Again it seems as though I've ignored this blog, turned it away as I move through book after book. This month it's simply that I've yet to read a book that's caused me to scream YES READ THIS!!! Mostly the books of July have disappointed me, leaving me wanting more. I may blog about the trilogy I'm planning to finish tonight. Only time will tell.
I have five books next to me, calling out my name, and plan to do an eight week Harry Potter reread. I'd hoped to start on August first, but I may hold out until September.
The question is, if none of these books impress me over the next few days, what will I recommend for July?
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Best of June
I've been lagging on posting this for over a week now. Not for any logical reason, like I've been torn on what books to recommend. No, while there were personal debates, these were solved while driving to work. In those moments where I was quietly alone, and able to contemplate. Rather the very task of putting fingers to keys seemed out of my reach. I'd like to blame the new kitten, a less than three month old black and white ball of energy, who is obsessed with my laptop and likes to pounce while I type.
In truth though, it's been my own general laziness that has kept me from blogging. A pathetic realization, but the truth nonetheless.
I've decided to close each month with a recommendation or two from the month. In June I was blessed to read quite a few good books (as well as some lesser offerings that I did not blog about).
My first recommendation is without a doubt I Am The Messenger. This book was a fantastic read, and I wanted to reread it almost immediately. Markus Zusak is a fascinating writer, with a style all his own. This book was easy to devour.
My second recommendation is what I debated on for a while. Initially I planned to have a longer list, but I realized that's silly. I've already blogged about the books I enjoyed the most. The question then became, which book from June would I most like to pass on to you, my friends? After a lot of thought, I went with the charming A Vintage Affair. This book combined a love of clothes, with stories about learning to love, and learning to let go. While it wasn't flawless, it was an enjoyable read with a lot of heart.
July has gotten to a slow start. The books have yet to draw me in the way that June's books did. Still, I am reading constantly, and that's what matters.
What books have you read recently that you recommend?
In truth though, it's been my own general laziness that has kept me from blogging. A pathetic realization, but the truth nonetheless.
I've decided to close each month with a recommendation or two from the month. In June I was blessed to read quite a few good books (as well as some lesser offerings that I did not blog about).
My first recommendation is without a doubt I Am The Messenger. This book was a fantastic read, and I wanted to reread it almost immediately. Markus Zusak is a fascinating writer, with a style all his own. This book was easy to devour.
My second recommendation is what I debated on for a while. Initially I planned to have a longer list, but I realized that's silly. I've already blogged about the books I enjoyed the most. The question then became, which book from June would I most like to pass on to you, my friends? After a lot of thought, I went with the charming A Vintage Affair. This book combined a love of clothes, with stories about learning to love, and learning to let go. While it wasn't flawless, it was an enjoyable read with a lot of heart.
July has gotten to a slow start. The books have yet to draw me in the way that June's books did. Still, I am reading constantly, and that's what matters.
What books have you read recently that you recommend?
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Pacing
I've read quite a few books over the past few weeks. With most television programs in hiatus, I find myself reading even more than usual. And lately I've been thinking a lot about the pacing of a book. When does a book move too quickly? When does it move too slow? And, in truth, I'm not sure there's a set answer.
There are some books where the plot moves quickly (such as the recently adored A Vintage Affair), and it works well for the book. The main character still gets properly developed, and I never wonder exactly how we got from point A to point B. Even as the plot moves, I'm inside the character's head.
In others, such as the one I'm reading now, each chapter moves the plot along at almost an alarming speed. In one chapter we learn that the character suffers from bipolar disorder, within thirty pages he's checked into a mental hospital, and is out again two short chapters later. And I'm not even at the 100 page mark! It's too soon to judge if this is a flaw in the book, but based on previous experiences, I believe that it is.
One of the worst books I've read in recent history suffered from a rapidly moving plot. Within the twenty pages (of a 300+ page book) the main character broke off her engagement, and never thought about it again. Instead she met new characters, started a new life, and didn't seem to remember that she broke up with someone the day of her wedding. A reader who came into the book at chapter fifteen couldn't even talk with someone who was on chapter three. Too much happened on each page, with little characterization to accompany the plot.
