The Newest Edition of The Greatest: Mockingjay

Mockingjay(2010)
Collins, Suzanne
Adventure, action
Rating: 8/10
Warnings: Violence, drug references, nudity.

Every book has a hero, but no other hero compares to Katniss Everdeen. Through the other two book she has endured through two hunger games and has gone through what she thinks to be the hardest thing she will ever have to do. But that changes as she finds the arena blown up and herself barely held together by a thread at the end of the second hunger games, she is taken to the legendary district thirteen. There she is introduced to a whole new environment filled with people who feel exactly how she does when it comes to the capital and president Snow. As they go through out the districts convincing people to join the rebellion, their feelings toward the capitol grow even stronger. When they finally round up the district rebels, they head into the heart of the capitol for their attack. As they arrive, a turn of events happens and they are left to figure out a new plan survival and attack.

While Katniss goes through these rough series of events she learns that when there is a will, there is a way. She teaches herself to not give up. Even through her greatest trials, she still has hope. And I think that is what makes her the "mockingjay" and what keeps everyone else going. She teaches not only herself but the people around her that there is a way.

Mockingjay is an emotional and empowering book that show what it would be like to be in battle and taking over the capitol. In this book, Collins writes in first person. It is different because she is so precise. I have read the past two books in this series and you would think that I would be used to her writing, but I am continually shocked still at the way she writes. She uses the exact words to get you to feel and understand Katniss. As Katniss recognizes that feeling of hope and empowerment, you feel that same feeling. The places that she chooses to end a chapter are so uniquely placed that it practically makes you continue reading.

Mockingjay is more of a teenage book because of the required knowledge to understand it. At the same time it is not meant exactly for teenager only. I actually have found more adults falling in love with this series more than I have teenagers. The romance of the novel gets just about every girl. There is also so much action and spy work that all the guys can't put the book down.

This book is a little long, but it didn't feel that way because of how much you wanted to read. Everyone I have talked to about this book has finished the book very quickly. And that is why I would recommend this book. Even Stephenie Meyer who is the author of the twilight series said "I was so obsessed with this book I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading." It takes an enormous amount of talent from an author to do such a thing to people. I believe The New York Times Book Review would agree because of their statement " Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book." With the jaw dropping twists Collins has perfected this book. Time Magazine even compares her to Katniss by saying "whereas Katniss kills with finesse, Collins writes with raw power." So with that I recommend this book to all that want an adventure.

Different: The Odd Couple

The Odd Couple(1966)
Simon, Neil
Comedy, Romance
6/10 Rating
Disclaimers: Mild language, no F bombs.

A Gang of friends play poker every Friday. When one Friday one of their friends named Felix does not show up, they wonder why and soon learn that Felix is getting divorced from his wife. Felix finally arrives at the poker game. One friend named Oscar, who is also divorced, realizes he has been roughed up and offers Felix to live with him. Felix takes the offer and goes to live with Oscar. Oscar is a very sloppy and unorganized person with an "I don't care attitude". Where as Felix is the exact opposite. Felix constantly cleans up after Oscar and soon enough, he gets sick of it. So he moves out. When Felix comes to get his clothes, he and Oscar decide that they can put their differences aside so they can live happily with each other.

In the end when Felix moves out, they both realize the importance of friendship. And they see how both of them need somebody to lean on in times of trouble and hardship that they have both been through.

Simon is the kind of author that really focuses on getting the moral of the story across. He does this easily by making them drive each other crazy at the right times and finally just letting loose. He also keeps you  reading with the humor that he throws into this Tom and Jerry type plot line. But because this is a play you never realize these things in the way he writes.

This book is intended more for adults. It has adult language and has things in it that you need to have a quick mind to pick up on. I also think that this is especially for people that like plays and have read plays before. It is more difficult to read a play than a normal book. I also did not like this book that much because I am the type of person that does not even like to go watch a play. So that is why I believe that you need a taste for these kinds of books to want to read it.

