Review Number 11: Mocking Jay (The Hunger Games # 3)

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games # 3) by: Suzanne Collins

Published August 24th 2010 by Scholastic Press

ISBN: 0439023513

Genre: Fiction

Summary from Goodreads: Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains - except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay - no matter what the personal cost.

I finally finished this series, and now I'm a little sad that it's over. It's that good! This final installment was probably my favorite of the series. So much happened. Love, heartache, death. And of course there were some unexpected twists that blew me away. I was reading in bed one night and I actually said out loud, "Woah. I did NOT see that coming. At all". The Hubs just looked up from his episode of "Deadliest Catch", rolled his eyes, and muttered, "Enough with those books already"! Humph.

I was a little disappointed with the ending because I wanted Katniss to end up with the other guy. I expected it, so of course when she went the other way it threw me for a loop. However, at the end of the day she was happy, content, and cared for so I guess that's all that matters.

I can't believe I'm talking about her as if she's real. Have I mentioned that she's one of my favorite characters?

This book earned 5 stars from me. I'm debating on re-reading them so that I can catch all of the details I may have missed. I've loaned them out to my sister and I've instructed her to get busy reading so that she will be ready for our movie date. Yes, our "Twilight" group has turned into fans of "The Hunger Games". We're diverse that way.

1,000 Tickets

The kids and I had Stevi B's for lunch yesterday before co-op. As usual, they scarfed down their food and went to play video games. I had just finished my meal and was getting up to get a water refill when I heard, "1,000 tickets. 1,000 tickets! Mom. Mama. Mom! We won a thousand tickets!"

Honestly, I thought Jordan was confusing 1,000 with 100. But no, Shaun hit the jackpot with his very last token and did indeed win 1,000 tickets.

Needless to say, we were late to co-op because those babies took for-ev-er to print out and then my boys took for-ev-er to decide what prizes to get. I didn't mind. They were so thrilled. In fact, Jordan called winning all those tickets his dream come true.

I love it when they're happy.

Review Number 10: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games # 2) by: Suzanne Collins

Published September 1st 2009 by Scholastic Press

ISBN: 0439023491

Genre: Fiction

Summary from Goodreads: Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.

Confession. I'm really beyond tired tonight, so this is going to be short. Once again, I loved this book. No better or worse than the first in this series. I thought they were both equal in their awesomeness. This one was different. More surprises that took me completely off guard. Not quite as gory as the original, but all the weirdness was still there. Ipecac party, anyone?

As always, I'm so glad that I began this series after all of the books were published. I really can't imagine having to wait months and months to find out how this all ends. It's hard enough not being able to read as quickly as I'd like due to being so tired... I'd hate to be left totally hanging.

Like I said, I'm exhausted and I know I'd do a poor job writing up a description, so just let it be sufficient for me to post that by this book's end I was still enamored by Katniss and her bravery. I was still riding the Gale/Peeta fence. And I was very disappointed in myself for not catching all of the subtle clues that hinted at the ending. I've never been good at that. I was just informed by one of my (much younger) friends that she had a correct idea of what would happen all along. Oh, to have her smarts and insight. But then, maybe I'm glad I was able to be surprised.

I also gave this book 5 stars. Now to go finish the last one.

Review Number 9: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Published October 1st 2008 by Scholastic Inc.
ISBN: 0439023483

Genre: Fiction

Summary from Goodreads: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


An old friend of mine on Facebook suggested I read this series awhile ago, but then I forgot. Then I saw a poster for the movie adaption when my friends and I went to see Breaking Dawn. I asked if anyone had read it, and some people in line behind us began to tell us how good they were. I mistakenly thought The Hunger Games was another vampire series. Why? I'm not really sure. I saw the trailer that night and thought it looked interesting. Interesting, but not something I'd really love. I don't usually go for futuristic, survival type stories. But the more I researched, the more I thought I should give it a try. I'd actually made up my mind to buy it on my birthday when my mom and I went shopping. We met up with my friend Kendra for lunch first, and she surprised me with a present that just happened to be a copy of The Hunger Games. I was thrilled and started reading that night.

This book is great. No other words. Every bit as good as Twilight, if that means anything to you. I was sucked in. I probably could have finished the book in one day if I hadn't been so tired- I was pregnant but didn't know it yet!

The whole concept of life in Panem horrified me. A government abusing it's citizens. Hoarding all of the country's resources for itself while the "little people" starve. The sheer desperation of the characters. And then there's Katniss. She's one of the strongest female characters I've ever come into contact with. What a great role model. I even told Chris I'd be willing to entertain the idea of naming our baby after her if we have a girl. He was not amused and asked me if I was kidding. And I was. Sort of.

Then there's the love triangle. I haven't finished the series yet (I'm currently finishing up the last book) and I'm dying to know who Katniss ends up with. Sometimes I get way to emotional about my books. I keep flipping between Team Peeta and Team Gale. Right now I'm leaning toward Gale. We'll see, I guess.

I'm telling you... this book has everything. Action, romance, surprising twists. I can't wait to see the movie next month. I know it probably won't do the book justice, but I love seeing my favorite characters come to life. I'm also looking forward to reading this with Shaun. He's reading the Percy Jackson books now, along with Tim Tebow's book. The Hunger Games may be next on his list.

If you haven't, go read this book! I gave it all 5 stars!