On the flip side, sometimes plots just drag on forever. Another book I read recently, a very well written book, suffered from this issue. Each chapter felt like a chore, because in the end nothing happened other than the character thinking deep thoughts while pouring a glass of juice. In the next chapter, they'd think the same thoughts, while putting up their curtains. It was tiring to read.
In short, I'm not sure what exactly is my pace preference. I like the plot to move at a steady rate, but I also like the characters to stop and think every once and a while. I like my characters to be introspective, and taking action.
What do you prefer? Do you like books where the plot is changing on every page? Do you prefer introspective books where little happens, but the character study is remarkable? Or, like me, are you a fan of something in the middle, making it difficult at times to find the right book?
There are some books where the plot moves quickly (such as the recently adored A Vintage Affair), and it works well for the book. The main character still gets properly developed, and I never wonder exactly how we got from point A to point B. Even as the plot moves, I'm inside the character's head.
In others, such as the one I'm reading now, each chapter moves the plot along at almost an alarming speed. In one chapter we learn that the character suffers from bipolar disorder, within thirty pages he's checked into a mental hospital, and is out again two short chapters later. And I'm not even at the 100 page mark! It's too soon to judge if this is a flaw in the book, but based on previous experiences, I believe that it is.
One of the worst books I've read in recent history suffered from a rapidly moving plot. Within the twenty pages (of a 300+ page book) the main character broke off her engagement, and never thought about it again. Instead she met new characters, started a new life, and didn't seem to remember that she broke up with someone the day of her wedding. A reader who came into the book at chapter fifteen couldn't even talk with someone who was on chapter three. Too much happened on each page, with little characterization to accompany the plot.
On the flip side, sometimes plots just drag on forever. Another book I read recently, a very well written book, suffered from this issue. Each chapter felt like a chore, because in the end nothing happened other than the character thinking deep thoughts while pouring a glass of juice. In the next chapter, they'd think the same thoughts, while putting up their curtains. It was tiring to read.
In short, I'm not sure what exactly is my pace preference. I like the plot to move at a steady rate, but I also like the characters to stop and think every once and a while. I like my characters to be introspective, and taking action.
What do you prefer? Do you like books where the plot is changing on every page? Do you prefer introspective books where little happens, but the character study is remarkable? Or, like me, are you a fan of something in the middle, making it difficult at times to find the right book?
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Imperfectionists
I mentioned in another post that sometimes I like to give myself some time before reviewing a book. I wasn't always this way. In my blog's previous life I tried to post my review immediately, hoping to document my point of view before I grew tainted by the reviews of others. But I've found that some books need to age, and that sometimes my initial reaction doesn't accurately describe how I feel about the book.
A few days ago I finished The Imperfectionists, by Tom Rachman. This book features not one overall story, but rather a series of short stories involving characters connected to a foreign English language newspaper. The stories are connected, as the characters are all connected to one another, but each one works as a stand alone.
If I had to think of a way to describe this book, it would be disillusionment. Each character faces their own example of disillusionment. In the final segment, I feel that the one most disillusioned was myself. More than the other dark stories, that one shattered my faith in the characters. In the world Rachman created.
I think my favorite story was an earlier piece, about an older gentleman and his boyhood friend. He thinks the world of his boyhood friend, and expects great things from him. He still idealizes the friend, using the rose colored glasses that only our oldest friends wear.
Why disillusionment, I wonder. Is it reflective of the life of a journalist? One who goes into the business because of a love of news, only to discover how unstable a business it is these days? Or, is the theme of disillusionment more personal? Is it simply the disillusionment we all face at a certain point in our lives? Is it inevitable for something to shake us to our core?
Unlike critics, I'm not sure that I'll be rereading this. Not because I disliked it - it was very well done - but rather because parts are a bit too painful, and Rachman's gift is that he can bring the pain to life.
Needless to say, I followed this book up with latest offering in Vampire romance, and have next to me what appears to be the epitome of a summer read. Only time will tell.
A few days ago I finished The Imperfectionists, by Tom Rachman. This book features not one overall story, but rather a series of short stories involving characters connected to a foreign English language newspaper. The stories are connected, as the characters are all connected to one another, but each one works as a stand alone.
If I had to think of a way to describe this book, it would be disillusionment. Each character faces their own example of disillusionment. In the final segment, I feel that the one most disillusioned was myself. More than the other dark stories, that one shattered my faith in the characters. In the world Rachman created.