I would not recommend this to any one who despises plays. I believe that I would have loved this book if I liked plays. I do, however applaud his writing style. In fact The New York Times says "His skill is not only great but constantly growing... There is scarcely a moment that is not hilarious". You know that is true also because New York Daily News confirms that by saying "Fresh,richly hilarious and remarkably original. Wildly, irresistibly, incredibly and continuously funny". Simon did do a slick job at keeping me decently entertained by weaving humor into his romantic story. Please read this book if you like plays because I have a feeling you will love it.

Life or Death

   

The Hunger Games
Collins, Suzanne
Adventure, Fiction
9/10 Rating
Warnings: Some nudity, intense action, and violence.

This novel is about a girl named Katniss who lives in the twelfth district of Panem. She explains how her family is poor, and how she hunts and struggles to keep them alive. On top of worrying about her family, is the Games. She tells how the Hunger Games is where the Capitol gathers one male, and one female from each district to compete in these last man standing type games. These games are held each year so that the Capitol can stay empowered by striking fear into the hearts of each district. Katniss also tells how her sister Prim was chosen randomly as a contestant and how Katniss volunteered as a tribute instead to protect her younger sister. While being a contestant she finds her male counter part named Peeta falling in love with her in the arena of the Games while she still struggles to kill off the other contestants so she can be the last one standing and see her friends and family again.

As Katniss goes through this deathly adventure, she realizes how important friends are. While she is fighting in the Games, she misses her sister Prim and her mother, along with her best friend Gale. She realizes how much she needs them in her life and how much she truly cares and loves them. She also discovers that the lessons learned from her parents such as hunting and healing are very invaluable. In the end she is forced into a tough situation and learns that it is important to do what is right regardless of the consequences.

The Hunger Games is an intense adventure that is told in first person and tells what Katniss is thinking. Though it is in first person, the way Collins writes is so descriptive that you feel as if you are there.It gives a perspective of what it might be like as a competitor in the Games. The way she writes is kind of unique by how she keeps you going. Collins ends the chapters at the exact right times. Just at the climax of the chapter or section she ends it. She writes so smoothly and knows how and when to make thinks tense and when to make them more mellow. Not a lot of authors have the talent to write this way. What also makes her writing so unique is that she gives small hints as to what might happen next. If you really pay attention and are able to put two and two together you might realize that through these little and yet descriptive details she hints a lot.

This novel is more of a high school aged novel. It requires a little bit more maturity to understand and read. It gives more  adult references. I believe that most would find this novel to be very good. I have not found anyone high school aged or above that has not fell in love with the story and plot. The author somehow finds a way to appeal to such a wide variety of people. Between the star crossed lovers and the action of every fight scene she keeps every one's eyes glued to the page no matter what gender you are.

I have never in my life found an actual book that I truly liked, until I read this one. The other books I have read this term have been some of the best books I have read in my life, but they don't come even close to this book. It has plenty of good qualities to go around. In fact, Publishers Weekly's says "Best Books of the Year". I never really found myself bored. I only found myself wanting to read more, and asleep once cause I stayed up reading it too late. 
I recommend this book because of the wonderful job Collins does at keeping you going. USA Today says "[A] plot-driven blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance." Collins really brings your imagination to life with this plot. Los Angeles Times said “...enthralling, imaginative and creepy...”. The author does a fine job at making you feel involved while telling of these district twelve nobodies trying to fight on against all odds. I would recommend this book to anyone who has good imagination and loves an intense adventure.

Rising up

Potevka's Gifts (2012)
Ramsdell, Mike
Auto-biography
7/10 stars
warnings: Prepare to laugh a little.

This book is a sequel to A Train To Potevka, which was the last book I wrote a review on. This book is not like your average sequel though. Potevka's Gifts is a bunch of short stories about his experiences as an author of A Train To Potevka at book signings, while being a keynote speaker, and at experiences while making the magnificent book A Train To Potevka into a movie. He shares stories of people he meets, times where he meets old friends while speaking in places, and even silly book clubs that he goes to.

In Potevka's Gifts Ramsdell points out that if you believe in yourself then you can turn out as successful as he has been in his life. He also points out that you never know how much you can affect other people's lives until you try.

