I’m not quite sure how to rate this book. It’s absolutely fantastic writing. My favorite line in the story was, “She is tiny. In the same way that a stick of dynamite is tiny.” Isn’t that perfect - unexpected, very descriptive, and short!?! Unfortunately, this book just felt sad around the edges, and I really don’t like sad books.

This story takes place in 1906 in a resort town. The historical part of the story is based on a young woman who dies and was probably murdered. The rest of the story (by far most of it) is a work of fiction. The characters are very real and well rounded. The ending is realistic. The only complaint I have is that I felt sad while reading it and felt discouraged, with understanding, at the end. If you don’t mind that, you’ll enjoy the book. The language is fantastic!

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!

Well, I feel all warm and happy inside as I have just finished this book.  It’s fantastic!  I almost read it a couple of years ago with my daughter.  My daughter was not ready for me to read this book to her, so we stopped.  I picked it up again tonight and read it all the way through.  I just love it!  I have a couple of favorite lines:”Miri wondered if worry could actually kill a person.”and”Esa’s smile seemed big enough to break loose.”Aren’t those lines just perfectly descriptive and short at the same time.  I can’t handle sentences that go on and on about the weather or beauty of something - get to it!!  These lines described the situation perfectly and succinctly.  Wonderful.  So, what are you waiting for?  Go to the library!  

The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau 338 pages. Random House, c2004. $5.99

These books are oddly addicting.  I don’t actually like them, but somehow I feel compelled to read them.  I do want to know what happens.  The first book in the series tells of the Emberites escape from their underground city. The second book covers what they do once they hit topside - how they mesh with the people of Sparks.  There was a fleeting Harry Potter reference that reminded me that this whole story happens sometime in the future.  It was unnerving.  I think I’ll keep reading the series and see where it takes me…

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey by Trenton Lee Stewart 448 pages. Little, Brown Young Readers, c2008. $11.55

The four children from the Mysterious Benedict Society are at it again. While danger lurks all around them, they manage to solve clever riddles, maximize their talents, become better friends, and generally save the day.I believe I enjoyed the first book more, but this one was very fun too. It is very long, so I wouldn’t hand this to a reluctant reader. However, if you have a fourth grader or so who loves to read, this book will probably be a good fit. It is a fun story with good morals and wacky events. It is very difficult to predict what will happen next. It really could be anything!