Monday, February 6, 2012

Book Four: Hunger Games


Recommended by: Deniece
Amazon Review: 
4,538 Reviews
5 star:
 (3,479)
4 star:
 (652)
3 star:
 (203)
2 star:
 (96)
1 star:
 (108)
Average Customer Review
 Book Description: Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

My Review: B+. This was my "out of my shell" book. When I saw this book was young adult literature, I literally wanted to put the book right back on the shelf; however I'm happy I didn't. This was a HANDS DOWN page turner. I never read during the day. That said, I can honestly say, I rushed home to read this. Only reason why it's not an A, is that the characters were teens - kinda hard for me to fully commit to teenagers and the romance was "off" for me. But honestly, other than the romance, the characters' ages, a few "wish I had more details" moments, and my overall detachment - this book was great! I honestly, get why people loved it and debated (heavily) giving it an A. I hands down recommend this book - there's not a lot to say other than it's a thrilling page-turner. To briefly explain my detachment,  I found myself enjoying this book the way that one enjoys a fairy tale. Although I admired Katniss,  I didn't feel connected to the characters (okay Rue tugged at my heart strings). I will say, though, when Kat steps in her younger sister's place - I GOT THAT! I'm the older sibling of two amazing people, I get that need to protect. I totally responded to that loyalty - I would DEFINITELY take Renny's (or Kenny's) place when she was 12, now that she is 20, and when she is 77.
All in all, this book didn't leave me pondering life, wanting to be a better person or to travel to a foreign land - it was just a great story (point-blank). Loved it! 

Pairing: This book pairs well with your favorite childhood candy and soda. I had the best time reading under the hairdryer, nails freshly painted, enjoying Sour Patches and Pineapple pop.

Book 3: Nectar in a Sieve



Genre: Fiction/Signet Classics
Paperback: 208 pages 134
Average Amazon Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars (134 customer reviews)
Review Breakdown:  5 star: (40) 4 star: (56) 3 star: (16) 2 star: (11) 1 star: (11)

Brief Amazon Book Description: Named Notable Book of 1955 by the American Library Association, this is the very moving story of a peasant woman in a primitive village in India whose whole life was a gallant and persistent battle to care for those she loved. 

Review: Rukmani, a peasant from a village in India, lives a life of constant struggle, yet she is a source of strength for many. At age twelve she marries a man she has never met and moves with him to his rented farmland. Over the years their marriage fills with love, mutual respect, and children: one daughter and many sons. A tannery built near their village forever alters Rukmani's life, for the tannery takes away farmland and silence, and while it provides jobs, they come with great costs. The changes in village life from an agricultural to an industrial community frighten Rukmani; her life becomes one of "Hope and fear. Twin forces that tugged at us first in one direction and then in another...Fear, constant companion of the peasant. Hunger, ever present to jog his elbow should he relax. Despair, ready to engulf him should he falter."

My Review: A-. Literally could have been one of  the most depressing books I've EVER read (similar to the sadness I felt while reading, The Kite Runner), but it wasn't. For me, it was like reading the most beautiful love story. It's funny, because there were so many characters - all dealing with their sadness, pain, hunger, depression - to feel sorry for.  In this book there was prostitution, the hungry were killed,  children with rotten teeth and limbs missing, our heroine dealing with an overwhelming amount of tragedy, and all around destitute; however there was a love story...not the traditional love story...not the butterflies in your belly love story...or the passionate lust love story...but this unknown kind of love story. It was so beautiful to me that I found myself, putting the book down, because it was so heavy and I needed time to digest it all. The speaker is point-blank inspirational. If you are going through a "ingrate" phase, which we all do, please read this book. It will definitely give you a jolt of gratefulness.

Pairing: This book is best with black tea, esp. Darjeeling and Ceylon (an Indian black tea). I also really enjoy Orange Pekoe (combined with a coconut based black tea). Make sure to add cream or milk to all teas - along with a touch of honey. And I believe all black tea should be accompanied by a sweet tea biscuit with jam (preferably Mango jam - keeping to the Indian fruit tradition). I also found myself yearning for Indian cuisine - the descriptions are fantastic.

Memorable Quote: There were so many, but I loved
"Bend like the grass that you do not break."