Owl Recommend (19)

Owl Recommend is a feature at Owl Read It where we try to help you find your next great read!!

I know, I read a lot of dystopians. I finally got around to Article 5 and it's pretty awesome! I can't wait for the rest of the series to come out!! I might have even liked it more than The Hunger Games!

Hunger Games Movie Review

So I finally got to go see the Hunger Games last night! My husband had been on night shift for the week so I had to wait in tortuous anticipation for his first night off. So, how did the movie compare? I'm always nervous when a movie comes out for a book that I really love. I hate to see a treasured story butchered. That was not the case for this one though :). I was very pleased with the movie! Of course, when you turn a book into a movie, a lot of details do get left out, but at a running time of 2.5 hours, they couldn't really squeeze any more in without  making it to long. Not that I wouldn't watch it if it was like 5 hours long, but of course, that's not a really great idea. So some stuff gets left out or skimmed over but even still, a lot of important events are captured very well. I will admit I was a little disappointed in the Rue scene, but that's most likely just because that was a major plot point for me when reading the story, it was still done well, I just expected it to be more heartbreaking. Reading it made me cry more than watching it =P. I think they did an excellent job for all of the casting! The most perfect castings, in my opinion, were Jennifer Lawrence for Katniss, Woody Harrelson for Haymitch, and Lenny Kravitz for Cinna. They were so spot on and just perfect! I think the acting over all was really well done! All of the characters were captured and portrayed really well! And it held pretty true to the story line from the book. Suzanne Collins herself had a lot to do with the making of the movie, so you know it should be good. I really like when the writer takes a huge part in their movie, or show productions. So to summarize, it's definitely worth going to see! I'll be watching it again for sure when it's released on DVD/BluRay, and most likely buying. And I usually don't buy movies. I think you will enjoy it whether you have read the book or not.  I know I already can't wait for movie #2!

The movie's success is pretty good proof of how good it is! It made it to #3 of all time for most money made on an opening weekend. It was succeeded by Deathly Hallows Pt2 and  The Dark Knight. Both of which were movies part of a pre-existing series, making The Hunger Games #1 for the first in a series! Woo! They pulled in 155$ Million! Which is more than double what Twilight's first movie made. It was also #1 for movies released out of the busy summer months. It was 40$ Million ahead of the last March record holder, Alice in Wonderland. If all of that is proof of it's awesomeness, than I don't know what is! You should probably go see it, if you haven't already :).

I have a funny little story about the night me and a few of my friends went to see it. We decided to all go to the bookstore and buy Mockingjay pins to wear to the movie. When we arrived we couldn't find any so we approached someone and asked if they had any more. He sadly informed us that they didn't. At this point I noticed he had to be a fan. He was wearing a pin, which I threatened (jokingly) to steal, and he has his beard shaved to look exactly like Seneca Crane's from the movie. I of course complimented him on his awesome beard and he was very thankful and said he worked very hard on it :). So anyway, he offered to call another bookstore and see if they had any they would hold for us. He asked us all our last names, and when he got to me and I said Gale, he looks at me and goes "ha..ha.. very funny.." I replied "No, seriously! That's my last name!" He totally didn't believe me and thought I was just  some crazy fan girl. Which I am a little, but not over the male roles, just the story haha. I had a good laugh over it and I thought I would share it with you. Hope I didn't bore you haha :) And yes, I did get my pin :D I love it!

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay
(The Hunger Games #3)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publication Date: August 24th, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Dystopia

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Synopsis:

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.

My Thoughts: This book took me a little bit longer to read than I thought it would. Not because I didn't like it, because I did like it, loved it even. As the final installment to the Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay is an emotional roller coaster. When the book begins, Katniss has been "rescued" by District 13, which does exist as it turns out. I say "rescued" because technically, she goes from one situation of being used, to another. I can really appreciate Katniss' strength and will to live in this book. She is constantly being used by everyone, and most people seem to just want her dead.

After being rescued, Katniss discovers that Peeta was not rescued, he was captured by the Capitol. When a program is aired, he comes off sounding like a traitor, calling for a cease fire. I'm not really sure why everyone saw him as this, I mean, he's a prisoner of war. Thus he is most likely being forced to say these things with threats against those he loves, basically, Katniss.

So Katniss decides to give the rebellion what they need, and becomes the Mockingjay, the symbol for the rebels. She gives hope to those that need it, and mostly just gets hurt, a lot. It seems like the majority of this book has Katniss healing in the hospital wing, she seems to be a magnet for trouble. But she still continues to be the symbol of hope and rallies the troops.

One of the things I've liked about this trilogy is that it doesn't revlove around the love triangle, everyone knows it's there, but  it isn't shoved in your face and the main sotry doesn't need it to still be a great story. That being said, Mockingjay's plot is basically a war. Let me tell you, Suzanne Collins is not afraid to kill off loved characters, much to my hormones dismay. Toward the end it is especially emotional, I still can't believe some of the people who die *sob* Will the rebellion win out? Or will the book end like so many dystopians, with the Capitol winning, showing that you can't overthrow the power. You'll have to read it to find out, but it's a great read along the way!

