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

Another book down....

I just finished reading Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro which is now a movie staring Kiera Knightly. I haven't watched the movie yet but it's being added to my Netflix here shortly.

Never Let Me Go delves into the world of 3 main characters Ruth, Kathy, and Tommy as they nagivate their way through Hailsham - a seemingly pleasant English boarding school. Odd though that you never hear about the 3 character's past - family, parents, siblings, etc. Nor do the students ever leave for holiday break...so you wonder what is the deal? Throughout the first part of the book you hear various hints about whats going on in terms of "donations, carers, etc." What does it all add up to?

Its not long - maybe after the first 50 pages where you know this has got to be about cloning. You're not sure how it works, why or how its happening BUT you're definitely intrigued. I had to get to the end to find out what was going on, what happens to our main characters, and what exactly is Hailsham?

If the e-bookclub were going still, I'd definitely recommend this as a read. It will spark up great conversation about your beliefs, how you feel about the characters, and speculating on all those unanswered questions:

• Who received the donations?
• When is it decided that a person goes from a carer to a donor?
• Why didn't the donors ever try to get out of it?

I'd go into it more but as you know - I like to leave it up to you to learn more. The book is written from our main character's (Kathy) point of view. I've read some other reviews on the book and how some were put off by the writing style; however, I think it draws you into the story...makes you sympathize with the characters and their plight. After all they're just people who learn, live, and fall in love like anyone else....

Endurance Series 2012

Am I crazy...well the answer is probably. I have decided to run the Disneyworld 2012 - and I mean the whole damn thing. Yup that's every race: the 5k, the half, and the full marathon. That's a little over 42 miles that weekend....

In a little over 98 days I hope to be a full fledged running machine. So I'm back in training mode and in addition to my book and travel rantings I will keep you posted on my training as well. Stay fit my friends :D

The Flirt - K. Tessaro

The Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro - an easy but entertaining read...

On loan from a friend this summer, I read The Flirt. Intrigued by the plot it was the first of three Tessaro books I read whilst basking in the OC sand and sun. Well not so much sand and sun....but it sounds good right?!

The story is set in London, England where we meet Mr. Hughie Venerable Smythe, a handsome BUT out of work actor that charms his way from lunch to lunch. In a twist of fate Hughie responds to an intriguing job ad that thrusts him into the world of professional flirting. Yes, that's right - people, mostly husbands purchasing the services of professional flirts to keep their wives happy.

I have to be the first to admit - the business plan though not savvy in our current economic condition could have once been a viable enterprise. The book is cute and like I said easy to read....but very entertaining. The ending is a bit cliche if you ask me but ITS CUTE. So if you want to find out what happens....well pick up the book in a store near you (And that means Barnes and Nobles nowadays).

Heaven is for Real

During my time away from writing - I have been doing some reading, traveling, and starting life anew. So as I get back into it after some gentle persuasion from friends I have a reading recommendation.

A few months back I read Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. It's an amazing and TRUE story about a young boy (Colton Burpo) and his trip to Heaven. Colton, only 4 years old recounts stories about what his parents were doing in another part of the hospital while he was in surgery, meeting his grandfather that died man years before Colton was born, stories in the Bible he's not yet learned, meets Jesus, etc. Though it takes a little while before you get into the heart of the story, it's a very good read. If you're a little spiritually lost I think this book can help you rediscover your way. And it's a really fast read - I finished it in one day because the story was so inspiring.

If you do happen to read it let me know what you think....