drew me into this future world that isn’t so hard to imagine. She finds a way to keep you reading “just one more chapter,” and then another, and another, until hours later you find the book is finished. Katniss is one of the strongest female lead characters I have ever read about, and the plot continues to surprise until the very end.

This book could easily be enjoyed by boys and girls of all ages. Usually, novels are characterized by gender based on the lead character or subject of the book, but The Hunger Games throws a wrench in that stereotype. There is a female lead, but there is also a male lead that comes into play. The book is about hunting, fishing, and survival, but there is also love, romance, and even fashion.

The basic plot, as I have said, is that a bunch of teenagers are going to kill each other and there’s some romance in the story line (though very little), but I’d say that Collins kept her writing fairly appropriate, given the circumstances. The only time she gets a little out of line is in the final death scene. There are quite a few gruesome details to deal with, so parents should be aware before allowing their children to read.

The Hunger Games is incredibly well written and the characters and the world they live in become more real as you read. I have recommended this book to everyone I know, and I urge you to read it as well. Only one piece of advice: make sure you have a few hours to kill before you start.

Amy Young is an author who works for a financial education company. This business strives to educate those in need with websites that encourage proper financial habits.