I think my favorite story was an earlier piece, about an older gentleman and his boyhood friend. He thinks the world of his boyhood friend, and expects great things from him. He still idealizes the friend, using the rose colored glasses that only our oldest friends wear.
Why disillusionment, I wonder. Is it reflective of the life of a journalist? One who goes into the business because of a love of news, only to discover how unstable a business it is these days? Or, is the theme of disillusionment more personal? Is it simply the disillusionment we all face at a certain point in our lives? Is it inevitable for something to shake us to our core?
Unlike critics, I'm not sure that I'll be rereading this. Not because I disliked it - it was very well done - but rather because parts are a bit too painful, and Rachman's gift is that he can bring the pain to life.
Needless to say, I followed this book up with latest offering in Vampire romance, and have next to me what appears to be the epitome of a summer read. Only time will tell.
Friday, June 24, 2011
My family knows me well
For my 30th birthday last month, I received quite a few gift cards for bookstores. It looks like even the Amazon gift cards will be going toward books. So far I've been staggering the cards out, buying a pile of books then burning through them before purchasing the next pile. Today I went on a bit of a binge, and purchased four more books.
What items do you binge on? Clothes? Make-up? Music? What store can you always find something to spend money on?
What items do you binge on? Clothes? Make-up? Music? What store can you always find something to spend money on?
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
A question
In one of the books I'm currently reading (The Imperfectionists) there's a reference to a character's speed of reading. The character mentions reading 80 pages before going to make dinner. It includes the statement that the character is a fast reader.
The problem is that I myself am apparently a fast reader. I didn't think anything of one reading 80 pages before making dinner. That seemed completely normal to me.
So I ask you, when someone says they read 80 pages, how long do you expect that to take? What is your average reading speed?
My general rule of thumb is about a page a minute, though it can be more or less based on the book I'm reading.
The problem is that I myself am apparently a fast reader. I didn't think anything of one reading 80 pages before making dinner. That seemed completely normal to me.
So I ask you, when someone says they read 80 pages, how long do you expect that to take? What is your average reading speed?
My general rule of thumb is about a page a minute, though it can be more or less based on the book I'm reading.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
A Vintage Affair
Often I read a book and think wow, I'd love to write something like this. Sometimes though, my reaction is a bit different. I love the book, and am completely swept away, but I realize that there's no way I could have written anything like it. This was the experience I had with A Vintage Affair.
This book, which had far more heart than I was expecting, thrives in large part because of the author's obvious love for vintage clothing. The core of this book is the idea that vintage clothing has a story. One character, for example, talks about the coat she wore when she danced with Sean Connery.
The protagonist, Phoebe Swift, opens a vintage clothing store, and the book follows the first year of the shop. Over the 300 page novel we learn why she opened the store, her own history, and the history of other women around her. This book is touching, and has quite a few story arcs, all connected to the different types of relationships that one has in their lifetime. Friendships, romantic relationships, and family are all covered in this book. This was a huge draw for me; so many books only focus on one core relationship.
Books like this remind me why I love to read. I know little of vintage clothes. Even after reading the book, I'm not likely to study vintage clothing. But, I have a new appreciation for the spirit of vintage clothes. I appreciate the idea that vintage clothes come with a history, and it compels me to go out and find a vintage piece of my own.
I love books (and plays) where it's obviously a passion project. Where the author writes about what they love, and finds a way to make it fascinating for those unfamiliar with the subject.
If you like your chick-lit with a side historical perspective, and a nice helping of secondary characters, then I recommend this book.
This book, which had far more heart than I was expecting, thrives in large part because of the author's obvious love for vintage clothing. The core of this book is the idea that vintage clothing has a story. One character, for example, talks about the coat she wore when she danced with Sean Connery.
The protagonist, Phoebe Swift, opens a vintage clothing store, and the book follows the first year of the shop. Over the 300 page novel we learn why she opened the store, her own history, and the history of other women around her. This book is touching, and has quite a few story arcs, all connected to the different types of relationships that one has in their lifetime. Friendships, romantic relationships, and family are all covered in this book. This was a huge draw for me; so many books only focus on one core relationship.
Books like this remind me why I love to read. I know little of vintage clothes. Even after reading the book, I'm not likely to study vintage clothing. But, I have a new appreciation for the spirit of vintage clothes. I appreciate the idea that vintage clothes come with a history, and it compels me to go out and find a vintage piece of my own.
