Nory Ryan's Song/Maggie's Door

These are two wonderful books about the Potatoe Famine in Ireland. I was more upset about this book than I was about the Hunger Games. Again, who do these people think they are that they can control and destroy so many lives?
This story is about a young girl named Nory Ryan and how her family is affected by the potatoe famine in Ireland. This incedent brought millions of Emmigrants from Ireland to the United States, a place they sought refuge and hoped for a better life. The second one is about her journey to America.
I admired this young girl for her courage and her attitude. Sometimes when I fast or skip a meal or two I complain about how hungry I am. These people were sucking on blades of grass for any thing to fill their stomachs. It humbled me tremendously and made me realize that she truly wanted to live and save her family and she was willing to do anything to accomplish that! Nothing is impossible if you truly believe in it and want it!

The Hunger Games

Ok, I finally broke down and read this book. I admit I liked it better than I thought. First of all, let me just say that if you describe this book to someone don't tell them "it's about a bunch of teenagers who kill each other for fun," as was described to me because it is not about that. It's a book about survival and while there are teenagers who are thrown into an arena and forced to "kill or be killed" it is not for THIER enjoyment but for the Capitol's entertainment. It is more of a Gladiator games only involving teenagers.
It was slow moving for me but then picked up. I am not so totally gaga over it like most others are but I did like it. We had a very good discussion about it at Book Club and we all agreed that this book is more political than true to life. We threw out the question of whether or not our society could everbe like this. I said NO! I would hope that there would be enough of us that would stand up against this kind of a government and sacrifice ourselves rather than our children. I know I would. But then as we got talking and discussing we discovered that governments like this do exist and have existed throughout the world. So sad...and it makes me angry that there are men who get away with things like this. This is one of those times when I'm not above praying for certain world leaders to get hit by lightning!
It's a good book, but don't think it's as horrible as it's made out to be.

The Red Pyramid

This is the first book in the Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan, the same author who wrote my favorite Percy Jackson series. This one is along the same lines only it's Egyptian Mythology instead of Greek. But the children find themselves with supernatural parents and powers. I liked this book and it kept up a pretty good pace, but I have to admit that I didn't like it as much as I loved Percy. I love Egyptian history and I love learning about it, however, I don't know as much as I do about Greek Mythology. Besides, the Egyptians are sort of creepy in some of their beliefs!
Anyway, it's a great read packed with adventure and history and I look forward to the next in this series.