The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins

Sometimes it takes me a while to catch up with the rest of the literary world when it comes to bestsellers. I've been hearing positive things about this series, but for some reason I kept putting off starting this novel. I wasn't really thrilled with the previous literary craze (...Twilight) and I never even started the Harry Potter series until book four came out. I can now officially say that I love this series!! I'm going to join the masses and give this novel two thumbs up!

Once again, this novel take place in a post-apocalyptic United States of America. If you've followed this blog at all, you know that I'm a sucker for this type of novel. There is a lottery held that determines players in a game that is a fight to the death. I found it hard to put this novel down during some intense chapters and I'm already looking for friends who have the two sequels! Bottom line...BUY THIS BOOK!!!

Similar Novel: Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry

Length: 384 Pages

Copyright: October 2008

The Book Thief

By Markus Zusak

It took me forever to read this book, but not for the reason that immediately comes to mind. I got so into this book and wanted to never put it down. For that reason, I would only read this book when I had some serious time (which is hardly ever!!). With that being said, it is a seriously sad book so I want you all to grab a box of tissues before you read it. No, by saying that, I'm not giving away the ending, I'm just preparing you! The conclusion of this novel caught me by surprise and that rarely ever happens.

The book is told from death's point of view, which I must say was a pretty catching beginning to the novel. Death narrates that he rarely has time to pay attentions to the lives of his charges. When a small young girl crosses his path numerous times, he is captivated by her story and eventually her death. The book takes place during WWII in Germany so you can imagine death is fairly busy. Liesel (a.k.a. the book thief) stands out among the rest as she deals with loss, love, family, and eventually death.

Similar Novels: Number the Stars by Lois Lowry and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Length: 257 Pages

Copyright: September 2007