REVIEW: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

1. The Hunger Games

2. Catching Fire

3. Mockingjay

Whether you're 50, 15 or in between, reader or not, you are guaranteed to be smitten with The Hunger Games. If you're a fan of dystopian, futuristic or action/ adventure novels, than your cravings will be cured with this trilogy.
P.S. this series has a lot of violence and is at times quite confronting. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone under 13 or who is sensitive to violence.

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.

THE HUNGER GAMES is one of my favourite books of all time. I got it for my birthday one year and that night, I read the whole book, I could not put it down. I have recommended this book for teenagers who loved it and have read the trilogy many times, to adults who have also not been able to put it down; and have been able to convert many non-readers with this trilogy.

Collins' writing is sophisticated and descriptive, engaging and action packed. It easily keeps you waiting with bated breath, for the next instalment. You find yourself able to imagine the setting even before she has described it.


The Gale-Peeta situation is so cleverly crafted that each have their merits, making you feel indecisive and aligned with Katniss. My favourite character was Haymitch  - probably just because I thought he was hilarious; but that was just me?


All that I can say at the moment is that you have to read it. You must. You absolutely must. Right now. Go to the bookstore/ library (I don't discriminate.). Get a copy. Right. Now. Read.

National Year of Reading

The National Year of Reading is an Australian based and run initiative that encourages Australian people, especially youths, to discover the power and enjoyment of reading. 

After being asked to be a state youth ambassador (you can find me on this page 3/4 down the page) for the year of reading, I got really excited and decided to share the news.

As part of the NYOR, there are many events that are happening: whether they are National, State Wide or Online, if you live in Australia, why don't you get involved?

You can check out events coming up here, read about the featured ambassadors here.

You can find out about writing competitions, weekly events for each state and more here, at The Book Slooth. 

So stay tuned for more information when the National Year of Reading comes to you!

The Fault in Our stars: Chapter One

Sneak Peek:
The Fault in our Stars chapter one, read aloud by author John Green.

**NB* This video goes for 30mins.

Taken from the Vlogbrothers youtube:

"In which John reads the first chapter of his new book, The Fault in Our Stars, to you in lieu of making a real video today. I hope you like it, and that it's not too awkward hearing a 34-year-old man pretend to be 16-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster."

Enjoy!

(found via YA Book Bridges)

The Reluctant Hallelujah

So, I found out about this really cool book that has just come out from Penguin, and I was really excited when I was offered a review copy - thought I would share!

But there I go, getting ahead of myself. Skipping straight to the part where I was front-page news and they were calling me Dorothy, instead of starting at the beginning... 

When Dodie's parents go missing just as final year exams are about to start, she convinces herself they're fine. But when the least likely boy in class holds the key – quite literally – to the huge secret her parents have been hiding all these years, it's up to Dodie, her sister, the guy from school, and two guys she's never met before, to take on the challenge of a lifetime. So now Dodie's driving – unlicensed –to Sydney, and being chased by bad guys, the police, and one very handsome good guy.

"It's the road trip book with a twist that we've been excited about for a while - The Reluctant Hallelujah! It's a bit of a wacky Weekend at Bernie's, mixed with a secret body in the basement, a dash parents missing and the final days of high school thrown in. Really, only Gab Williams could come up with such an imaginative plot like this, that sounds crazy but when you're reading feels normal and natural.

Check out this extract in which we meet Dodie - not Dorothy! - and get a glimpse into how things start to go wrong!" -  Between the Lines

So, are you excited too?
If you are, you can check out a sneak preview here. 


Look out for the review,
Isme

Sounds Like: California Gurls

Just what it sounds like, a new feature at the Book Slooth, "SOUNDS LIKE:..." is what happens when you pair a song with a set of books with the same feel.

 Here for the first time, California Gurls by Katy Perry. Contemporary YA novels that are not necessarily about California Girls, but have a light-hearted feel to them too...

Oh, and please disregard some aspects of the film clip as being 'of the mood' for the novels that have been selected!

Meet the Gurls:

Kisses for Lula by Samantha Mackintosh
Amy and Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Art Geeks and Prom Queens by Alyson Noël
Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson

The Lipstick Laws by Amy Holder
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
Shut out by Kody Keplinger
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins