The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

*****

 

"The Hunger Games" caught my attention from the very first page. It was fast moving and definitely kept my attention from beginning to end.

It is a very large exaggeration of our world in the future. The sad part of that is, much of what is in this book we already see in moderation all around us. - The styles, the attitudes, our lust for entertainment that keeps pushing the envelope. It's a world without a faith in God - and you can see that the faith in anyone or anything has been drained from the people by those in control. A controlled society with no morals and too many laws, - it gives a whole new idea of life under  "Big Brother."

When I first heard of the books, "The Hunger Games" being the first of a trilogy, I wasn't sure I would read them. They sounded like science fiction and I am NOT a science fiction fan. But after having them suggested to me by so many people I got a "sample" on my kindle - then immediately bought the first book to read. As I said - it hooked me from the beginning.

This book tells the story of the people of the nation of Panem (a post-apocalyptic North America)  - one of 12 districts under the rule of the wealthy Capital

As punishment for the districts' uprising attempt years earlier, the Capitol holds an annual televised event called The Hunger Games. - The games were created for entertainment - but also to remind everyone who is in control. Each district must draw the names of a boy and girl between the ages of 12 and 18. These 24 youths become contestants (called "tributes"), who must fight to the death in a vast arena created by the Capitol Gamemakers. The lone survivor returns home to wealth and fame. We follow District 12's tributes through the games. - These "games" reminded me of the stories I've read of deaths of early Christians in the Roman Colosseums.  Those were for entertainment and control also.

Remember "1984" by George Orwell?  "The Hunger Games" are the YA books equivalent.

This book was written for ages 13 and up. - That's readability age and not appropriateness. I know some 13 year olds that this would be an okay read, I know many more where it just wouldn't be appropriate. 

I read the book experiencing the horrid position these young people were put in. But I also read the book with a mother's eyes and again, I wonder - how does a society get so far away from what God intended. 

 "Power corrupts; absolute power corrupts absolutely."

Historian Lord Acton (1834-1902) 

"I, Elizabeth" by Rosalind Miles

I, Elizabeth by Rosalind Miles

I am not at all sure what I expected when I chose Rosalind Miles book of Queen Elizabeth over "The Virgin's Lover" by Philippa Gregory. I read "The Other Boleyn Girl" and "The Queen's Fool" by Gregory. I was ready to move on to Queen Elizabeth and after reading a few reviews chose Miles depiction of the Virgin Queen. I was not expecting what I got. 

I like reading a book quickly. Finishing within a week. "I, Elizabeth" book me about 15 days to read. I whined, complained and put the book down many times sighing. But I always picked it back up again and continued to read.

Rosalind Miles is known for her research and authentic descriptions of the era in which she is writing. From her website: "Rosalind Miles is the award-winning author of 23 books of fiction and non-fiction, including history, criticism and social commentary. Her historical novels featuring celebrated queens of the British Isles have been internationally acclaimed, most notably I, Elizabeth, the story of Queen Elizabeth I, recreating the life and times of the Tudor Queen."  Read more about this talented writer HERE.

Miles has written from Queen Elizabeth's voice and divides the book into five parts. I never got the feeling that this author was trying to "suger-coat" the Queen's life. It seemed very real, very true - even though it is historical fiction.  From reading other information about this Queen, I get the impression that this book is very true to form.

If history is not your interest and all you are looking for is the story - this probably isn't the book for you. Miles presented all that the Queen lived through - the wars, the men, the loves, the history of the time. She took 600+ pages to give us this story of Queen Elizabeth and many times it seemed dull. But it doesn't stay dull. A very captivating piece of history.


It was fascinating to see that even a Queen is haunted by statements made by her Father. She constantly questioned whether or not she was a bastard - and this insecurity came from him.  


Her love affair with England cannot be doubted. Also her love of men and the need for attention from men cannot be doubted! But in all affairs her loyalty to England always wins.


Not an easy book to read but I'm glad I read it. - and stuck with it. 

 I give "I, Elizabeth"

****

 

  

Book Reviews

Don't give up on me.

I'm STILL reading "I, Elizabeth" by Rosalind Miles.

I'm not used to taking so long to read a book...

Hope to finish it soon!