Ramsdell has a little bit of a different style of writing in this book than his last book. In this novel he writes in a similar way to the Calvin And Hobbes books, funny and short stories. However, he gives a  real perspective of what it might be like to stand right at his side through each and every experience. He gives such great details of  the people he encounters or the situation he is in. I also think that Ramsdell is a unique author because he is able to share all of his thoughts while still making it clear about what is going on.

Ramsdell wrote the novel for the mid-teens and older age groups. Even though he is telling funny or unique stories, he still uses more of a mature vocabulary. I also believe that only the people who have read the first book and liked it will be able to understand and enjoy this book, because then you would be able to understand some of the references and the bits of Russian sayings that he puts into some of the stories.

Ramsdell does a smooth job in this story of keeping you interested and entertained. Just when you are practically eating out of the palm his hand, he ends a story and allows you to be able to put the book down  and pick it up later and not miss anything and keep you entertained. The online site, thebookdepository.com says "Mike Ramsdell is a great story teller", and I couldn't agree more. I never found myself saying bad things about it. Ask anyone and I would bet they would rate this novel well. In fact Google Books says "What an awesome book! Loved this as an interim book between A Train to Potevka and Russia Rags and Riches - Spies and Lies." These are only a fraction of the infinite compliments there are for this book. And that is why I recommend this it as well.

A New thrill ride

A Train To Potevka

A Train To Potevka (2006)
Author : Ramsdell, Mike
Genre : Thriller
Rating : 8 of 10
warning : Mild violence
Pages: 345

Mike Ramsdell is an American spy, working for the government. He is a Mormon from a small town named Bear River, Utah. He has been through many missions that have turned out very successful, but when he takes on a new mission, he doesn't know if he can make it out alive. And when others he works with from the embassy hear he is from Utah they laugh at the thought that he would make it through this difficult mission. Mike goes through a series of unfortunate events while trying to fight off the KGB and Russian mafia to stay alive. He travels from city to city along the six thousand mile Trans-Siberian Railway. As he goes through this difficult mission in Russia, he realizes how much he truly relies on the Lord. He explains the experiences of how he suffered through this long and lonesome journey, as he strives to survive to see his family just one more time.

While Mike is on his journey, he realizes that many miracles occur in his life and he develops a new love for the Lord and how much he has been blessed. As he is alone and wishing he was home, he realizes that it is very hard to live without loved ones.

Mike Ramsdell did a wonderful job of writing this book. He tells his own story in first person. But he writes in such a way that you feel like you are right there next to him with every experience he has. While reading about him going through his cold winter nights I had to curl up with a blanket, because he writes in such a way that I felt what he felt. He also tells the story in a way so that you can understand everything that is going on. He gives details and definitions to Russian words that most people would not know.

A Train To Potevka is a thrill novel mainly targeted to the audience of teenagers. It has more of a mature vocabulary. I believe that a general audience of all men would like it. the reason I say this is because this book is jam packed with action and fight scenes. I think that some women may also enjoy this book, because between the action there are emotional bits of the book. When he wrote this book it was originally intended to just be for his family such as his older adult brothers and sisters, but then when he started selling so many copies he soon found out that a wide variety of people,both adults and teenagers, loved it. Ramsdell writes it so good that no matter who you are, you won't want to put it down.

After I read A Train To Potevka, I loved it. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is in the mood for some good suspense. I also recommend this book because it gives a good feel good message. And like Jamie Baer says ,"Who can resist a feel-good story, combined with a tale of suspense and wonder and running from the Russian mafia just to stay alive?". This book was originally not supposed to be published but everyone that he showed the story to loved it so much that it had to be published. Bob Stack tells how wonderful it really is by saying this,"This book holds one's interest from beginning to end.  Its' as if the reader is in the blizzard, on board the refugee train, running down the frozen back roads, and experiencing the same physical and mental emotions as Mike." I want all to experience the journey and emotions as I have when I read this book. I highly recommend this book.

