I had no idea how long it has taken for civil rights to reach Mississippi.  This book put history into perspective for me.  While reading about the characters, you’d learn that Martin Luther King, Jr. just gave his “I have a dream” speech, or that a man walked on the moon.  You’d hear about Vietnam, and then I would think, “Wow, black people weren’t even getting minimum wage in Mississippi yet.  So much for progress.”  I’ve only lived in a couple of places and I have not experienced the South first hand.  This book gave me a good taste of what it must have been like and how hard some people had to work to get it to progress as much as it has.  I recommend this book.

So, I’ve started yet another series.  You’d think I’d learn my lesson.  This series is great for me right now, though, because it’s interesting and fun, but I can put it down.  I’m trying to get my 9 year old to read it, but he isn’t interested so far.  I told him that he couldn’t go to see the movie that will be coming out shortly unless he reads the book first.  We’ll see what happens there.  This series is fun because you get to polish up on your Greek history.  It’s fun to remember what I learned all those years ago, and to brush up on the things I don’t remember.  I like Percy.  I think he’s a good kid and a good kid for my kids to read about.  He’s got a bit of an attitude, but nothing over the top.  His friends are interesting.  His female sidekick is strong and smart.  I like it.

I carpool with a neighbor.  The little girl who rides with us LOVES this book (bright 4th grader).  I had read the other two in the series and hadn’t gotten around to this one yet.  But, because the neighbor girl was so enthusiastic, I had to read it and talk with her about it.  My favorite in this series is still the first one, but I did like this one better than the second.  The children are together and solving problems together with their special powers.  My favorite character by far is Kate and her special red bucket.  I love her!

This is the first book that I downloaded with my new membership with audible.com.  I enjoyed it.  It gave me alot of interesting things to think about and talk about.  I did have a little trouble, in that I had planned to listen to it in my car, and it is NOT appropriate for little ears.  Although interesting, the information about prostitutes was not for my children.  It is a great economics book for the layman.  It is not bigger or better than the last one (Freakonomics), but just more of the same.  If you liked the first, you’ll probably like this one.  If you haven’t read either, you probably should.

I was able to get my hands on an advanced reader’s copy of Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.  Lucky me!  I had a terrific time reading it.  I almost didn’t want to because I knew when I was finished, I’d be thirsty for more!  It’s true, I want more, but I’ll have to wait.  I’m happy to know as much as I do at this point.  The rest of you will have to wait until September 1, 2009!

Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy.   We again start off in District 12 with Katniss, although this time her situation has dramatically changed.  As the victor of the Hunger Games she and her family have plenty to eat and a comfortable place to live.  Her relationship with both Peeta and Gale are difficult.   She can’t seem to decide between them.   While on the Victory Tour, she must make the people believe she has chosen Peeta to squelch the unrest she has begun and thus save the lives of those she loves. 

I have two favorite things about this book.  First, the theme that you are stronger with your friends is a great message.  The characters in this story are able to find success by sacrificing themselves.  Too often today, kids are encouraged to be selfish – here is a book that encourages them to look to the greater good.  Second, that I couldn’t predict what was going to happen.  I LOVE stories like that.  Usually in a book (or a movie), I have the ending all figured out about half way through.  This time, I had no idea.  It was great. 

Thank you Suzanne Collins.  Hurry up and write the third one!  I’m ready to read it!

By the way, does anyone know how to get on the list to receive advanced reader’s copies of books?  I’d love to be on it!