Sunday, February 26, 2012

Well now that that's over....

Okay, so I gave into the Hunger Games trilogy after months of internal arguments and it was the best decision EVER. Everyone I know seems to be obsessed (note: this is an understatement) with the books and the upcoming Lionsgate movie release (count me in). Upon finishing each book, I found myself jumping up and sprinting the five feet to my bookshelf to grab the next installment.

I finished the last page of "Mockingjay" last evening and as soon as I closed the book, several emotions washed over me:

1) accomplishment: Three books in a week. Not a new record, but given my normal weekly schedule, it's pretty impressive these days.
2) resolution: I knew how the story of Katniss Everdeen and the citizens of Panem ended. I was also happy that it ended in a way that I was hoping for. (Not to give anything away, but I guess I'm "Team ____________" now.)
3) entrancement: Suzanne Collins' story was structured perfectly, from the setting to the character development. The story transported me right into Panem as I watched as the stories unfolded.
4) inspiration: I've been reading more than writing. To be honest, I've pretty much been doing anything but. As soon as I closed, the book I was inspired to write (so what if it was 3AM?).
5) emptiness: I felt this only one other time and that was when I finally completed the Harry Potter series (which took a lot longer due to the beastly fifth book).  No matter how long the journey I spent with these characters, I became attached. So when the stories end, it's "Well, now what?" However, I will say that I have no desire for the stories to play out in any other way (including additional stories/versions--i.e. that rumored fifth Twilight book that portrayed Edward Cullen's version of events.) Everything needs an ending and sadly, when things like this enter the pop culture/Hollywood realm, money dominates over what is right. There was resolution to the story and it ended appropriately. And yes, I'd say this even if it hadn't ended in a way that I supported.

Have you ever had a book series that affected you like this?

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The Future of E-Book Publishing

A friend just posted this and I thought it was a great article regarding today' e-book publishing....and I'm not even big on e-books!

To read the article, click here or head over to NPR

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I've heard people discussing "The Hunger Games" for a while now. And I was a bit hesitant. I got sucked into the madness that was is "twilight" and it was a bit scarring almost. But my hesitation turned into an eager anticipation. I would go to the bookstore and stand in front of the YA section, staring at the books, almost watering at the mouth. I really wanted to read it, but kept thinking, "Nah. Don't do it. Go to the library. If you like the first one, then proceed with buying." (This was one of the few times I can ever remember talking myself out of buying books. Luckily, it won't ever happen again if I can help it.)

But that pep talk didn't come true. And so I continued to stand around awkwardly at the bookstore, trying to talk myself into it.

And then...Christmas 2011 happened. I was gifted the whole trilogy and I could barely contain myself. So I began to read. I got sucked into the dark, futuristic world of Panem that Collins created. My heart was beating as the Hunger Games participants' names were selected; my world came to a halt as I refused to sit the book down in the midst of the competition. Would Katniss survive? What about her and Peeta? And Gale? The questions kept coming and with every page, I found myself so entertained, I could barely contain myself. I gasped out loud. I laughed. My heart fluttered at the possibilities.

 As I finished the last page of "The Hunger Games," you can bet yourself that I ran to my bookshelf and snatched the next piece of the trilogy. As Katniss' world unfolds, you can guarantee I'll be following along. Collins' writing was worth the wait.