The Hunger Games is a YA (young adult) book, the first part of a trilogy, by Suzanne Collins. A bestseller on several lists with good reason, its adaptation is currently a blockbusting movie. In a dystopic future US, "Districts" must offer up two teens each year for The Hunger Games, a reality show mandatorily watched by the populace as the "Tributes" kill each other off until only the winner remains. Tight, great writing. So vivid and plausible that it evokes emotions as 1984 and Fahrenheit 451 did, only with a younger set of characters and the protagonist is a girl. A 16 year old girl whose life thus far has trained her well to survive. I don't want to give too much away. It's a fantastic read and holds other levels to those who look for them. Collins did a wondrous job here and I can't wait to read part two.
Caught the Johnny Depp-Angelina Jolie movie "The Tourist" last week and have nothing but good to say for it. I don't know why it was a wash at theaters. It's very well written, acted and directed. Vaguely Hitchcockian, a bit of mystery with a lot of action. And easy on the eyes, with Depp and Jolie both in good form.
As I'm a B-movie horror buff, I also enjoyed "The St. Francisville Experiment", about a group of paranormal researchers who go to a haunted house and get what they came for. This was one of the "Blair Witch Project"- inspired bombs, but it's a fun ride.
As usual, I have 3 books going now. I never finished Keith Richard's autobiography the first time, so that's on my nightstand along with Peter Grant, The Man Who Led Zeppelin and part two of Stephen Fry's autobiographies, The Fry Chronicles. It must be biography season again. I find people's life stories engrossing, what can I say.
It seriously looks like rain and my books call me.
Happy Beltane, if you observe it. It's a good night to watch "The Wicker Man". The original, not the pitiful Nicolas Cage version. ;)
MYSTERIOUS GARDEN
10 months ago
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14 comments:
I have not read the book, but saw the movie with two of my grandchildren, age 11 and 12. I was not sure about taking them to what I presumed would be a violent movie where children kill childen. However, they have read all three books and were eager to see the movie.
We all loved it.
Always nice to have a few books on hand. Not sure I want to get into the Hunger Games.
I always have at least two books on the go as well. I have seen a lot about The Hunger Games, including several reviews from bloggers like yourself whose opinion I value. I will think about it for a while. I have far too many books in my unread pile now.
I am in the middle of reading the Hunger games ( the first book). You are lucky that you can read more than one book at a time. I have to re- read each chapter as I forget one chapter by the time I come to the next. this memory thing started once my blood sugar level started getting wacky, Still I do not want to give up reading.
Thanks for the tip. I think I'll try and get to The Tourist, if only for Angelina Jolie.
Happy Beltane. remember, only widdershins.
I have just ordered the 1st Hunger Games from the library... 3 holds already. The premis made me think of Running Man, only it sounds much better than that. I'm glad I ordered it now I heard your review...
Love the sound of the B-movie... love that stuff. I have never read a biography! I just realized. Hmmm.
P.S. I didn't know there was an original Wicker Man, but I saw the Cage one and totally agree... what a load of pants that was, and that girl really needed to eat something.
Arleen- now I suspect I'll be collecting the movies as well. Everyone I know who's seen it loved it!
Lawless- if you like dustopian novels, you'll like these. Collins is a great storyteller.
EC- Add it to your list, it's worth it.
Munir- It gets tougher and I sometimes find myself going back and rereading. But I'm a bookaholic, I can't help it.:)
TSB- It's a good movie. Stylish, too, and Jolie looks better than ever.
Happy Beltane! Yes, widdershins it is. )0(
Boo! I waited so long for it at the library I'd forgotten I ordered it! The librarian put me on the list for book 2 when I took it out.
That movie is available online, but I'm sure it's elsewhere. Oh, you must must read some biographies. Truth is always stranger than fiction.
And you HAVE TO see the original 1973. Christopher Lee, Edward Woodward, Britt Ekland. There's bits all over YT but try to find the long cut original. A classic.
I saw the Hunger trilogy on sale, 40% off... hmmm...
Long cut original... roger that! Thanks, luv!
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