Mockingjay Review

Wandering through the aisles of Target the other night I couldn't help picking up a bright blue copy of Suzanne Collins' ending to the Hunger Games series. I had heard mixed reviews from family and friends but decided, in light of the fact that I enjoyed the first two so thoroughly that I would give the third one a chance, especially since the weather has brought about a lull in my work schedule and I keep being surprised to find myself with extra time on my hands.
So, using my incredible powers of self-restraint, I kept myself from jumping in until I reached just inside our front door and from then on I was a step above useless until I had it finished the next day. That is fairly normal for me, so I would advise you not to read too much into that. Action-wise it is every bit as scintillating as the first two, but on an even larger scale as the action moves outside of the arena and into the streets. For those who have never heard of this new innovative new series, I first really became a fan after reading about the writer, at the back of first novel. The novels give an unprecedented look at the psychological and emotional trauma children experience when exposed to violence and manipulation, poverty and brutality. Looking at the novels with this in mind, I can't help but be chilled by the fact that these feelings and experiences very likely parallel those of many children living in war zones or unstable countries.
My personal opinion? This last thread in the beautiful web woven by Collins is a masterstroke. Well written, full of twists, turns and action, although skimping a bit on the romance if you ask me, it's a well crafted, satisfying end to a bewitching tale. The most powerful reason I can fall so fully in love with this book and the series as a whole is the morals. I just love how well Collins puts moral issues on the table and leaves the reader thinking, what would I do, pushed to this extreme? The ugliness of war is shown in full force but also the power of standing up for humanity and sticking it out when things seem unbearably dark. The themes are poignant. I may have cried. In the end, I would say it's worth the read and a lingering impatient anticipation of what else Suzanne Collins might be saving up her sleeve for her next adventure, which I can't wait to share. And for the MOVIE!!!!

Beginnings

Every week as a missionary I wrote an update, a letter, a story, an adventure, a thought or conundrum. The thing is, I wrote something. And I miss it. Real writers are made by writing. Consistent reading and writing is the only sure way to develop that capacity and I have a feeling it is a skill that'll come in handy sometime. Especially now as my family and friends wed and spread (across the country that is) I'd like a way to keep in touch and maybe touch some of them with the idea of doing the same. So here is the prologue to all the irregular entries to follow. I'll try to get something down at least once a week. That way it can be some sort of random sampling of my life. The probability of it giving us some sort of interesting or valuable information goes way up with the number of posts. Happy reading and buon giorno!!!