Another Trilogy down...

So I read the Hunger Games...and over the course of two days this Thanksgiving weekend I also finished Catching Fire and Mockingjay....good? YES!

So I previously blogged about the Hunger Games...and the next two books wrap it all up.  In Catching Fire we follow Katniss and Peeta as they tour the districts as victors of the reaping but also to help subdue an potential uprising.

Then in Mockingjay we continue with Katniss and Peeta as they prepare for the 75th Hunger Games knowing they will have to help mentor the next pair of kids for the annual reaping....or will they? In an odd twist (as punishment for Katniss' disobedience) the next hunger games will include a pair of victor's from each district...meaning that as the sole female for district 12 she will be in another game.  How will this one turn out and what is this we hear of a District 13?? 

I liked the books - loved the story.  Could Suzanne have done better in Mockinjay?? YES!!!  I wanted more Katniss, more Peeta.  The Epilogue leads us to the future...but alas it would have been nice to see it blossom a bit more.

Read them...the movies are coming out soon.  And if you were an Outlander fanatic....The Scottish Prisoner is coming out this November 29th!!  Jamie Fraser here I come......look out for my future post about "Inheritance" by Christopher Paolini.

Another book down...

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.....

Needless to say I was enthralled.  I read this book before I went to sleep....thought about the story as I laid in bed and wanted to read it the second I woke up. 
I haven't been this passionate about reading a book since - maybe either the Outlander series or The Inheritance Cycle.  Side note - Inheritance is now out and my book will be arriving next week!!!

The story takes place in the future in a city called Panem that's made up of 12 different districts. Set in what used to be considered the Rockies of North America.  As punishment for the district's rebellion many years ago - each district must send one boy and one girl to a tournament to the death in which there is only one survivor. 

Unexpectedly the main character Katniss finds herself District 12's female contestant along with the District 12's male contestant Peeta.  So how will the two fair as they say goodbye to their families and try to survive the deadly games against the other district competitors.....

So if you haven't read the book - read it.  I give it two thumbs up and have ordered the next two books in this trilogy.  If you like action, adventure, romance and a lil sci-fi then this is your kinda story.....

Metal Lace Cuff

For my birthday my sister wore a very gorgeous cuff by Stella & Dot. The Chantilly Lace Cuff has a gorgeous and intricate vintage lace design. Its 3 inches in length and was featured in Fitness magazine. Though its a bit on the pricey side at 98.00 this cuff is a real must have for any outfit.

http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/shop.html

Get Inspired

100 year old man finishes a marathon. Yeah you read that correctly...
Having run a marathon - its mind boggling but awe inspiring.

http://www.freep.com/article/20111017/SPORTS18/111017023/100-year-old-marathoner-finishes-race

So what is your inspiration?

The Remains of the Day

Kazuo Ishiguro's 3rd book - The Remains of the Day

I just finished another of Ishiguro's books yesterday. This book is set in post World War England. The story is told through our main character Mr. Stevens, an English estate butler.

This story like others of Ishigruo is told in 1st person narrative, in a diary style fashion. This book was also adapted into a movie during 1993 staring Anthony Hopkins. Will I add it to my netflix - maybe...we'll see.

The book deals solely with Mr. Stevens and his relationship with his current and previous employer - what he went through, what makes a good butler, as well as his relationship with Ms. Keaton, later married and known as Mrs. Benn.

Was I enthralled with this book? Sorta. I know it was a popular book, but I wasn't drawn into the story or any of the characters for that matter. Stevens definitely comes across as the stereotypical upper class English butler - well mannered, discreet, and without any sense of humor. And I think that contributes to the "dryness" of the story. I do like one part of the story in which Stevens talks about what remains of the day....how most people look forward to the end of the day. And rather than spend time on regrets and what could have been - but be thankful and take advantage of what time remains in the day. I guess that then carries on into our lives right? Stop worrying about those things that cannot be changed, but be thankful for the time you have left...and make up for it there. Well thats what I took away from it anyway.

So should you read the book to find out more about Mr. Stevens and his life? It can be a good read, its short 176 pages so give it a try if you're looking for something quick and easy. Then as always let me know what you thought. Since we no longer have our online book club, its the only way to discuss the books we read together.

Until next time, I found this appropriate - "All changes are more or less tinged with melancholy, for what we are leaving behind is a part of ourselves." Amelia Barr

She blogs too.....

My sister has entered the realm of blogging - support her!!!!

http://cblocked.blogspot.com/

Who doesn't love a pearl necklace.

So I was given an idea for my blog - in addition to writing about books, my travels, and "all that jazz"...why not post pictures of me and friends rockin' our fabulous Stella jewels.

At a wedding last month I wore the multi-strand pearl Charlotte statement necklace by Stella and Dot. Unfortunately, this item has been decommissioned by Stella so I'm glad to have it. Because what lady doesn't like to rock a pearl necklace every now and again :)

So for something similar you can always try the Isadora or Sofia Pearl bib. Check it out.... http://www.stelladot.com/lyn