The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Welcome to the 74th Annual Hunger Games!
This yearly event is the height of Reality TV. Think "Fear Factor" and "The Amazing Race" meet "Survivor".
"The Hunger Games" are hosted by the Capitol of Panem, the nation formerly known as North America, and is the punishment for the uprising of the districts against the Capitol. Each of the 12 remaining Districts is required to send 2 tributes who have been chosen during the Reaping. One that day a lottery system selects one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate. In the case of this year's finalists from District 12, Katniss has stepped forward to take the place of the chosen tribute, her younger sister Prim.
Here is how the competition works. The 24 tributes (contestants) are placed in an outdoor arena specially designed by the game makers who have watched the tributes train and prepare. Once in the arena the tributes must do whatever is necessary to survive. The last tribute standing wins.
The competition is televised live so everyone in the country can watch and cheer on their tributes. The winning tribute will return home to a life of luxury. Their district will also receive a year's worth of food.
"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!"

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

For many of you, books are an essential part of life. They provide enjoyment, companionship, possibly even an escape from reality. You may find ones you love, others you like, and some you despise. For Liesel Meminger, books were her source of strength, her obsession, her way of life.

"Where are my manners? I could introduce myself properly, but it's not really necessary. You will know me well enough and soon enough, depending on a diverse range of variables. It suffices to say that at some point in time, I will be standing over you, as genially as possible. You would will be in my arms. A color perched on your shoulder. I will carry you gently away."

I am Death and I saw Liesel, the book thief, only 3 times before I came to carry her away. The colors: white, black, red. Deaths of a brother, a stranger, and her whole world.

The last time I saw her I discovered something left behind, her journal, a story which I shall share with you. A story, set in Nazi Germany during World War II and the horrors of the Holocaust, that can prove human existence is worth it. Come with me.

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Tale of Two cities is a novel by Charles Dickens, and takes place in revolutionary France.

Life is at its best and worst, in 1775 England and France. The royalty and aristocrats are living high, and very extravagantly, but have been careful not to pay any attention to the injustices and brutality done to the poor and middle class. As a consequence, the rulers and their people are going to be the first to pay in the revolution that on the brink of happening. In England, the focus is off of the reforming American colonists, and instead on the high rate of conspirators, violence, and crime.

Fate and the moving, but silent, forces of the revolution are inevitable.

The characters in this book are examples of all the different types of people resembled in the non-fiction part: vengeful in order to please others, sufferers of the petty crimes that are not worth mentioning, rich people of ignorance, and those who do not want to be caught up in the revolution, in spite of what has or will happen to their families or themselves.

There is a terrific plot inside the covers, which has fiction in the midst of non fiction

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Saving Kirsten By: Jack Weyland

Kirsten Boone has always had high morals. At the young age of 18 she makes a decision to leave her family from Ashton, Idaho to head off to college in UCLA. Kirsten hopes that she will become a aspiring actress and dancer; however are her dreams close enough to reach? As soon as Kirsten arrives in UCLA situated in classes she is approached by Chad Nieteri, a young and wealthy boy who is carefree about life. At first Chad seems interested in her wholesome values and beliefs and begins dating her, but after a few dates Kirsten wonders whether Chad is true to be. Chad on the other hand has different ideas from the relationship, and needs from Kirsten. He begins what he calls the approach by knocking a girl off her feet, and then uses her to help with his life style as a leader of a gand- in which Kirsten has no idea of. As the leader of the gang Chad and his friends impersonate police officers and bust illegal drug manufacturers and dealers, and pocket the money. When Kirsten realizes what Chad wants from her she tries taking all actions- including putting her life in danger in the process. Will Kirsten ever be able to get away from Chad alive, and will Chad change himself and everything he's grown to see? Only reading this novel will let you know!

Jack Weyland uses this book to his advantage with each chapter shifting from Kirstens point of view to Chads. The reader really gets to see everthing go down, and witness the tension between the two characters and both of their struggles. I suggest this to anyone who wants a fast read and is packed with suspense!

Ratings:

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M Is for Magic by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is a fantasy guru who's masterpieces include Coraline, The Graveyard Book, and Stardust. These are only the tip of the iceberg. Now comes M is for Magic. This book is a compilation of a selection of Neil Gaiman's short stories directed towards teens. Tales in this fascinating treasure box include, boys who have trouble talking to girls and end up in an otherworldly party, the investigation of Humpty Dumpty's murder, a haunting jack-in-the-box, and a boy raised in a graveyard. The later is a sneak peek at Neil Gaiman's popular novel the Graveyard Book. The stories in this novel are incredibly witty, ironically hilarious, and eerily spooky. Don't be left out, grab a copy of Gaiman's latest creation before it's too late!

P: 5 Q:5

Cirque Du Freak Graphic Novel

After a long awaited and often painful debate about which fan-comic based on Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak series would be published, the thrilling teen vampire series has finally come out for viewing pleasure. With stunning art by Takahiro Arai, the Cirque Du Freak the graphic novel is now available. While following very closely to the original story, coming down even to the same words written by Darren Shan, the comic has an appeal all of its own. it manages to give the reader a more in place ideal of each character, along with an appearance, which may come as quite relieving for those who could never picture them in their minds. Each detail is well thought out and much suits the gritty needs of Darren Shan's writing style. Some things are left out, but it should not be expected to put very detail into art, and Takahiro Arai did a wonderful job of capturing what was important. The book actually even manages to get more perspective on the main character's best friend, soon to be enemy, Steve Leonard. If the reader can actually be made to feel sorry for Steve Leonard, then it is a powerful book indeed!

In the first book, Darren Shan, the main character as well as the name of the author due to clever and long term planning, is an average boy with all too average friends. That is, until the Cirque Du Freak comes to town. The Cirque Du Freak, French for "Circus of Freaks," throws Darren's life into hectic chaos when he and Steve sneak into a late night showing. It is easy to say that everything goes downhill from there.

Any fan of Cirque Du Freak can learn to also become a fan of the manga. The art starts out a bit awkward and strange, but it quickly melts away into something almost as enjoyable as the original series. So if you couldn't get enough of Darren Shan's novels, sink your fangs into the comics.

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The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

Wanna read City of Bones for free? And you can't make it into the library to check out a copy? Then check out this site and read it online, for a limited time. Enjoy!

Find more goodies here, including screensavers, wallpaper, and avatars. Plus hear audio clips of each book!

If you liked Wake & Fade... check this out!

If you enjoyed Wake & Fade by Lisa McMann & can't wait for Gone to be released in Feb 2010, then check this out! You can read Lisa's short story about Cabel. http://www.simonandschuster.com/giveaways/lisa-mcmann-cabel-story

Secrets At Sea by Sabre Moore

When Sabre Moore was 13, she began writing her own novel, while enjoying life on her family ranch outside Douglas, Wyoming. By age 16, she had succeeded in finding a company that would publish her book. Secrets At Sea is the result.

In Ms. Moore’s richly descriptive novel, you meet Zandra, a young woman with a rough past. In order to avoid an arranged marriage, Zandra runs away, disguises herself as Zander Knight and acquires a job as a cabin boy on a ship. But her life is no picnic and Zandra/Zander/Hawk not only must fight to keep her identity a secret but also to stay alive. Join in Zandra’s adventures complete with swordfights, predatory beasts, and pirates.

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