This novel introduced the reader to the gruesome and brutal world of the Hunger Games. It focuses on the dynamics of the Capitol immediately following a devastating civil war, where the leaders decide to punish the rebellious districts by demanding female and male tributes in a manner reminiscent of the ancient Greek Theseus myths. What is most fascinating in this novel is the origin story of the series most sadistic villain: Coriolanus Snow. As I read, it surprised me how much Collins can make the reader understand his overarching ambition, his continual fear of losing status and his single minded determination to regain the wealth and prestige his family enjoyed before the predations of the war. As Corio continually reminds himself: "snow always lands on top" no matter what. His dynamic with Lucy Gray is simultaneously repellent and intriguing. He is attracted to her free spirit even as he considers himself her superior in every way. This is a must read novel to understand the origins of the Hunger Games universe.

Good

Dnf

I like the missions. I would totally recommend it!

This is an excellent start to a new series by Tana French. The two main characters: mysterious teenager Trey Reddy and retired, emotionally scared Cal Hooper are especially appealing. At first Cal doesn't know what to make of Trey. He isn't even certain if she is male or female. She dresses in androgenous clothes and reveals nothing about her life. All he knows is Trey is persistent. Once she learns he was a detective, she is determined to enlist Cal's help in finding her beloved older brother, one of the few people in Trey's life who has shown her kindness. The novel shows the insularity of rural Irish life where villagers close ranks even when something very bad has occurred. This is a wonderful mystery which slowly develops the friendship and trust between Trey, whose home life is blighted by a mother who can barely cope and an absent, ner'do-well father. The ending and the reasons for the "murder" are beyond tragic. The prose is poetic and fitting for the lyricism of the Irish countryside.

To my regret, sixteen years ago in Ms. McCullough's 10th grade English class, I cheated on my book report and didn't actually read this book as intended by the assignment. Instead, I read the SparkNotes version. My twisted moral reason being that this lie was better than reading a book with "witchcraft and magic." Such material was prohibited in my upbringing. Years later, I saw the film as an adult along with the other Lord of the Rings films and was quite fascinated with the tale of courage and found middle earth completely captivating. During this winter reading challenge, I was delighted to find the book on Libby and had every intention of correcting this wrong of sixteen years ago by reading it (listening). It wasn't until I was about halfway through that I realized it was a 1968 BBC radio dramatisation that, while apparently a classic in its own rite, leaves a great deal of content out from the original book. I hope this is still considered an audiobook as it was on Libby, but I was dismayed to find that it was not, in fact, the original book. The task remains for me to read the other book, but I did enjoy this retelling nonetheless.

It was like mini comics in one book ??

Goofy saved the parade from catching on fire.

Very informative, interesting read! Krull gives the reader interesting tidbits of information about one of our greatest president's wonderful sense of humor. We did not prefer the illustration style, but the content more than made up for that.

Good