*Spoiler!*
Now, the love triangle. If you've read my other reviews, you know I'm rooting for Peeta, I was not disappointed, I love how the relationship worked it's way out, especially when it looks pretty hopeless for either of the boys at one point. But things happen and Gale knows that Katniss will never be able to devote all her love to him, and she and Peeta basically have to start over. It's not clear who she would pick until the end, with either of them. At times I thought she would just pick neither and go live in solitude until she died. But, things have a way of working themselves out, and I was happy with that.
*End Spoiler :P*

I've read a lot of reviews with people saying they didn't like the end of the trilogy, I'm not really sure why. Yes, loved characters die, I  spent the last chapter in tears because of one death, but it  just goes to show you how much you loved a character if you can cry about their fictional death. Suzanne Collins clearly wrote the characters well for us to connect with them so strongly. Maybe people didn't like how the war ended, I did, I think it all worked out for the best. Saying much of anything would probably give away too much, so I'm not going to say anymore about the plot.

If you are still slacking about reading this trilogy, you need to! It's an amazing story of standing up for what you believe in. It's full of action, happiness, sorrow and a little bit of romance. Only a little bit though! Your husbands/boy friends/brothers would probably even enjoy reading this book. So stop procrastinating, get it read! You'll want to before the movie comes out. I'm regretting taking so long to finally read it, but am so glad I finally did. I recommend this book (and the entire trilogy) to everyone.

Review: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire
(The Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publication Date: September 1st, 2009

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Dystopia

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Synopsis:

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.

My Thoughts: Suzanne Collins is an amazing writer! Once again, she has created a story that keeps the reader captivated. Never knowing what would happen next, I had a hard time putting this book down, even though I had to at times due to mommy duties. This is another action packed novel that makes you want to laugh and cry all the time. Collins does not disappoint fans with this installation of the trilogy!

I developed a strong connection with Katniss in The Hunger Games and it only increased in Catching Fire. I have so much admiration for Katniss and her ability to continue on, even with all of the stress the Capitol puts on her. When she returned from the Hunger Games with Peeta, the Capitol realizes that things are headed towards a rebellion and they blame Katniss. She was the one who defied them with her stunt in the Games and made people realize that the Capitol isn't as powerful as they thought. Katniss just wants to get back to her life, to try and forget the Games ever happened. However, the Capitol is determined to make her life as miserable as possible. They need a way to kill her off, but the people love her so much that to do so would just cause the uprising they are trying to prevent. I will say though, I was definitely surprised with what happened in this book. Collins does not keep things predictable!

As for the "love" triangle. I still don't know whether Peeta or Gale would be the better choice. Katniss does realize  that she loves Gale, but she really cares for Peeta too. Then Gale shuts her out because of how she and Peeta have to act to try and diffuse the possible uprisings. Peeta loves her, of course. his feelings do nothing but get stronger, but can she love him? I don't know. I would probably love to see her with Peeta, they have been through so much together, Gale will never understand that part of her. I guess there is one more book to see how things turn out, so I won't have long to wait to see who she picks, if anyone!

There are some really shocking things that happen in this book, but I can't really go into any of it without giving away major events. But I will say that if you loved the Hunger Games, you will love Catching Fire as well. I'm so anxious to read Mockingjay and see how the story ends. Thankfully, it's already out! so I don't have to wait!

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games
(The Hunger Games #1)

Author: Susanne Collins

Publication Date: October 31st 2008

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Dystopia

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Synopsis:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel 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, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, 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 will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts: I feel like I have wasted so much time by not reading this. I have been putting it off and I'm not sure why. That being said, I now know why this book is all the rages right now. I finally understand why everyone is talking about it and why they're making a movie about it! This book was amazing, action packed, happy, sad. It was a major page turner (although, I did have to put it down at one point. Ants *shudder*) and did not help me get the sleep I desperately needed.

What I didn't like about this book: The ants.

What I did like: Everything else!

I'm sure most people know the general story line, since I'm one of the last people to read this, but for those of you that are terrible like me; the story revolves around Katniss Everdeen, told from her point of view, as she competes in the Hunger Games as a tribute from her district. There is a boy and a girl picked from each of the 12 districts, so a total of 24, all between the ages of 12 and 18. Their goal in the Games? To be the last one standing.

So basically, you get an action packed story full of teens trying, and succeeding, to kill each other. Why would you want to read this? I already told you, it's amazing. The millions of people who have already read it can't be wrong!

This is another dystopian, I seem to be on a roll with these, and most of the general population are being forced to do crappy manual labour, and aren't given nearly enough to eat. Many of the people resort to illegal actions to survive, including Katniss. Then there is the Capitol, where most people's biggest concern is what the newest fashion is, and betting on who will win the Games. They seem to genuinely enjoy watching the teens murder each other, which they would, since there are no tributes from the Capitol.

