The Hunger Games trilogy

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another well written volume of The Hunger Games trilogy. As compelling as these books were to read, I want to say that i don't like the overall story, nor how it ends. But it's not my story to tell. And i believe that it leaves the thoughtful reader with much about which to think; many lessons to ponder. In the end, i might have to concede that a story like this can't end any other way. The history and arc of the events lead in a very specific direction, and although details may vary, the overall end is the same. I hope never to be a part of a story such as this, and if i'm already a part, i hope it is not too late to change its course.

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Catching Fire!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Another exciting and well written installment of The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins . Within the context of adult responsibilities like going to work, etc, I could not put "Catching Fire" down. Many, many unexpected twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. As with the conclusion of first book, I'm looking forward to what the third book in the series, "Mockingjay" holds.

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Cathedrals of Kudzu - a delight!

Cathedrals of Kudzu: A Personal Landscape of the South by Hal Crowther
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is an absolute delight. I had forgotten how much i love to read Hal Crowther. I was sorting papers and cleaning up in my home office and ran across this book that i had picked up at the Friends of the Durham Library book sale a few years back. I just happened to be between books so I placed it on my night stand and started reading it that evening. What a treat! The essays contained in this book, now about 15 years old, are wonderful to read. And, being a Californian and Midwesterner transplanted to North Carolina 28 years ago, I appreciated the selections that gave me a deeper insight into the South, and into North Carolina. Loved, loved this book. I'm resolved to get my hands on the other books Mr. Crowther has published, and also, to be more deliberate in reading Mr. Crowther's articles in our beloved hometown paper, The Indy Week. Thank you Mr. Crowther.


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The Hunger Games - Excellent!!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Excellent, fast moving, exciting, suspenseful, thought provoking, and well written! I couldn't put it down once i started! Loved it. Hope to read the others in the trilogy.

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an unexpected treat

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wow, this book was an unexpected treat. Very creative situations, places, and characters! As embarrassing as it feels, this children's book holds much that i did not fully grasp. I think that a repeat read is definitely in my future :) Looking forward to seeing what other adventures are in store for the Murrys.

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I love this series

The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this series. This third of the "His Dark Materials" trilogy was a wonderful conclusion to the story! All the resolutions were not as i had hoped, nor did everyone live "happily ever after" in the end, but the conclusions resonated well with real life and with Truths i've come to know and embrace in my own life. What a great series. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!

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