The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I have managed to resist getting a lot of these series that have turned into movies. I wasn't in the slightest interested in reading Twilight (although I'm sure the books were way better than watching the movies). I can honestly admit I only got through one Harry Potter. I know it's good and everybody loves them. I didn't get through the movies either, and I'm sure they were much better than Twilight.

The Hunger Games I know is not the same, but it's still a teen series that has gotten so huge because people love the book, and the movie. I haven't seen the movie yet, and decided to buy the first in the series to see what all the fuss is about. Now I know.

I loved it. I couldn't put it down. I was SO invested in the story, and in the characters. I think I'll probably love the movie as well. It won't be as good, but I think it'll still be okay.

It also left me wanting more. The last two books are still being offered in hard cover, and I don't quite want to pay for them. I never thought I'd say this, but I wish I had an electronic reading device! I've the books are quite a bit cheaper.

I'm not going to get into the plot because it's all over the place. I loved it. I loved the idea of it, and would love to talk to the author. There wasn't a lot about her at the back of a book.

On to my next book. I'm not buying the new one of this series quite yet. I'll make it a gift to myself after going to the gym for a month. I'll stick to the books I have in my room for now that I haven't read yet.

One False Move by Harlan Coben

I wanted an easy yet enjoyable read after the last book so I chose one I'd never read before by an author I enjoy.

The book was a nice quick read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed his others. It may be because it was an earlier book. I've noticed with some authors that I've read more than one novel, the books just continue to improve and get better.

This one, although interesting, didn't grab me like others I'd read. I didn't feel quite an attachment to the characters that I had wanted to. That being said, it appears the main character in this novel is in more than one novel, so I'll probably look into those. I may borrow them from the library.

I don't really feel like going through a plot on this one. I think I found that there were one too many plot twists in it, and I ended it not really trusting anybody (except the main character).

So. On to the next book.

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

I finished reading this about a week ago, but haven't made time to write about it. Possibly because after a week, I'm still processing what I've read.

I bought this book hard cover on sale, years ago. I loved the idea. A novel written from the viewpoint from a family member of somebody who has done something terrible. In this case, murdered class mates. For some reason, I didn't read it though until now. The reason I read it is because the movie is coming out. Or it is out, and I wanted to read the book first.

Now that I've read the book, I don't think I will ever be prepared to watch the movie. I also don't know if I would recommend the book. Although, I'd love somebody to read it so I can discuss with them. I guess the book had a purpose with me. It's been a while since I've read a book that left me thinking about it for so long.

So all in all, I guess I would want others to read it. Not parents though. Too scary. Not make you jump scary, but reality scary.

Cool Water by Dianne Warren

I almost didn't write about this one. I returned it to my mom so didn't have it around to remind me.

First of all, Dianne Warren is from Saskatchewan. I love reading Saskatchewan writers, and more than that, I love reading books by Saskatchewan writers that I enjoy. I enjoyed this one.

It was completely different than many books. It was about 4 or 5 different people in a small Saskatchewan town. They stories being told aren't really connected to the others. They all know each other (because it's a small town), and they make mention of one other at times. It's not really a mystery, or a romance, or anything really. It's basically following the people around in the small town for a day (maybe a day and a half).

I did really like it. My mom wasn't as much of a fan, but I thought it was quite interesting. Possibly, I was thinking about the small town I grew up in, and the characters that could be in a book. They don't have to be dramatic characters. Everybody is interesting, and I guess this book showed that.

Anyway, I'll be looking for more of her writing.

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult

I've written about Jodi Picoult books before. I still haven't liked any as much as the first one I read by her. My Sister's Keeper was the first. It spoiled all the rest because I loved it so much.

Jodi Picoult reminds me of a writer I loved growing up. Lurlene McDaniel (I hope I spelt her name correctly). She wrote fiction for young adults. She wrote about social issues and health issues. Jodi Picoult does the same thing, but adult fiction.

This one had definitely had social issues. It was basically a custody battle over an unborn child. Some would say custody, some wouldn't. The ex-wife wanted the fertilized eggs for herself and her wife. Her ex husband, had recently found faith and god. He didn't want her to have them. I already feel like I've said too much. It was good. At times, I was so frustrated at the thick headedness of people. While reading it, I knew how I wanted it to end. I also knew I'd be pretty upset if it didn't end the way I expected.

It ended in a good way.

Now I have to go finish my next book.

How to Survive the Loss of a Love by Melba Colgrove, PH.D., Harold H. Bloomfield, M.D. & Peter McWilliams

This book was sent to me by a friend who had read it. She said somebody going through a divorce suggested it to her.

I wonder if it would have helped for my break up with Cameron? Although it is for all kinds of losses, I felt it was meant for break ups. Sad break ups. The loss of somebody you really loved, but by choice.... whether his/her choice or yours.

While it touched on death, it didn't really. I'm sure it is all similar. Except for one thing. I was still friends with Cameron after the break up. Now he's died, and I don't get to see him or talk to him again. Nobody's choice.

While reading it, I thought I would give it a reread... but I don't think I will. Believe me when I say, I wish it had helped.

It's an easy read. It has poems. It has nice and realistic thoughts about life and about love.

That's it. I'm sure I will be talking about more than one self help books. I will try anything to help my soul/self.

No Time To Wave Goodbye by Jacquelyn Mitchard

First of all, I'm writing this post to prep me for my next blog. This is the easy one. Also, I broke my rule for this book. The rule I haven't said out loud... I have a lot of unread books in my life. I'm not planning to buy a new one until I read them. However, I saw this one in a book store for sale.

This book is a continuation of a book I read SO long ago. It was either in 99 or the early 2000s. I can't remember, but I can picture where I lived when I watched the move (out from the book). It's the continuation from the book The Deep End of The Ocean. But set about 10 to 15 years later. The older son is almost 30 (for anybody who has read the first book).

I enjoyed reading this book, and I'm so glad I found it. It was a quick read, which says a lot to me. If I'm able to read it quick... that means I can't put it down. I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the first book before hand. I've read it, but not in many years. I needed a catch up, and I skipped it because I wanted to read this one so much. I might have liked this more if I had read the book. I recently watched the movie, and that's all I had to go on... which doesn't really tell me anything.

The book I most recently read was great. I enjoyed it, I liked the ending, I liked the main characters. There were characters I didn't really get. Like Ben/Sam... but maybe it's because I don't get it... I've never been in that situation, and I can't put myself in that situation. It's not very often that I can't imagine myself in a situation though.

Anyway. If you've read the first one -the second one's probably something to read/