"Gregor The Overlander" by Suzanne Collins

I know I'm late to the dance reading Gregor The Overlander by Suzanne Collins. It came out in 2003. That being said, I liked it! Gregor and his baby sister, Boots, fall into a strange land where they meet talking bats, spiders and where rats rule! If you can deal with that, then you probably would like this. Hunger Games it's not, not by a long shot, but the last 100 pages really pick up. It's a fun read written for kids.
(Gerard's review, rating 4 stars)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it? If you reviewed this too, feel free to share your link to your review in the comments. Happy Reading!

"Mockingjay" by Suzane Collins

We both liked this one!

Gerard's review:
You know the deal about Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins--the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy!  Some people were disappointed in this book, but I am not one of them.  I thought this was the best of the three because it has tons of action!  I never knew what was going to happen next.  I like how not everyone thought Katniss was all that, the Gale-Peeta-Katniss triangle, and the surprise ending!  I enjoyed Mockingjay a lot!  It was hard to put down and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next!

Karen's review:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins is the last book in The Hunger Games trilogy and did not disappoint.  This book is amazing!  There is so much action, well developed interesting characters, and psychological drama that I was engrossed in it right from the start all the way to the end.  To get the most out of Mockingjay though, I highly recommend that you read the entire series.  I felt so bad for Peeta throughout the book but am satisfied with the ending.  There is a lot of suffering but loved that Prim’s cat survived and enjoyed Katniss’ relationship with it.  There is some humor in this book too which helped balance the gravity of it.  I liked Katniss throughout the series and admired her intelligence, determination, spontaneity, skill, compassion and perseverance.  At no point was I able to know how it would end for sure. 

This is a great book to end the series and I highly recommend this series (The Hunger Games and Catching Fire) to anyone 14 and older.  I also think this entire series would work great for a book club, there is just so much to discuss.  This series is a MUST READ for anyone who likes suspense, adventure, excitement and books about relationships.  

Reviews by other bloogers:
Bloggin' 'bout Books: Hunger Games Finale Leaves Me As Mute As An Avox
Scientific Nature Of The Whammy: Mockingjay

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

This is the sequel to The Hunger Games which both Gerard and I loved.   Catching Fire picks up right where "The Hunger Games" left off and has a turn of event that I did not expect.  Katniss and Peeta both join Haymitch in Victor's Village but because the Capitol is displeased with her berry stunt her interview after the games, security in District 12 has been increased and rules are now enforced by new peacekeepers.  Her relationship with Gale and Peeta continues to develop; however, she realizes her life is really not her own.  She has some very difficult decisions to make and is confused.  I do not want to give any spoilers but will tell you that if you liked The Hunger Games, then Catching Fire is a must read.  I even dislike the Capitol more after reading this book!  I did not like how it ended because it left me wanting more.  Can't wait to read the next in this series:  Mockingjay.
(Karen's Review)

What a story!  I got into this book from page 1!  Lots of subplots, new characters and twists and turns to be sure.  It is a real page-turner!  Also learned more about Haymitch, Peeta and Katniss.  Poor Gale!  Loving this series--can't wait for book 3!
(Gerard's review)
 
Reviews by other bloggers:
Best review of The Hunger Games and Catching Fire I saw is at For What It's Worth.
Blogging''bout Books: Do Yourself A Favor, Don't Read Catching Fire

At The Book Scoop I learned that there are shirts available related to the book, The Hunger Games at Zazzle (Team Peeta, Team Gale, Girl on Fire, District 12, etc.)

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

I loved The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  I finished it in just two days it was so hard to put down.  Even when I wasn’t reading it, I still was thinking about it.  This is the first book in the series and I am hooked!  It takes place in a fictional country called Panem that the Capitol controls which is divided into districts based on industry.  Just to make sure everyone realizes the Capitol is in control, they run annual Hunger Games where they force two teens from each district to enter a competition to fight to the death in a place that the game makers pick on live TV. 

Katniss is the main character, a 16-yr-old girl who is a good hunter and who volunteers to take your younger sister’s place.  The boy from her district that is also chosen has a long-time crush on her but she does not realize it until he mentions it in his interview.  Katniss struggles with not only surviving the game, but also with friendships and her feelings for Peeta, her admirer and her friend Gale, the boy she hunted with before having to leave for the hunger games. 

There is humor in the book as well because Peeta and Katniss both have a rebellious attitude toward the Capitol and try not to let the game change them.  I especially liked when they went through their training for the show and Katniss outscored everyone by impressing the gamemakers with her talent and spunk.  

This book is awesome!  This is a must read if you like psychological thrillers and adventure.  This is one of my all-time favorite books and I look forward to reading the rest of series!  If you like the TV show, Survivor, you will love The Hunger Games since there are some similarities.
(Karen's review)

Are you kidding me?  one of the best books I ever read was Pack of Two but this book is it's equal!  What an awesome book!  The Hunger Games is about a young teen girl who takes the place of her younger sister in the fight to the death annual TV show.  I could not put this book down and I hear the second book in this series, Catching Fire is even better!  Wow!  I can't wait to read it too! (100 stars)
 (Gerard's review)




Reviews by Other Blogers:
For What It's Worth: The Hunger Games and Catching Fire
Bloggin' 'bout Books: The Hunger Games Will Eat You Up and Spit You Out Only After Taking You On An Edge-Of-Your-Seat Thrill Ride

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?