I love books (and plays) where it's obviously a passion project. Where the author writes about what they love, and finds a way to make it fascinating for those unfamiliar with the subject.
If you like your chick-lit with a side historical perspective, and a nice helping of secondary characters, then I recommend this book.
Monday, June 20, 2011
I am the Messenger
Sometimes when I finish a particularly good book, I give myself a few days before reviewing it. It's as though I can't put into words what I loved, or why I loved it; I just know that it was spectacular.
I had that experience with the book I finished this weekend, I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. I'd previously read The Book Thief by Zusak and was blown away. (I realize the phrase might not be appropriate for a WWII novel, but it remains an apt description for my reaction to that novel). The Book Thief is a beautiful, and horrific read that I recommend to anyone.
I obviously must be a fan of Zusak, because the moment I finished I am the Messenger (which I devoured), I just wanted to contact all of my book loving friends to tell them they must read this book. It was amazing, simply amazing.
I am the Messenger features a young adult (19) who is at that stage I remember well. When life is just sort of there, and you live it, but never really experience it. When the future is just an abstract concept. And our main character, Ed, is thrown a curveball. Suddenly he is making a difference in other people's lives.
If you love to read (and why are you reading my reading blog if you don't?) check out either of these books. Both are among the best I've read in a long while.
But, a fair warning before I sign off. Zusak's writing style can be a little unorthodox at times. Here is a excerpt from the 10th page of my American paperback edition.
I'm standing at the Ford's window.
I have the gun pointed at his eyes.
He stops.
We both do.
It took some getting used to when I read The Book Thief, but by the time I go to I am the Messenger, I hardly noticed.
I had that experience with the book I finished this weekend, I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. I'd previously read The Book Thief by Zusak and was blown away. (I realize the phrase might not be appropriate for a WWII novel, but it remains an apt description for my reaction to that novel). The Book Thief is a beautiful, and horrific read that I recommend to anyone.
I obviously must be a fan of Zusak, because the moment I finished I am the Messenger (which I devoured), I just wanted to contact all of my book loving friends to tell them they must read this book. It was amazing, simply amazing.
I am the Messenger features a young adult (19) who is at that stage I remember well. When life is just sort of there, and you live it, but never really experience it. When the future is just an abstract concept. And our main character, Ed, is thrown a curveball. Suddenly he is making a difference in other people's lives.
If you love to read (and why are you reading my reading blog if you don't?) check out either of these books. Both are among the best I've read in a long while.
But, a fair warning before I sign off. Zusak's writing style can be a little unorthodox at times. Here is a excerpt from the 10th page of my American paperback edition.
I'm standing at the Ford's window.
I have the gun pointed at his eyes.
He stops.
We both do.
It took some getting used to when I read The Book Thief, but by the time I go to I am the Messenger, I hardly noticed.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Somehow I'm only in the middle of one book. This hasn't happened for a while, not since I started carrying books around for different purposes. There's the purse book, the fun book, the before bed book, and the gym book. Often the fun book takes over the before bed book, so I tend to be reading three books at any given point in time (though sometimes one is a reread).
My current purse book, which I haven't started is Hollywood Babylon, the National Enquirer of the silent film set. This seems, to me, like a perfect purse book.
My current gym book, the one I've actually started, is My Fair Lazy, by the hilarious Jen Lancaster. Her books are perfect for working out, because they're great page turners that keep my spirits up. Good books also inspire me to work out more, because I want to keep reading the book! For a bookworm like me, this is the ultimate inspiration.
I'm not sure which book I'll start next. I have a pile of candidates, some that were recommended, others I grabbed on a whim. But whatever I choose, I'll likely be blogging about it soon.
My current purse book, which I haven't started is Hollywood Babylon, the National Enquirer of the silent film set. This seems, to me, like a perfect purse book.
My current gym book, the one I've actually started, is My Fair Lazy, by the hilarious Jen Lancaster. Her books are perfect for working out, because they're great page turners that keep my spirits up. Good books also inspire me to work out more, because I want to keep reading the book! For a bookworm like me, this is the ultimate inspiration.
I'm not sure which book I'll start next. I have a pile of candidates, some that were recommended, others I grabbed on a whim. But whatever I choose, I'll likely be blogging about it soon.
