"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

I hate to say it, but I was a little disapointed by Suzanne Collins' Mockingjay.  I guess after all the hype and my enthusiasm over The Hunger Games and  Catching Fire, I was expecting a grand, over-the-top, epic conclusion.  Unfortunately I felt that it fell a little flat.

Revolution is taking place in every corner of Panem.  Katniss has taken on the role of the Mockingjay, the face of the rebellion.  We still get to see Katniss' kick-butt attitude and fire, but I feel that her character isn't as strong this time around.  It seems that she spends a little bit too much time not doing anything to avenge the lives lost in District 12 and a little bit too much time being made up to be on television.

Even though I felt that this was a bit of a let-down after the amazingness of the first two books, it is still a worthy read.  There were moments that I found myself cheering for Katniss- especially during one particular scene at the end (I can't give it away, but it was awesome!).  And though this was not my favorite of the series, I still recommend it to readers.  It would be impossible to try to read the first two books and not finish the series.  I can almost guarantee that once you start this series, it will take only a matter of days to power through it.  It is a fast paced journey that you won't soon forget.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

I think I sometimes jump on the bandwagon for popular books a little late and this was no exception.  Boy, was I missing out.  I had little desire to read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins until I saw the trailer for the upcoming movie last week.  Waiting was a mistake.  This book is AMAZING!  From the very beginning I was on the edge of my seat and could barely put the book down (there are not many books that I stay up late and wake up early to read).  It is magnificent!

If you are in the very small percentage of book nerds that hasn't read The Hunger Games let me clue you in.  Katniss lives in a world very different from our own.  To remind the citizens of what used to be North America of the mistakes made in the nation's history, each of the 12 districts must give up one young woman and one young man to compete in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death where one will live and twenty-three will die.  When Katniss' sister is selected as tribute for District 12, Katniss selflessly volunteers to take her place.  She then enters a world even stranger than the one she left, a world where people horribly change their appearance to appear beautiful, feast on wonderful foods everyday, and take pleasure in the deaths of children.

I have read many reviews referring to Katniss as the anti-Bella.  There is no better description for our heroine.  She is a wonderful role model for girls- powerful, brave, and self sufficient only a few words that I feel accurately describe her.  This book has action, romance, fantasy and can appeal to all readers, both male and female.  If you haven't read this yet, trust me, you are missing out!  Get a copy, read, and enjoy!

Happy Reading!
-Melly