The Hunger Games Series by: Suzanne Collins

Review (SPOILERS):  Let me get right into it, the first two books were great, the second in particular was addictive, however the third book is an utter disappointment.

       The concept for this YA fiction series is quite original.  The scenarios and games are complex and well thought out. Anything can happen. 

       It starts with such a strong female lead. However the further into the books the slightly more annoying Katniss becomes.  She is physically strong and quick on her feet but she is so obtuse to the social politics being played in all three books. 

       By the end of Mockingjay, Katniss has been completely destroyed mentally.  She in no way resembles the character in the first book, and while I love character development that is not what this is.  Collins take a well developed character and breaks her. Then in the epilogue she tries to mend her, but she is still not the same.  This was not what I expected for a book written for young adults.

       Additionally, the first two books build up this revolution and in the third book they finally seize control. However Katniss soon learns that the rebels are not as wonderful as they appear.  I would like to see exactly how the rebels changed the society post war. Instead it just ends with broken Katniss and broken Peeta back in District 12. Seriously?

Synopsis:  Panem is broken into 12 Districts, spread out of the former North America.  There used to be 13 districts but when there was a rebellion against the Captiol, District 13 was destroyed.  Each District provides something of importance to the elite Capitol residents. And  as punishment for the District's rebellions every year 2 children are picked from each District and forced to take part in the Hunger Games.  A cruel game in a massive outdoor arena set with futuristic traps where the kids must fight to the death where only one will walk away.  Katniss Everdeen volunteers for her younger sister and she unwittingly sets in motion another rebellion to take down the Capitol.

Review: 8  (the first two really make it worth the read but, just know, the ending will let you down)

The Room-Mating Season by: Rona Jaffe

Review: An overall enjoyable read, and almost enlightening.  Seeing these very different women, in their twenties, all sharing a one bedroom in New York City in the sixties was captivating.  The differences between then and now is eye opening.  It was a great look into the past and really made me appreciate the present. The author brings the characters through the decades so the reader can watch them develop.  

       Although they all grow and mature one of the roommates story line is just sad and repetitive.  It was nice when she got her happy ending although it was long over due and she was in her golden years when it happened.  Personally, I felt that was a life lesson to be learned and hopefully other female readers will learn from her mistakes. It was hard to imagine that this girl would not take any control over her life.  It was enraging at times. 

Synopsis:  Its the sixties and four single women in their twenties all move in together. They are all so different yet all looking for the same thing, a man.  They each search for love in different ways with extremely different results.  After a tragedy pulls them together they stay friends for the rest of their lives. 

Rating: 7

The Beach House by: James Patterson

Review:  This James Patterson novel takes a different approach to the traditional crime story.  The victim's family and friends team up to deal out justice to the people responsible for more cruel acts than just murder. In this novel there are only minor twists as the main character researches what really happened to his brother. The scheme launched near the end makes this story mild compared to Patterson's other work but still unique.  The characters you can relate to and really appreciate overall make this book a quick exciting read.  

Synopsis: When Jack Mullen hears that his brother drowned while working valet service for a rich beach party he realizes something isn't right.  He teams up with his old friends from high school and charismatic grandfather to find out the truth.  When Jack and his friends start to get close is when the threats begin and Jack knows that his brother didn't simply drown.  Jack soon realizes that money can cover up just about anything.  However the Mullen's and their friends won't be silenced; they take matters into their own hands and decide to deal out justice regardless of the consequences.

Rating: 7

Live to Tell by: Lisa Gardner

Review:  Another fast paced thriller, with an original idea involving psychotic children.  Every story line in this mystery were chilling.  This was not her scariest work, but it was a little unnerving right before bed.  DD Warren is not my favorite character but the detailed stories make her bearable.  The characters pull you in and make you experience their fear and anguish, everyone except DD that is.

Synopsis:  An entire family is found massacred; it looks like a straightforward case until another family meets the same fate.  One thing ties these murders together, and it's lead detective DD Warren's job to find out.  

   Danielle, an RN on pediatric psych ward finds herself reliving her own tragic family nightmare. 

   Victoria is a single mom raising a very disturbed child.  One day 8 year old Evan is a happy, lovable child next he is a soulless, brutal monster set on attacking his mother.  

Rating: 8

Along Came A Spider by: James Patterson

Review:  Suspenseful and shocking.  I thought that I had predicted the whole book but there were lots of twists.  Once the murderer/kidnapper is caught there is still so much more to the mystery.  I appreciated that the time line in the book was more realistic, it didn't just start with a kidnapping and end a few weeks later with an exciting finish and the kidnapper gets justice.  It took place over a  two year period and the kidnapper being put in prison was only part way through his master plan.  This book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

Synopsis:  Two children, with high profile parents, are kidnapped from a private school in Washington, DC.  Detective Alex Cross teams up with FBI agent Jezzie Flannigan as they attempt to find this intense psychopath who is out for fame by committing the crime of the century.  After one child turns up dead the media goes crazy.  Once the kidnapper is caught more mysteries between what really happened begin to surface.  Cross seems to be the only person out for the truth.

Rating: 7

P.S. I Love You by: Cecelia Ahern

Review: This book made me mist up at almost every chapter.  Every letter Holly opened was a trip into the pain she was feeling and also the love that she had experienced.  I don't think I've ever welled up so much while reading.  Her pain is so tangible and real, however the book is fairly predictable.  Overall it is a pleasant read that makes takes you through not only a coping process but through all emotions.

Synopsis:  Holly Kennedy is almost 30 and recently widowed.  Life has stopped for her yet the rest of the world is moving on without her.  A couple months after his death she comes across a large folder filled with envelopes labeled for each month until the end of the year.  Each letter from Gerry brings him back to life for Holly.  He leaves specific instructions to help Holly come and move on with her new life without him.

Rating: 7

One for the Money by: Janet Evanovich

Review:  This book was more of a joke than a criminal mystery.   Nothing about this drab storyline caught my attention or made me want to continue with the series.  The lead role  is utterly unbelievable as any kind of bounty hunter.  Basically, she has a lot of luck when it comes right down to it.  I am still surprised that this series is a best seller.  Its mild violence and mediocre mystery.  Absolutely anyone could write like this, the plot was not well thought out at all.  The only reason I finished it was because it was such an easy read and I held on to the hope that it would get better.

Synopsis:  Stephanie Plum is having some money trouble, and what better way to make some quick cash than by becoming a bounty hunter.  Plum begins working on PG cases and then has to track down an alleged murderer who just so happens to be an attractive ex cop who took her virginity.

Rating: 3