What I Am Reading Today – The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I had all intentions last night to write Cezar’s review (Alexandra Ivy’s Darkness Revealed), and of course, I still fully intend to (btw – quick review – it’s “good-ish”, but far from a favorite).

But you see…I was sidetracked. Actually, more like derailed. While I usually like to write my reviews before starting a new book, on occasion, something tempts me away from acting responsibly. And considering Cezar didn’t floor me, I was an easy “sway” 😉 Tee hee!!

What swayed me, you ask? Not a vampire, and not even anything paranormal. The temptress in this case was Lily!

I woke up yesterday morning to this (there was a sense of urgency):

Lily:  Maryse as soon as you get the chance read Hunger Games. You know I never really press books on you. Only Comfort Food and Downside. This compares.

me:   I love when you recommend books to me. Ok so I should start this weekend?

Lily:  I have not obsessed like this since Downside.

me:  Excellent!! and the series is over so no waiting…

Lily:  Right. I am almost done with book two now – and my heart just keeps getting ripped out. This has that DARK government controlled… 

Lily: I have had this on the TBR for a while and was like ah ok yeah, when I get to it. Oh how wrong I was. Maybe its just “the right time” to read it, for me, but yeah.

me:  Oh YAY I LOVE when that happens!

Lily:  There was a part when I sat up in my bed, grabbed my chest and GASPED because I totally didn’t see something coming.

me:  YESSSSS!!!! THAT is what i want!

Lily:  Do know the basic idea behind the book?

me:  Some kind of race that they have to do and they either die or they dont?

Lily:  Its like survivor to death with children. Names drawn by the government. 24 go into it, only one walks out alive. Very controlled envrioment. Cameras film and play the whole thing for the whole country, very brutal. Winners are set for life, and losers well….

me:  Wow! kinda like “The Lottery” and what is that other one – Running Man? The one by Steven King. FREAKED ME OUT!!

Lily:  Yeah. Very Running Man

me:  LOVE that. Totally my kinda thing

Lily:  and a triangle, just for you.

me:  YAY ME. Can’ t wait. You say children, but are they more like teens?

Lily:  well its YA – 16 and 17

me:  ok say no more. I’m starting tonight. Very excited!!

Lily:  No more will be said. Just my heart hurts. The last line of part one in Hunger Games is what made me GASP.

me:  I hear there are tears

Lily:  even Michele who is about a weepy as me said she cried. Thats a big deal for me. I dont cry often over books…

and a little quote from my friend Michele (as mentionned above):

I told Lily to start… now she hates me because she couldn’t stop!!!! Look at the commotion I’ve started… As I said to Lily… I’ve never cried so hard from a book (Mockingjay – so you’ll have to wait it out!!) I’m so jealous – I want to re-read!!!!!

So of course, I was sold. But then, I mentionned it on my Facebook, and the response I received from those who have read it, and those who want to read it was overwhelming!

That cinched it. Cezar, I’ll get to you in a day or so, but I’m spending Memorial Day weekend with the The Hunger Games, gasping, clutching my heart, and sniffling (and probably sobbing – I’ve done it before with “The Host”).

My husband’s been warned 😉

Ok so wanna make a read-a-thon of it? I have a feeling I’ll be micro blogging, and reviewing all weekend, cause I’m gonna need an outlet, I just know it. Maybe you can join us?

Here is the series reading order guide.

• The Hunger Games
• Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)
• Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)