A Pictureless Account of Our Field Trip to the Georgia Aquarium

The kids and I went on the best field trip ever on Monday. We visited The Georgia Aquarium. Did you know they have an amazing homeschool field trip program? Not only did we get to visit the aquarium and stay as long as we wanted, but the kids each attended a class which included a "behind the scenes" tour. After learning about the eating habits of different fish species, each group was able to go up to the top of the main tank. It was really amazing. We saw all the marine biologist people working away and we saw how the water makes it into the different tanks.

We all had a great time. Of course there was some drama. Jordan tried to climb under the barrier to get closer to the water. The water in the largest aquarium tank in the world. I don't remember how deep it is, but it's HUGE and filled with sharks and sting rays and other lovely things. He said he wanted to touch one of the Whale Sharks. I don't know about him sometimes. I'm just so thankful I saw him in time to grab him.

Other than that it was a good day. The kids all behaved, for the most part.

One funny thing. We stopped at the restroom in the courtyard before we walked to our car. Jordan ran to the water fountain and Shaun went around the other side of the building to the restrooms. When Jordan and I rounded the corner, Shaun met us with a terrified look on his face. Turned out he had pushed the "emergency" button. He was scared to death! Then the security guard came of the speaker and asked what the emergency was. I explained that there actually wasn't an emergency and that the button was pushed by accident. "No problem", he said. By this time everyone had gone to the restroom and my sister had begun the walk of the stairs to the parking deck with her kids. That's when I tripped over my own feet and fell on my butt. Classy. It's a good thing I'm used to being clumsy. I hardly even get embarrassed anymore. Before I could get up, Jordan ran and pushed the emergency button again. I guess he thought we were having an emergency. Or maybe that big blue button was just too much for him to ignore.

We finally made it to the car and after about three hours in rush hour traffic, we were back home. What a great day. I was so upset that I didn't get any pictures. My phone battery died. We have plans to go back again for another field trip soon. I can't get over the prices. Each child's ticket was only $12 and one "chaperone" per every two children was admitted for free. Can't beat that. A 3-D movie was also included. The kids' only complaint was that we didn't have time to see the dolphin show because the show was the same time as our movie. We will definitely have to plan on that for next time.

Sick

Here are some of the places I've thrown up in lately:

* Church- main campus.

*Church- north campus.

*Papa's Pizza.

*The kids' co-op.

*Target.

*The Georgia Aquarium.

*My own bathroom.

*My mother's bathroom.

*My friend Vicki's bathroom.

*My Granny's bathroom.

*McDonald's.

*Kroger

*Any other place I've visited, with the exception of Chick Fil A.

I am so, so thankful for this pregnancy but ready for some relief from this constant sickness. This is my third time around with this, but the morning sickness... um... Noontime sickness? Night sickness? The sick-all-the-time thing is new to me. Even Jordan has been telling people, "Did you know that I'm going to be a big brother? My mom throws up all the time now". Nice. I'm getting ready to try Sea Bands and some ginger root tea tomorrow. I'm also open to any and all helpful suggestions. Or even un-helpful suggestions. Something's gotta give, right?

Some people have speculated that the reason this pregnancy is different is because I'm having a girl this time. Not sure if I believe that...I dreamed I had a boy just the other night. He was really cute and had lots of curly hair, if anyone's interested. Some say I just have more hormones this time. Maybe. I am behaving like an emotionally unstable crying freak all the time. Would that constitute an influx of hormones? It's funny, really. The things I freak out about lately. Like the other night when The Hubs went to the store for milk and made the sad mistake of bringing home whole milk instead of skim. That night was special. I'm so glad he hasn't made a run for the hills yet.

But back to the sick thing. Seriously, I need some help. I'm willing to try anything. If anything has worked for you, your sister, or even your great-aunt back in the olden days- please share the wisdom. I'll be eternally grateful.

Random Ramblings Regarding Jordan

Took Jordan to his six year check up the other day and the two of us went out the wrong door and became momentarily locked inside an entry way. No way in, and no way out. I finally just unlocked the door that was locked and high-tailed it to my car.

Jordan's appointment was great. Still only in the 5th percentile for his height, but his BMI is finally on target.

He saw his old friend, "The Pricker Lady". Yes, he calls her this to her face. They've come a long way. No more fighting and punching. He had his finger pricked like a big boy.

I broke down and finally let him have some of his 5 year boosters. But I prayed over them before the nurse injected him. So far, so good. No weird reactions like last time.

We'll be seeing a dermatologist next week because of weird mole on Jordan's back. Prayers are appreciated!

At the end of the appointment Dr O grinned at me and said, "He's doing just awesome. I love it. He had a rough start, but he's going to be okay".

After the appointment we went to Wal-Mart so that he could spend his birthday money. He spent his money in record time.

On the way to church the other day he said to me, "Mom, if you played X-Box your name could be ESmittyTwilight. Because your name is ESmitty and you loooooove Twilight! Ha ha ha ha!"

He received his first iPod as a reward for turning 6 years old and we took him to dinner at Stevie B's.

The next day Papa and Susie took him shopping and he picked out this bike:

A waitress at Waffle House asked Jordan what his teacher's name was. My little man looked at me, grinned, and announced "Mama!".

Have I mentioned lately what a blessing he is to me?