Books #46-48
Currently typing up my Europe travel story. But here are some reviews first!
*****
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the books that kicked off the most recent trend of YA novels: dystopian future worlds. It's not hard to see why. This first in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins is tightly written, well plotted, and populated with relatable and interesting characters. In addition, it takes place in a world that is plausible but bizarre, and just mysterious enough to be utterly intriguing.
This book takes place in a country called Panem which is situated on what once was North America. I thought the name of the country was quite clever, as it comes from the Latin phrase panem et circenses, or bread and circuses. The phrase refers to an action or event which does nothing to address the real issues of a nation, but only appeases the surface needs and desires of a populace. In effect, what does a mob need in order to be placated? The answer: food and entertainment.
This phrase is entirely appropriate when it comes to the people of the Capitol. 74 years before the events of this novel, the 13 districts surrounding the Capitol united in rebellion and were resoundingly crushed. District 13 was even destroyed, as a warning to the other districts. As a further lasting warning, the government has devised a method of keeping the districts afraid and the people in the Capitol entertained: the Hunger Games. Every year, two tributes (one boy and one girl) are chosen from each district to participate in the bloody and violent Hunger Games. There can only be one winner. Every year 24 children aged between 12 and 18 must fight to the brutal death until one is declared winner and gifts are showered upon the victorious district.
Our heroine, Katniss Everdeen, has been one of the unlucky 24 to be involved in the 74th Hunger Games. Katniss is special though. She chose to be in the Games, in order to save her younger sister, who was picked first. This simple and profound action shows Katniss for what she truly is, a tough but compassionate person. Throughout the rest of the novel, she continues to be a well-rounded and fascinating character. She hunts fiercely, but is not afraid to show her vulnerability at times. I loved the relationship she forged with Rue, and it nearly brought me to tears.
I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say that this book was exciting, imaginative, and addictive. I listened to it on audiobook, and I thoroughly enjoyed Carolyn McCormick's reading.
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am not a religious person. When I was younger, I attended a few church services at Easter (mostly to be able to participate in the egg hunt) and visited Buddhist temples with family. Never though, did I feel moved by a higher power or the need to believe in any particular religion. The existence or non-existence of God does not trouble my thoughts, but there have been times of shock and fear in which I've prayed to something, though I do not call it God.
The protagonist of this book, Maurice Bendrick, has this mindset for most of the novel. He doesn't believe in God or love, just hate. There's a pretty good reason for Maurice's hate though, he's been jilted by the only woman he loves, Sarah Miles, who is married to another man. The book is structured as a memoir, in which Bendrick describes the titular affair, its sudden end, and the heart-wrenching aftermath.
Some of the book is told through Sarah's journal, and we are shown her dissatisfaction with her lot and her struggles with her growing faith. I found myself identifying quite a lot with Sarah, even though we are nothing alike. She is a chronic adulterer and so beautiful that men fall over themselves to be her partner. She does, however, fall genuinely and deeply in love with Bendrick, so much so that she eventually leaves him when she makes a promise to God in exchange for his life.
I enjoyed the retrospective view of the relationship and the way details of the story. Grahame Greene also did an admirable job of making the characters real and believable. Their relationships are twisted and confused, but one can't help but sympathize. I only wish that Greene hadn't spent so much time expostulating on God and religion. Towards the end, the book seemed more like a sermon, and I didn't particularly enjoy being preached to. However, I can see how this book belongs on those "1000 books you have to read before you die" lists, it just wasn't entirely my cup of tea.
Doctor Who: The Hounds of Artemis by James Goss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this short but sweet story of Amy and the Doctor exploring the tomb of a goddess. Of course, as per usual, they find much more than a dusty room and ancient artifacts. They actually find Artemis, or is it an alien? In any case, they're forced to flee as she comes to life and sets her hounds upon them.
I liked that this story was narrated by Matt Smith as the Doctor and Clare Corbett as a girl reading Amy Pond's diary. I thought this was a clever way to frame the story.