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Alchemist
I had the fortune yesterday evening to finally finish The Alchemist, a beautiful fable by Paulo Coelho. I've been reading this book for a while, keeping it in my purse to read when I had time to spare. I read this book in waiting rooms, at the salon, as I got my oil changed, at the spa, I may have even read a few pages in line at Disneyland. And often I found myself not as invested in the book as I'd like.
As I read the book, I wondered why it was so widely loved. Why was this book a best seller?
Then, as I read the last words, a smile formed on my lips and I realized what made this book so remarkable.
This is not the only book that I've had this reaction to. Life of Pi lost me during my initial reading, but won me over in the final pages. I think, with books like these two, it's not the story itself, but rather the very questions it raises in your soul.
In the introduction to the book, Coelho discusses the importance of seeking our personal legend. The story reinforces this, and while at times I felt a disconnect from Santiago's journey, I never felt disconnected from his desire.
I consider myself a fairly spiritual person, someone who is constantly questioning the world around me and reading the signs thrown my way. The Alchemist has me thinking about my own life, and hoping that my own personal legend will show itself to me.
For this ability to keep my mind racing, The Alchemist is worth a read, and definitely deserves it's distinction as a best seller. As a purse read, a book to suck me in when the world around me isn't quite so interesting, I could have chosen something a bit different. I think this book would have done better as a single day read.
Still, despite my lackluster reaction during the process, I highly recommend this work.
As I read the book, I wondered why it was so widely loved. Why was this book a best seller?
Then, as I read the last words, a smile formed on my lips and I realized what made this book so remarkable.
This is not the only book that I've had this reaction to. Life of Pi lost me during my initial reading, but won me over in the final pages. I think, with books like these two, it's not the story itself, but rather the very questions it raises in your soul.
In the introduction to the book, Coelho discusses the importance of seeking our personal legend. The story reinforces this, and while at times I felt a disconnect from Santiago's journey, I never felt disconnected from his desire.
I consider myself a fairly spiritual person, someone who is constantly questioning the world around me and reading the signs thrown my way. The Alchemist has me thinking about my own life, and hoping that my own personal legend will show itself to me.
For this ability to keep my mind racing, The Alchemist is worth a read, and definitely deserves it's distinction as a best seller. As a purse read, a book to suck me in when the world around me isn't quite so interesting, I could have chosen something a bit different. I think this book would have done better as a single day read.
Still, despite my lackluster reaction during the process, I highly recommend this work.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Sookie Stackhouse
Recently I tore through the bulk of the Sookie Stackhouse series. These books by Charlaine Harris are the basis for the HBO series True Blood, as well as favorites among many of my friends. I resisted these books, but for I believed good reasons. I watched half a season of the HBO series and couldn't get invested. I'd heard that the books were overly sexual, and I prefer my sex a little less explicit. I'm very hit or miss on vampire fiction as a genre, and I'd heard reviews that led me to believe I wouldn't fall easily into the world Harris created.
And while I'm not in love with this series like so many I know, the thing I enjoy the most is the world that Harris created. In the first book I was intrigued not by our main characters (in fact I wanted to punch Vampire Bill in the face), but the idea that vampire's were out, and what that meant to their society. A friend lent me the first 10 books, and to my surprise, the world got more detailed, the sex became less frequent, and Vampire Bill faded into the world of background characters.
I love authors who create a new world for the reader to fall into. This is why I fell so deeply into the Harry Potter series. I also love that Harris does not shy away from killing characters off. There are a handful I don't believe that she'd kill, but I'm glad that the ones who do go are usually those we've met in previous books.
I can see why so many people love this series. It truly does blend a variety of genres together, and works in appealing to fans of all types. Different readers can find different aspects of the series to love. I personally appreciate the mythology of the series, and the darkness of an adult vampire tale. I do however wish there was more complexity in character relationships, particularly those of the non romantic nature. Sookie and her brother Jason interest me far more than Sookie and her middle of the series boyfriend.
These books will never make my top ten lists. I do appreciate them more than the Anita Blake novels, which burned me on adult supernatural fiction for many years. But the Sookie Stackhouse novels do provide a fun, quick read, and open up an entire world of possibilities.
