Book Review: The Hunger Games Series

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay

By: Suzanne Collins

Finished the Series: 2/8/12

I was a little skeptical about reading this series.  Other than HP, I usually don't get into the series with a big hype because they're usually a let down (ahem Twilight).   I ended up really enjoying the first two books.  I generally like stories which involve dystopian societies and I really liked the world she put together, it was definitely an interesting idea.  I thought the Hunger Games was a thrilling and suspenseful book and it really kept me interested.  Catching Fire was definitely not what I was expecting but I really liked the idea of the arena in that book, but I figured it was mostly a "transition" book.  However, I really didn't like Mockingjay much.  I wasn't a fan of the ending and I feel like it ended so abruptly.  I feel like Katniss had minimal involvement in the battles and therefore, we didn't get much detail on what was happening.  I really didn't like who Katniss had become, it seems as though she lost all her strength and determination.  Also, there is one death that I think was supposed to have a big impact, but I wasn't feeling it because the character wasn't a huge part in the story at all and the execution of it left much to be desired.  I just found it to be really anti-climatic and disappointing.  Of all of the books, I like the first one the best.  I feel like that is where all of the characters are their best and it's definitely the most entertaining and fast-paced book of the series. 

I would recommend this series but just don't go into it with the high hopes that I had.  It's definitely not bad, but I think the ending kind of ruined it for me. 

I gave Hunger Games a 5/5

I gave Catching Fire a 4/5 

and I gave Mockingjay a 3/5

on my GoodReads

Book Club Friday: Mystic River

Mystic River

By: Dennis Lehane

Read: 6/12/2012

Pages: 448

"When they were children, Sean Devine, Jimmy Marcus, and Dave Boyle were friends. But then a strange car pulled up to their street. One boy got into the car, two did not, and something terrible happened --- something that ended their friendship and changed all three boys forever.

Now, years later, murder has tied their lives together again ..."
{GoodReads} 

Mystic River started out slow but when it picked up, it really picked up!  And the slow beginning was totally necessary to understanding the characters.  I had not seen the movie before reading the book so the mystery element of the book was there for me and I loved it!  I never would have guessed the outcome!   Also, I love the strong emotional connection between the three main characters.   I saw the movie afterwards and thought it was good but there is so much that goes on in the characters heads in the book that you really can't show it in the movie (especially Dave's character).   This is such a great psychological mystery and I highly recommend it.

I gave this book a 4/5 on my Goodreads 

Book Review: Fable

Fable

By: Chanda Hahn

Read: 1/3/14

Pages: 194 (nook)

"All that glitters is not gold.

When something precious is stolen from sixteen-year-old Mina Grime, she will do anything in her power to get it back, even if it means traveling to the dangerous Fae plane and battling one of the strongest fairy-tale villains yet.

However, nothing can prepare Mina for the dangerous obstacles she will face in the Fae world, or the choices she must make when love and life are on the line."
{GoodReads}

This is the third book in the Unenchanted series and I LOVE this series!   I loved this one just as much as the others!  I feel like Mina is growing more and becoming more independent in this book!  I also totally wasn't expecting the ending to this book, however, I feel like she set herself up for a great story for the next book.   The story was more fast paced than the other two and I really liked the Stiltskin story!  I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!  My only issue with this, as with the others, is horrible editing.  I found several spelling mistakes and grammar issues. 

I gave this book a 4/5 on GoodReads. 

*The first book is free on Nook and Kindle!  The second and third are no more than $3.00 on Nook! 

Wedding Wednesday: Lots of stuff

It is definitely time for some wedding updates!! We are currently 122 days from our wedding day! WHAT?!

The most exciting wedding news is that I have a dress!!! Annnd my sister has her maid of honor dress and my Mom and future MIL have both found their dresses.  Annnd one of my bridesmaids found hers!  annnnd today after training, I am going with Laurie to get her bridesmaids dress :)

Amy's - Mom's - Heathers.  Amy's dress is more the same color as mom's and Heathers and the rest of the bridesmaids will be wearing a lighter purple :)

I have 6 girls in my wedding party and 3 are out of state so we just decided to go separately for dresses.  The girls are all wearing different styles but they are the same color (DB Wisteria) and are all short dresses.  I love the ones my sister and Heather have picked!

Sunday (the 12th) my sister and I made the trip up to Davids Bridal in York, PA and met my Mom there (who was coming from her BF's house north of York).  The lady who helped us was fantastic!  I wasn't planning on doing a veil but after she put one on, I had to take it!  It also took a lot less time than I thought!  The dress I picked was the third one I tried on - I tried a few more after it just to be sure but kept going back to that one!

I am going to show the pictures of two of the dresses I didn't get but the first one is similar in style to the one I picked :) Also, don't mind my hair, I'd gone straight from working in a Kitchen all day.

The second one was just too much poof for me but I loved the top!

Also, our guest book arrived a few days before I went dress shopping so that was exciting :) I love it and it goes perfectly with our theme.  Here is the sample one shown on Etsy:

Annnnnd we got our invitations and reply cards - they arrived on Monday!  Also, I got the email that my dress came in on Monday, all it needs is a bustle  :)

 

I also got my garters a few months ago and can't remember if I posted the photos or not but here are the photos from Etsy.  Mine look exactly the same and I freakin love them!  and it gives me my something blue.

 So, this is what we have so far.  I have emailed a few places about hair and makeup and should have a trial in the coming weeks.  Also, we have been emailing about cupcakes and should be having a tasting soon!

Come back next Wednesday when I talk about the not-so-fun side of wedding planning. 

Devil's Den: Gettysburg, PA

Devil's Den is another of my favorite spots in Gettysburg.  As morbid as it may sound, it's fun to play on the rocks, however, this was definitely a bloody scene during the civil war.

Devils den is located just west of Little Round Top.   Devils den saw action on July 2, 1863 due to General Robert E. Lee's flank attacks, when Lieutenant General James Longstreet's confederate corps attacked the divisions of Major General Daniel Sickles' III Corps of the Army of the Potomac.
source

The Confederate's were victorious in this battle which left 800 union soldiers and 1800 confederate soldiers dead.

101 Quotes: Part One

One of my goals for the year was to make a list of 101 quotes that inspire me.  I'll be sharing these quotes randomly throughout the year.  Right now they are being kept on a private board in Pinterest, but once I finish them I'll make it public :)   Also, once I have chosen 101 quotes and shared them all with you, I plan to do a post on my top 10 and tell you why they are my top 10.  Enjoy!!

Book Club Friday: Allegiant

Allegiant

By: Veronica Roth

Read: 12/31/13

Pages: 329

"One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love."

{GoodReads}

 Veronica Roth ripped my heart out!  The end of the book was totally unexpected and absolutely heartbreaking.  I had to re-read it a few times to make sure I wasn't just really tired.  As much as it broke my heart, Veronica Roth wrote something realistic and ended the book with some finality which I really admire.  I really liked the message behind the book and just overall enjoyed it.  I think everyone should read this series.  I personally like it much better than Hunger Games, so if you liked Hunger Games, definitely try the Divergent series.

I gave this book a 5/5 on my GoodReads.