a book report

I have decided to write a little book review. I have recently read, no, devoured The Hunger Games trilogy. I could not put them down - so good. To start, they are set in a post-apocalyptic North America in a nation known as Panem. Panem contains the Capitol and thirteen districts spread throughout Panem. Each district specifically handles some type of industry and is entirely controlled by the Capitol. Once the districts decide to revolt, the Capitol punishes them by destroying District 13 and creating the Hunger Games. The Games require one boy and one girl, ages 12-18, from each of the twelve remaining districts to fight to the death in an arena created by the Capitol until only one remains.
The main character is Katniss Everdeen and we see the world through her eyes. The story is full of struggle, control, and violence and at the same time, love, friendship and hope. While reading, the correlations between the way people live here in 2011 and in this future world are astounding and made me sit back and think.
I completely fell in love with these characters and the way Suzanne Collins creates this world - I felt as though I was part of it. With these three books, each one is more intense than the next and full of twists and turns and gripping surprises.
Also- starting at the end of this month, filming begins for the Hunger Games movie. I am pretty excited to see this book come to life. Hopefully the movie won't disappoint.
So, even though these books are classified as 'young adult', they will satisfy a reader at any age. I am very glad I stumbled upon the trilogy and my hat's off to author Suzanne Collins for creating such brilliance.

celebrate

Last week my mom and dad celebrated 31 years of wedded bliss. Pretty impressive! In a world with a ridiculously high divorce rate, celebrating your 31st anniversary is truly an accomplishment. Over the course of these 31 years, my parents had three children, accomplished so much and had a lot of good times. Just like everything, I am sure there were ups and downs along the way but mom and dad remembered the promises they made and didn't take their vows lightly.
Growing up I was always a witness to their wonderful relationship. One thing that has been constant in their marriage is laughter. They know how to make each other laugh and it is so obvious to those around them that there is so much love between them. Eric and I are so blessed to have their love and marriage as our example. I have learned so much from watching them interact and being a part of their relationship over the years. I look forward to the day-a little more than thirty years down the road-when Eric and I can look back on all of our years together and smile, just like my mom and dad do. So, congrats lovebirds - here's to many many more years of bliss <3