The Hunger Games

Last night, in SLC, it began to rain at 3:30 in the morning. I know this, not because the rain woke me up, but because I was already awake--in one of those trances only story can provide. Thankfully, being an adult means I never have parents come in and tell me I have to put the book down and go to bed. Sadly, this also means I loose the next morning due to staying up until 6:00 A.M. to finish the first book of a trilogy.

If ever I could have thought of a book that seems to combine the edge of The Lord of the Flies, The Giver, and Ender's Game, I would have never thought it would be as starkly beautiful as Suzanne Collins creation of The Hunger Games.

Collins use of first person intrigued me--it seems to be the new style for YA Lit these days. Usually, it puts me off a book, but Collins somehow was able to grasp the use of first person and the honesty it allows if only an author is willing. With its plot highly dealing with youth killing each other in an arena to win fame for their district, it may surprise some the age range of most readers for this book is 10-14. I was even shocked at how intense and dark certain parts of this book read. But I was also so pleased with the truth that was contained within the words. The Hunger Games evoked questions about my own views of social class, humanity, politics, life, family, and the fight we all have to remain true to ourselves--even if we haven't fully figured out who that is. So I guess I can understand why the ages of 10-14 are reading this novel and I hope they will read more. Many moments of this book sent chills through my skin, which had nothing to do with the rain. And as a good story can do, it had me up until the sun was rising. It is a high recommend, and I am so excited to read the next two.

More to come in the week.

The Ever Smart Mouthed Bartimaeus!!!

Sometimes, more than the story, a reader finds a character who pulls them to a book. Maybe for you it was Bilbo Baggins. Perhaps it was Ramona's quirky antics. Or, who knows, possibly you connected with Harry and his sublime way of always narrowly adverting disaster. For myself, I have fallen in love with many book characters over the years, but probably none so much as the always witty, straight-to-the-point, mischievous--yes--often smart mouthed, and looking for the escape, Bartimaeus.

I had read the wonderful Bartimaeus Trilogy a few years ago and found I was not the only one intoxicated with the character. This summer I found myself craving the skillful demons games yet again. Thankfully, I found Jonathan Stroud had released a new novel on the character (The Ring of Solomon) and I began plowing through every line and footnote with relish. 

It may be the quality in which Stroud is able to merge high fantasy with historic details and mythology that draws me to his stories, or possibly his use of various character perspectives so you see the details from every side. But I always find myself waiting for the chapters in which Bartimaeus is the narrator. If I could ask Jonathan Stroud one thing, it would be who Bartimaeus is based upon? I have a feeling it is Stroud himself, for I have no idea how he could write a more honest and reflective character.  

If you are in the mood for a good laugh, a fun fantasy, a friend or foe, Bartimaeus is for you. Just make sure to not be fooled by one of his many disguises, and always, always remember: Don't skip the footnotes!