Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins

This was one of those series/books that left me satisfied.  You know how some books either end it wrong or stupid or really not at all and you're left with that unsatisfied feeling? Suzanne Collins does not have that effect.  She chose the perfect ending.

I have to say, though, this book was a teensy bit slow-going at first... but I can see how it had to lead one into what was really going to be good at the end.  Also, I couldn't help but make a comparison to a certain vampire series - the oh-woe-is-me girl and two guys who differ greatly in personalities who want her... hmm...  In my last review, I said she should end up with Gale.  I'm so glad she didn't.  The way she and Peeta "warmed back up to each other" at the end was perfect.  Not too mushy, but realistic (according to the story) since she was anti-relationship and not sure who she wanted, anyway.  

Ok, onto the good stuff.  Can you believe she killed Coin?? I kind of saw it coming, but after her little "meeting" with Snow at the end, when he tells her what really happened with the bombs, I knew something had to happen.  I have to say, though, I totally saw Boggs taking the role as leader... up until he DIED! I hate when a movie or book sacrifices key characters... but it only made me wondering who would get it, so it was a nice twist.  I hate that Prim had to die, too, but again, had to happen to make the ending more workable.  I have to admit I was a little disbelieving when I read it... I had to keep rereading to make sure I read it right and that she really was dead, then rushed ahead to see if she magically reappeared.  Finnick's another I wouldn't have minded seeing live till the end, especially with a new baby, but that just made that whole chase even more intense.  I was also seriously beginning to wonder if it would end with Katniss's suicide, leaving behind a her legacy and a better world, but I'm glad Peeta stopped her and that she never really had another chance to succeed.  As I read about her struggling after (and even before) killing Coin, I wondered why the author would make her heroine appear so weak... but then I realized it just added to the reality of her character, having dealt with so much death and tragedy.  Very well done.

What a great bunch of books, so well-written, keeping one turning page after page and then making it near impossible to wait patiently for the next book to see what happens next. 

In the Dark Streets Shineth, as told by David McCullough

This was a sweet little Christmas book.  It took me all of 10 minutes (or something like that) to read, but it was really nice.

What I especially liked about this book is the message given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Christmas Eve 1942, right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  He spoke of hope and faith and Christ and prayer and God.  He said we have to pull together as a country.  He said we have to rely on this season, the Christmas season, and Christ and our Heavenly Father to get us through this tough time of war and turmoil....words Obama will never utter.  Words he should read and take an example from.  A message our country sorely needs now, more than ever.  We may not be at war with the world in the usual sense of the term, but we're at war with ourselves, in our very own country.  Everyone fighting for the right to be who they are but not being able to do so without "offending" someone else.  A reminder of why we have this country in the first place, why it was fought for time and time again.  A message about values that are all too quickly being forgotten. 

Anywho, that's my opinion, I loved the book.

Let's remember today the people who, once upon a time, fought and died for our freedom.

Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins

Oh.  My.  Gosh.

Could this book BE any better?? I think Stephanie Meyers might just have a rival... although I'm sure there are those that would have me hanged for even thinking such nonsense.  lol

If you haven't read this book, READ IT.  But make sure you read the first one, first.  

***SPOILER***

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I knew it! I knew there were people in the Capitol secretly on her side! DUDE! I can't believe Peeta was captured, and why can't this girl just figure out her emotions already?? Gale or Peeta - make up your mind, woman! Who would you have her choose? I can totally relate to her not wanting to have kids to avoid the reaping every year but not at the cost of my own happiness with someone as great as either of them! I'm thinking Gale is the one she should ultimately choose.  Yes, Peeta rocks, but I have to wonder if she REALLY wants him... I don't think so.  If you've read the third one, PLEASE don't give ANYthing away... I have to borrow it from a friend because I'm sure the library won't have it for a while... but I haven't even checked yet, so who knows.

I just love the rebellion and intrigue in this book! I love how intricately woven the little details that make up the plot are and the twists that are clearly there but not fully realized until you get to the end.  Oh, I just love it! I so can't wait to read the next one! I'm just giddy with excitement and impatience!!