The Hunger Games

Victoria has been talking about this one since last year. It was huge at the middle schools. So I finally got my hands on a copy and couldn't put it down. I read all Sunday afternoon. It is a crazy story about what used to be North America and these small cities that are under control of the capitol. The keep the cities in line they randomly choose a boy and girl from each city to fight to the death. Yes, I know it sounds strange, but it is really interesting.

This young adult literature is addictive and there are two more books in the series. I have to get my hands on the next book! If you are looking for a fast read this would be a good book to pick up.

A Must Read

Just finished this book today, Bliss, Remembered by Frank Deford. I even stayed late at the coffee shop to finish it. It is historical fiction about a back stroker who finds herself at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. I thought the writing was very clever and made me laugh many times. There is also quite a love story for those of you who are romantics. The author has made up the main character, Sydney, but has many real people surrounding her. I really loved this story and think you should read it to so we can talk about it! Anyone need to borrow my copy?

Books!

I've been reading but have neglected to tell you all about what's on my bedside table. My book club read John Shors' Beneath the Marble Sky last year and everyone loved it, including me! So I looked up Shors and saw that he has written several books. I purchased Dragon House.

This book was great! It is about a woman whose father was in the Vietnam War and wanted to give back to the country. He was attempting to start a center for street children when he passes away. His daughter goes to finish the project. It is a story about doing something out of obligation and getting more than you put in. A fast read of struggle and triumph. Two thumbs up! John Shors has a new book coming out in September called The Wishing Trees.

The book I read while camping was A Reliable Wife. This is a strange one! I don't really know what to say about this one. Looking forward to hearing what the rest of the book club thinks at our September book club.

Book Review of The Last Child

This book was a page turner! The Last Child starts out with a family falling apart because Johnny's twin sister has gone missing a year ago. It is suspenseful because you are constantly trying to figure out what happened to Alyssa. Then there is Johnny. What a strong thirteen year old desperate to find his sister. The Last Child is a good quick read. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review of the Secret History of the Pink Carnation

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation

by Lauren Willig

I love historical fiction and so does Lauren Willig. How do I know? She told me herself! That's right folks our book club got to have a conversation with Lauren over the phone. She's about our age and really down to earth. How many authors do you know that will let you call them for your book club? Check out her website and you too can talk to Lauren Willig.

http://www.thepinkcarnation.com/

The book is the beginning of a series about spies trying to prevent a French invasion of England. I loved several of the women in this book because they really surprised me. Watch out for that Miss Gwen, she will really fool you! So if you're looking for a good romantic pool read, this could be your book.

Happy Reading!