Tag: Scholastic

Books

Book 126: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

Geoff W

[To see an updated review of when I re-read this in Spanish click here or for a July 2018 re-read click here.]

YES! I’m definitely glad I bucked all my challenges for the month of July and just explored what I wanted and took time for a few re-reads (specifically seven of them :-D).

I can’t believe it has been over three years (probably closer to four) since I last read the Harry Potter series. That really makes me sad. I really should just have my sets (yes, that is multiple sets of Harry Potter books) sent up from North Carolina. There’s always something missing from my bookshelf when they’re not there. I guess I’ve made up for it by slowly accumulating another set in hopes that Tom will read them. Everyone should comment and tell Tom how great this series is so he will start reading them. Plus tell him they’re fun and relaxing so he can’t use stress as an excuse!

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Books

Book 12: Mockingjay – Suzanne Collins

Geoff W

[To see an updated review of when I re-read it in 2013 before the release of the films click here.]

I honestly don’t know how I feel about Mockingjay. My reaction isn’t as strong as it was to either The Hunger Games or Catching Fire. I’m not sure if it has to do with the psychological aspect of the novel or the context of this novel or the ending of such a strong trilogy in such a lack-luster manner. As with the first two I read the novel very quickly and enjoyed the read.

However, I once again have to say that I believe the trilogy would’ve been stronger if it was a quadrilogy or even five novels. More detail of the minor characters of the skirmishes would have created a stronger ending to the series and would’ve perhaps built more realistic characters and created empathy with many of them. DON’T READ AFTER THIS IF YOU WANT TO READ THEM ON YOUR OWN (SPOILERS).

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Books

Book 11: Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins

Geoff W

[To see an updated review of when I re-read it in 2013 before the release of the films click here.]

Similar to The Hunger Games, I pretty much read this in one sitting. I hadn’t planned on reading it for at least 24 hours after I’d finished Volume I, but I just couldn’t keep myself away.

IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED IN The Hunger Games DON’T READ AFTER THIS POINT!

Catching Fire picks up approximately six months after the end of the 74th annual Hunger Games. We check in with Katniss, Peeta and everyone in District 12 prior to Katniss and Peeta’s champion tour (yes they both one, with the threat of a double suicide, the gamemakers had no choice but to crown them both champions.

As the first chapter ends, the impact of Katniss and Peeta’s actions at the end of the games comes to light with a visit from the President who makes threats against Gale, Katniss’ love interest, and hers and Peeta’s families. It is from this point on where you not only realize how young Katniss is, but also how much she has on her shoulders.

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Books

Book 10: The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins

Geoff W

[To see an updated review of when I re-read it in 2013 before the release of the films click here.]

Wow. I have no other words for this book.

How do you sum up something this intense? I wanted to cry within the first five chapters and was completely riveted and did not want to stop reading (and didn’t). The novel is a conglomeration of science fiction writers throughout history, from H.G. Wells, George Orwell, William Golding, and even Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and modern reality TV.

The Hunger Games is a dystopic novel about the US in the untold future where there were thirteen districts (thirteen colonies anyone?) and the capital. The capital won some sort of long-standing battle against the rebellion and completely obliterated one of the districts (13 – unlucky!) and indentured the other twelve. Each year the 12 districts have to send one female and one male competitor to the Hunger Games. These games, televised on national TV are a deathly battle where only one person can survive and they have to kill or be killed by the other 23 competitors. The quirky (seems to be my new word) characterization of the novel provides many brief respites from the seriousness of the task at hand and the oppressive government.

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