And while I'm not in love with this series like so many I know, the thing I enjoy the most is the world that Harris created. In the first book I was intrigued not by our main characters (in fact I wanted to punch Vampire Bill in the face), but the idea that vampire's were out, and what that meant to their society. A friend lent me the first 10 books, and to my surprise, the world got more detailed, the sex became less frequent, and Vampire Bill faded into the world of background characters.
I love authors who create a new world for the reader to fall into. This is why I fell so deeply into the Harry Potter series. I also love that Harris does not shy away from killing characters off. There are a handful I don't believe that she'd kill, but I'm glad that the ones who do go are usually those we've met in previous books.
I can see why so many people love this series. It truly does blend a variety of genres together, and works in appealing to fans of all types. Different readers can find different aspects of the series to love. I personally appreciate the mythology of the series, and the darkness of an adult vampire tale. I do however wish there was more complexity in character relationships, particularly those of the non romantic nature. Sookie and her brother Jason interest me far more than Sookie and her middle of the series boyfriend.
These books will never make my top ten lists. I do appreciate them more than the Anita Blake novels, which burned me on adult supernatural fiction for many years. But the Sookie Stackhouse novels do provide a fun, quick read, and open up an entire world of possibilities.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Hunger Games trilogy
It seems only fitting to start this blog off with perhaps the best books that I read in 2010. Those are The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins.
First of all, if you haven't read them, do yourself a favor and go get yourself a copy of The Hunger Games. Go ahead. My blog will still be here when you get back, and it will make a lot more sense after you've read the first book. Do it.
I was very resistant to this series. I've been burned by recommendations before. It didn't matter how many people said "this series is AMAZING," I was hesitant. I didn't want to read these books and be like yeah, sure those were great, really. I resisted until the first book was in my hands, and I had few other options for entertainment.
I was hooked by the first chapter. Those of you who know me well might find this surprising. One of the first things our main character talks about is how she wishes to kill a cat. I, meanwhile, have a facebook for one cat, and recently rescued a tiny kitten. If there's anything that's likely to turn me against a character, it's cruelty to animals. I'm not alone in this, if the online reaction to Game of Thrones is any indication.
But the thing about these books, and one of the things that truly endears me to them, is that Collins isn't afraid to go dark. People die. Good people. Characters you grow to love will not survive the series, and many who do survive are not the same as they were when you started.
In a lot of books, I feel cheated. I feel that while the stakes are high, they never reach their full potential.
The Hunger Games trilogy manages to surpass that potential, and gives readers a tragic, and oddly beautiful story.
The characters are true to themselves, sometimes painfully so. There are times when I wasn't sure if I wanted to slap Katniss, or give her a hug. But her decisions all made sense within her personality, and as a character she never strayed for the sake of plot. Collins wasn't afraid to make her lead character unlikeable, something I admire in an author.
Have you read the first book yet?
First of all, if you haven't read them, do yourself a favor and go get yourself a copy of The Hunger Games. Go ahead. My blog will still be here when you get back, and it will make a lot more sense after you've read the first book. Do it.
I was very resistant to this series. I've been burned by recommendations before. It didn't matter how many people said "this series is AMAZING," I was hesitant. I didn't want to read these books and be like yeah, sure those were great, really. I resisted until the first book was in my hands, and I had few other options for entertainment.
I was hooked by the first chapter. Those of you who know me well might find this surprising. One of the first things our main character talks about is how she wishes to kill a cat. I, meanwhile, have a facebook for one cat, and recently rescued a tiny kitten. If there's anything that's likely to turn me against a character, it's cruelty to animals. I'm not alone in this, if the online reaction to Game of Thrones is any indication.
But the thing about these books, and one of the things that truly endears me to them, is that Collins isn't afraid to go dark. People die. Good people. Characters you grow to love will not survive the series, and many who do survive are not the same as they were when you started.
In a lot of books, I feel cheated. I feel that while the stakes are high, they never reach their full potential.
The Hunger Games trilogy manages to surpass that potential, and gives readers a tragic, and oddly beautiful story.
The characters are true to themselves, sometimes painfully so. There are times when I wasn't sure if I wanted to slap Katniss, or give her a hug. But her decisions all made sense within her personality, and as a character she never strayed for the sake of plot. Collins wasn't afraid to make her lead character unlikeable, something I admire in an author.
Have you read the first book yet?
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