The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Release Date: July 3, 2010

Pages: 384

Source: Borrowed from a friend

First of all I must say I was crazy about these books (there are 3 in the series). So much so that I read all three in a week and my husband sulked around the whole time because I was ignoring him. It has been a long time since a book has completely captivated me like these books did and I loved every minute.

The books are actually young adult novels, but not written in a way that make them annoying for adults to read. The futurist plot line is set in a postapocalyptic North America, where the government has failed and a new dictatorship has emerged. The new and strange society structure will keep you captivated with every detail of the citizens' lives. Think Fahrenheit 451, Anthem or The Giver.

The story follows Katniss Everdeen (you will fall in love with this character) as she is chosen along with 11 other children to participate in the government's annual Hunger Games -- a fight to the death scenario meets Survivor-- that is broadcast on live TV. In the beginning, the book is all about Katniss trying to survive and return to the family that she loves. As the story continues into the next two books it evolves to include more mature themes including a rebellion against the government and a page-turning love triangle.

I must say, I was doubtful when I started these books. Right off the bat they sound very sci-fi and gory (what with children fighting to the death and all). But I was wrong on both accounts. The futurist society is more advanced in some ways, but the government keeps these advances from the people, so much of it takes place in almost third-world conditions. And while people do die in the book, it is in no way gory or disturbing.

Like many of my favorite books, this series defied my expectations leaving me pleasantly surprised to have stumbled upon such a great read. I literally could not put these books down. And when I did finally finish them, I was sad that they were over and continued thinking about the characters for a good two weeks.

Book Rating: 5 out of 5: Absolutely loved it!

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Title: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Author: Stieg Larsson

Release Date: June 23, 2009

Pages: 629

Source: Only $4 at Sam's!

I read this book on the recommendation of a coworker and based on the fact that I see it everywhere. After the first few chapters, this crime thriller picks up speed fast and keeps you turning the pages anxiously to see what happens next. However, this book is not for those with weak stomachs. There were many parts that were just too graphic for me.

The book follows the story of Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist and magazine publisher who is out of work after being wrongly found guilty of libel. Blomkvist is hired by the Vanger family for his research and investigative reporting skills to solve the long-ago disappearance of their 16-year-old niece Harriet. Blomkvist soon joins up with spunky computer hacker Lisabeth Salander (the girl with the dragon tattoo) to solve the mystery.

Right away I liked the book because it was about a journalist, so I could easily relate. However, the story takes place in Sweden and in the first few chapters there is a lot of talk about Swedish government, business investments and a lot of other stuff that bored me. The story didn't really get interesting for me until Mikael started working on solving the mystery of Harriet's disappearance.

Lisabeth is a great character and I really enjoyed getting to know her throughout the book. She's presented as an onion (or ogre for Shrek fans), and each new chapter pulls back more and more layers on who she really is. Lisabeth has a dark past and as she and Mikael get closer to solving the mystery, this comes out. The reader discovers along with the pair that the mystery also gets darker and more sinister with each new bend. I must warn you there is a lot of very graphic sexual violence which would not be appropriate for non-adult readers. It was almost too much for me.

In the end, the twists and turns leave you with a surprise ending and a nicely solved mystery. But the story and adventures of Mikael and Lisabeth continue in the next two books of the series. I enjoyed the first book enough to buy the second book in the trilogy but soon found it was even more graphic and disturbing than the first. I couldn't make myself finish the second book.

Book Rating: 3 out of 5: Maybe for some readers, but not for me.