Book 6: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Let me just start by saying, I am so excited to see The Hunger Games this weekend.  I am so thankful it's coming out this month while I'm still baking little Emmaline as I know it'll be nearly impossible to see movies once she pops out . (I'm praying she stays in until after I can see The Avengers and Dark Shadows too!) 

The more I've read, the more excited I've been about the casting choices.  With the exception of Peeta, that actor doesn't fit.  I also LOVE the idea of Lenny Kravitz as Cinna.  Yes, Cinna is supposed to be younger; but, something just feels right about that casting to me.  Hubby loves the casting of President Snow too.

Anyway, since it was time for another fiction book per my alternating rules, I jumped at the chance to read the second book in the trilogy.

6.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Going into this book I was really interested to see how the story was going to proceed from the end of The Hunger Games.  I knew Katniss wasn't going to be able to just live her life; but, I had no idea as to what her consequences would be.  In that respect, I really loved the way this book went and the way the story unfolded.

As I read, I did a few happy dances (hubby laughed) and there were a few times my mouth hung open in shock.  I think that's the sign of an excellent book.  I like that I can predict a few of the plot twists; but, definitely not all of them.   

The action is nothing like the first book and I know that would be discouraging for some readers.  I know that I missed some of the action that was played out in The Hunger Games; but, I also know that in a series like that, the first book is usually to suck you in, the second one furthers the plot, and the last one ends in a blaze of glory.  So, I expected it to be a book written to drive the plot.

Book 5: Flapper by Joshua Zeitz

5.
Flapper by Joshua Zeitz

I love me some history.  Well, usually.  I'm fond of books about America's history (especially where it pertains to ladies) and the history of the countries of my forefathers and mothers.  I also really like to learn.  Like a lot.  Like, I've considered taking junior college classes just so I can keep learning.  Like, when I was little my life plan was to go to school for a job, do that job, and then start all over.  Luckily, my mom talked me out of that expensive, job-history-ruining goal.

So, when my beloved Borders went out of business and had their mega closeout sales, I snagged this book.  I've always been intrigued by the twenties.  Even before I knew my great-grandfather was a bootlegger.  I also appreciate the fashions because it was a good time for small chested girls like me.  So, when the hubby picked this book out for me, I had to read it.
**Note:  So I can't remember if I've said this before or not, but we have so many books and it's so hard for me to choose what to read next that I have my husband pick them out for me.  I alternate between fiction and nonfiction most of the time.  It's just too hard for me to choose.

Book 4(again): The Hunger Games

Let me guess.  Right about now you're thinking, "Book 4 again?  What is she talking about?"  Well, my numbering has been a wee bit off.  You see, I have in fact finished 5 book[9s so far this year, but I've only read a total of 4 full books.  My previous book 1 (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) is actually book 0 since I was half way into it this year.  I hope that wasn't confusing.  If it was, oh well, we'll just say I finished book 4.

4.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I'll start by saying that I'm not really a fan of dystopian novels as a general rule.  I'm also not a fan of novels set in the future.  Just not my cup of tea.  I probably would have never picked this book off of a shelf at the bookstore on my own.  However, I've been hearing about it incessantly for a few months now and decided I might as well read it. 

I'm glad I did give in too, because I actually really enjoyed it.  Was it the best book I've ever read?  No.  Did it keep my attention? Yes.  In fact, I read it through in two days.  Part of that was thanks to my Kindle.  It's amazing how much faster I read when I'm reading on the computer or on the Kindle.  (I'll admit, I read Twilight in one sitting one night after downloading a PDF.  It's embarrassing.  Don't judge.) 

Book 4: Ina May's Guide to Childbirth

This is a bit of a combo post; both personal and book review.  Personal because it's about my (desired) plans for my little one and book review because, well, I'll be reviewing a book.

4.
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin

Ever since I went through school (I have a B.S. in Child Development) I've wanted to have as natural a birth as possible.  Unfortunately for me, I was born with a heart condition that makes everyone worry and, although I haven't had any problems with it, everyone wants me to give birth in a hospital to make sure I'm safe if something goes wrong.  If I had my way, I'd be giving birth in a birth center.

Despite the fact that for this birth I'm stuck with a hospital I'm hoping to have as natural of a birth as I can still be allowed.  I don't want an epidural, I don't want to be induced, I don't want an episiotomy, and I definitely don't want a cesarean section if at all possible.   To further this goal, I've been lurking forums that highlight natural, unmedicated childbirth.  In doing so, I found out about Ina May's book.

Trying this Book thing Again

Last year I was adamant that I would do a whole bunch of amazing posts about the books I was reading.  Yeah, well, I kind of sucked at it didn't I now?  Yes, yes I did.  You don't even need to answer.  Let me recognize my failings ;)

This year (yes, I know it's already mid-February) I'm determined to make up for it.  Or at the very least, make more posts than I did last year. 

My goal is still to read 50 books this year.  I didn't meet that goal last year, what with moving, and then being super tired once I got pregnant.  This year, I'm sure it'll be even harder since I'll have an infant for most of the year, and yet, I'm stubborn as all get out and I'm determined to not fail. 

Without further ado, check out reviews for books 1-3

Books 6-12

So, it's not like anyone has noticed, but I haven't done a book blog post in quite some time.  Oops.  I promised to do one for every five books I've read, unfortunately I haven't.  I've read more than 5 books; but, it kind of got daunting having to do a review for 5 books.  I have now decided to do one for every book I read.  I haven't read as fast this year so it's not like it would be ten a week or something crazy, so that's what it'll be from now on.  Now carry on for reviews for books 6-12. 

2011 Books 1-5

My goal this year is to read 50 books.  Now that might seem like a lot, but I read A LOT!  I read during commercials while watching TV, I read during the nap time at work, I read before bed, and I read while eating breakfast.  I love books.  I also love to read all different kinds of books.  

Briano (the hubby) and I actually use our dining room as a mini-library.  And, since we have so many books, he's responsible for picking the books I read.  My only requirement is that I alternate fiction and non-fiction. 

My plan is to do a blog post with reviews after every 5 books.  So here are books 1-5.