As per  usual with YA novels, there is a romance aspect. I don't think it's really that huge in this novel, which means my husband might actually enjoy the movie (he HATES Twilight). As for whose "team" I'm on, between Gale and Peeta, I can't say. Why? Because there's not really much to go on. They both seem to care for Katniss in their own way, but Gale has never really told her about it, and though Peeta does, Katniss thinks it's just an act for the cameras. Katniss genuinely cares for each boy, but she doesn't seem to really be deeply in love with either. So I'll just have to watch how the relationships unfold in the rest of the trilogy.

So, if you still  haven't read this book, and still have no urge to, you're missing out. If it's on your TBR list, I highly recommend breaking it out before the movie comes out next month. Reading the book is always better if you haven't already seen the movie! You are missing out on an amazing book!! Although, I am glad that the whole trilogy is out because I have to read the rest now and waiting just wouldn't be a good option. I definitely recommend this book to everyone!! Go read it now!

Review: The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publication Date: October 1st, 2008

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: YA/Dystopia/Romance/Sci-Fi

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Synopsis:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel 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, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, 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 will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts: This book was recommended to me by a friend, all I can say is I am so incredibly happy she did!  This book was A-M-A-ZING! It may have had a little bit of a slow start, but that's really only in comparison to the rest of the book. I really fell in love with the main characters in this story, I became very emotionally attached!  When reading this book, due to Suzanne's amazing writing, it is impossible not to be feeling all the emotions the characters are feeling as well, it really pulls you right in, throws you right in the middle and every time they are in pain, you feel it,  every time they have a success or triumph you are cheering on the sidelines!

Not uncommon in YA stories is a love conflict. Katniss unluckily is stuck between two men and she's not really sure she "loves" either of them, but what she does know is that she cares about them both intensely and even feels she couldn't survive without them. These two men are Peeta and Gale, and of course the readers will be picking teams. I myself, am 100% Team Peeta <3! I find myself constantly cheering for him throughout the book when it comes to love for Katniss. Gale definitely loves Katniss to, but for him I find it's more of a convenient thing, he loves her because they spend so much time together and share everything. Peeta's love for Katniss on the other hand is completely unconditional, he has loved her since they were both young and never asked for anything in return, in fact, Katniss barely knew he existed until the Games.

This book was incredible and I only had to pick it up twice to finish it. Impossible to put down! I place this book among my all time favorites.
I give this book a hands down 5/5.

Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publication Date: September 1st, 2009

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: YA/Dystopia/Romance/Sci-Fi

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Synopsis:

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.

My Thoughts: So here is the second book in the amazing Hunger Games series, and if I thought the first book was exciting and a major page turner, well that just proves that I hadn't read the this one yet! I have to say that when a book, that could have ended on the first one, has a follow up, that I get a little worried, especially  when the first one was so good! In the case of The Hunger Games the second book only made my love for the story and characters that much deeper!

These books are packed so full of emotion! I will admit there were times when I was crying while reading, and there are very few books that have made me feel that intensely. This book surpasses the first one in being amazing and getting you so hooked you can't bear to stop reading it.

So Katniss won! But for the first time ever,she was not the only victor, her fellow district tribute Peeta also won. I will not divulge the details behind that, but their manner of winning cause a massive uproar all throughout Panem. So just when Katniss thinks she is safe and all should return to normal, the exact opposite happens! Capitol Leader President Snow is watching her like a Hawk and has placed her with the task of unmaking the mess she made within the districts upon her winning the Games, something she's debating is the right thing to do. Not to mention, her love triangle gets even harder to figure out. Then, the unexpected happens! But again, you will have to read it to find out! :D No Spoilers here!

Again, without a doubt, this book gets a 5/5.

Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publication Date: August 24th, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: YA/Dystopia/Romance

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Synopsis:

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.

My Thoughts: I can't even explain how amazing this book is. My reviewing skills are not adequate enough to give this book the praise it deserves, but I guess I will try.

The first book in this series had me super involved with the characters and storyline. The second book in the series planted a hook right in my heart and thoughts and strung me right along. The third book completely and totally swallowed me whole! With every book in this series I became progressively more and more in love, more and more intrigued, more and more connected with the characters. I'm almost at a loss for words here.  I give giant kudos to Suzanne Collins for writing and sharing with all of us this amazing story that I place among my absolute favorites and books that I treasure.

I really don't want to give away to much of  the story line here, but as the summary tells you the rebellion has started and Katniss is forced to be the image and the forefront. This is not a place she planned on being and has a really hard time adjusting and has lots of inner conflict with becoming this person. Katniss reaches and surmounts her ultimate breaking point in this book, and it's an incredible, emotional, intense ride. And the answer is found to the ever asked question, Peeta or Gale. After much inner debate she discovers who her true love is. Who do you think it will be? I guess you better get out there and read it to find out.

Everyone, every where, should get out there and find a way to get your hands on a copy of these books. If you know someone who has a copy, borrow it! Go to your Library and borrow it! Better yet, get to the store and buy yourself a copy! If you love YA or Dystopian you will not regret this purchase.