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slyprenticeSo I'm not sure if anyone else on my flist does this but for the past few years I've tried to do one of those reading challenges. You know the ones, where you try to read X amount of books before the end of the year? Well this year I'm doing a new one - I know I'm late starting this year - but with a more conservation number of books to read: 100.
It seemed like a good round number and one that I could easily accomplish. The only stipulation I made with myself was that I wouldn't include audiobooks this year and that I would actually read by recommendation (which are always welcome) rather than by just grabbing up the things in my to-read pile.
Anyhow I've already my first book for this years book list:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
I know some people are side-eying me for taking this long to read this book but I just never got around to it until now despite all the recommendations. That having been said, I really enjoyed it. It was a fast read and actually reminded me of a blockbuster movie (fast-paced, action-packed, etc.) in a variety of ways. Which, I think, is one of the reasons it's done so well and is actually primed to become a blockbuster movie.
If the pacing and movie-like quality weren't enough, however, there were plenty of other reasons why this novel was good. For example, the main character, Katniss. Though only sixteen, she really struck me as being a bona fide heroine: she was strong enough to stand on her own and was willing to kick ass if she needed to but could also cry and whimper and be human without it making her seem weak.
Peeta, too, made for good hero material, though I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed that his only motivation behind helping Katniss was that he loved her. I mean, it's sweet and admirable, but by Collins making that his only motivation...well, it just felt like a step-down to me characterization-wise. I know it could be argued differently - and feel free to argue the point with me - but I just. I don't know. I felt dissatisfied with this.
As for the ending, it was a strangely satisfying punch in the gut for me. I knew it was going to happen, I could see it happening from a mile away, but it still managed to get me saying "no! don't end there!" and just generally making me want to read it all over again. Even so, though, I'm not sure when I read the next one.
Possibly after the movie comes out.
My next read: Haven't decided yet.
It seemed like a good round number and one that I could easily accomplish. The only stipulation I made with myself was that I wouldn't include audiobooks this year and that I would actually read by recommendation (which are always welcome) rather than by just grabbing up the things in my to-read pile.
Anyhow I've already my first book for this years book list:
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.
I know some people are side-eying me for taking this long to read this book but I just never got around to it until now despite all the recommendations. That having been said, I really enjoyed it. It was a fast read and actually reminded me of a blockbuster movie (fast-paced, action-packed, etc.) in a variety of ways. Which, I think, is one of the reasons it's done so well and is actually primed to become a blockbuster movie.
If the pacing and movie-like quality weren't enough, however, there were plenty of other reasons why this novel was good. For example, the main character, Katniss. Though only sixteen, she really struck me as being a bona fide heroine: she was strong enough to stand on her own and was willing to kick ass if she needed to but could also cry and whimper and be human without it making her seem weak.
Peeta, too, made for good hero material, though I have to admit that I was slightly disappointed that his only motivation behind helping Katniss was that he loved her. I mean, it's sweet and admirable, but by Collins making that his only motivation...well, it just felt like a step-down to me characterization-wise. I know it could be argued differently - and feel free to argue the point with me - but I just. I don't know. I felt dissatisfied with this.
As for the ending, it was a strangely satisfying punch in the gut for me. I knew it was going to happen, I could see it happening from a mile away, but it still managed to get me saying "no! don't end there!" and just generally making me want to read it all over again. Even so, though, I'm not sure when I read the next one.
Possibly after the movie comes out.
My next read: Haven't decided yet.