View all my reviews
*****
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
If I'm not mistaken, this was one of the books that kicked off the most recent trend of YA novels: dystopian future worlds. It's not hard to see why. This first in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins is tightly written, well plotted, and populated with relatable and interesting characters. In addition, it takes place in a world that is plausible but bizarre, and just mysterious enough to be utterly intriguing.
This book takes place in a country called Panem which is situated on what once was North America. I thought the name of the country was quite clever, as it comes from the Latin phrase panem et circenses, or bread and circuses. The phrase refers to an action or event which does nothing to address the real issues of a nation, but only appeases the surface needs and desires of a populace. In effect, what does a mob need in order to be placated? The answer: food and entertainment.
This phrase is entirely appropriate when it comes to the people of the Capitol. 74 years before the events of this novel, the 13 districts surrounding the Capitol united in rebellion and were resoundingly crushed. District 13 was even destroyed, as a warning to the other districts. As a further lasting warning, the government has devised a method of keeping the districts afraid and the people in the Capitol entertained: the Hunger Games. Every year, two tributes (one boy and one girl) are chosen from each district to participate in the bloody and violent Hunger Games. There can only be one winner. Every year 24 children aged between 12 and 18 must fight to the brutal death until one is declared winner and gifts are showered upon the victorious district.
Our heroine, Katniss Everdeen, has been one of the unlucky 24 to be involved in the 74th Hunger Games. Katniss is special though. She chose to be in the Games, in order to save her younger sister, who was picked first. This simple and profound action shows Katniss for what she truly is, a tough but compassionate person. Throughout the rest of the novel, she continues to be a well-rounded and fascinating character. She hunts fiercely, but is not afraid to show her vulnerability at times. I loved the relationship she forged with Rue, and it nearly brought me to tears.
I don't want to give away any spoilers but I will say that this book was exciting, imaginative, and addictive. I listened to it on audiobook, and I thoroughly enjoyed Carolyn McCormick's reading.
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am not a religious person. When I was younger, I attended a few church services at Easter (mostly to be able to participate in the egg hunt) and visited Buddhist temples with family. Never though, did I feel moved by a higher power or the need to believe in any particular religion. The existence or non-existence of God does not trouble my thoughts, but there have been times of shock and fear in which I've prayed to something, though I do not call it God.
The protagonist of this book, Maurice Bendrick, has this mindset for most of the novel. He doesn't believe in God or love, just hate. There's a pretty good reason for Maurice's hate though, he's been jilted by the only woman he loves, Sarah Miles, who is married to another man. The book is structured as a memoir, in which Bendrick describes the titular affair, its sudden end, and the heart-wrenching aftermath.
Some of the book is told through Sarah's journal, and we are shown her dissatisfaction with her lot and her struggles with her growing faith. I found myself identifying quite a lot with Sarah, even though we are nothing alike. She is a chronic adulterer and so beautiful that men fall over themselves to be her partner. She does, however, fall genuinely and deeply in love with Bendrick, so much so that she eventually leaves him when she makes a promise to God in exchange for his life.
I enjoyed the retrospective view of the relationship and the way details of the story. Grahame Greene also did an admirable job of making the characters real and believable. Their relationships are twisted and confused, but one can't help but sympathize. I only wish that Greene hadn't spent so much time expostulating on God and religion. Towards the end, the book seemed more like a sermon, and I didn't particularly enjoy being preached to. However, I can see how this book belongs on those "1000 books you have to read before you die" lists, it just wasn't entirely my cup of tea.
Doctor Who: The Hounds of Artemis by James Goss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this short but sweet story of Amy and the Doctor exploring the tomb of a goddess. Of course, as per usual, they find much more than a dusty room and ancient artifacts. They actually find Artemis, or is it an alien? In any case, they're forced to flee as she comes to life and sets her hounds upon them.
I liked that this story was narrated by Matt Smith as the Doctor and Clare Corbett as a girl reading Amy Pond's diary. I thought this was a clever way to frame the story.
View all my reviews