The Crucible Cast List

Reverend Samuel Parris : Terry Crews


I chose Terry Crews to play reverend Parris because in another show named everybody hates Chris he is good at being concerned. In that show he is a father to three kids and has two jobs so that he can provide for them. He seems like he is concerned about his kids lives and about what they do. Reverend Samuel Parris is concerned about his daughter and also about his church and his town.

Tituba: Whoopie Goldberg

I chose Whoopie for Tituba because she has that kind of look of mysterious and of "what she has been up to?". In the movie Ghost she plays a fortune teller and she talks with the spirits. She looks like she would be found guilty of which craft and found chanting in the forest like Tituba.

Abigail Williams: Angelina Jolie
I chose to cast Angelina for Abigail Williams because both of their names start with an A. Also in the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, she lies to her husband to cover up her real job and real objective. Abigail constantly lies t cover up what her and the others did in the forest. In that movie, Angelina also leads a group of girls to try to kill her husband, just like Abigail leads her friends in things.

Thomas Putnam: Gene Hackman
I would have Gene Hackman play as Thomas Putnam. I would do this because in the movie Silverado he plays the role of an older man who is a wealthy land owner, just like Thomas Putnam,and thinks that his way is the best, but no one will listen so he tries to take over the town. He is also around his fifties like Thomas.

Goody Ann Putnam: Kathy Bates
I would star Kathy Bates as Ann Putnam. She is around the age of Ann. She also plays in the movie misery. In that movie she believes that a handicapped child is possessed and so she tries to beat the devil out of the kid. This situation is similar to that of Ann Putnam because she believes that the town is going into satin's hands.

John Proctor: Brad Pitt
I chose Brad Pitt for the role of John Proctor. I chose him because he plays in the movie Legends of the Fall. In this movie he plays as a man who has plenty of affairs. In this movie he also is forced to live and be involved in the town by his father. He also has an affair in the movie troy, like John.

Goody Elizabeth Proctor: Jennifer Lopez
I would think Jennifer Lopez would be good for Elizabeth Proctor. I think this because of the movie Enough. In this movie her husband cheats on her multiple times. She is also accused of kidnapping a girl. They are both accused of bad things that they didn't do.


Mary Warren: Sandra Bullock
I choose Sandra Bullock for Marry Warren. In the movie Witches of Eastwick she Is accused of witchcraft. She also dances in the woods. Also in the movie The Proposal she dances in the woods. Mary Warren is also accused of witchcraft, she was also found dancing in the woods with the other girls.


Goody Rebecca Nurse: Rene Russo
I  would choose Rene Russo for Rebecca Nurse. Both of their names start with an R. She plays in the movie Yours mine and ours. In this movie she has a lot of kids like Rebecca. In this movie she is also well known and liked for charity and what her business does.

Reverend John Hale: John Lithgow
I chose John Lithgow for John Hale. They share the same first name. In the movie Footloose  he plays the role of the town minister. He believes in the authority of the church. John Hale is also the town minister of Beverly and he believes in authority of the church and state like John Lithgow.

Get to know you

5 things I was doing 10 years ago:
• I was wearing awesome overalls!
• I was wearing one of the sweetest nike backpacks I have ever seen.
• I was a tiny innocent little kinder gardener.
• I was constantly watching, what I think was the best movie on earth, toy story.
• I was in love with playing bingo.




5 things I was doing 5 years ago:
• I was still getting used to snowy weather.
• I was playing football during recess.
• I was still trick or treating.
• I was thinking my fifth grade teacher was the bomb.
• I was still getting wedgies from my brother

5 things I was doing 1 year ago:
• I was being a leader.
• I was snowboarding like a boss.
• I was getting good grades.
• I was shorter than I am now.
• I was on facebook a lot.

5 things I was doing yesterday:
• I was cleaning up the house.
• I was making myself eggo waffles and bacon for lunch.
• I went up and got my picture taken for my snowboarding pass.
• I was at a surprise birthday party for someone.
• I was doing standing backflips on a tumbling tramp and almost landed one on the ground.

5 snacks/treats I enjoy:
• goldfish
• chocolate chip cookies with no chocolate chips
• vanilla wafers
• frito's and bean dip
• peanut butter crackers


5 songs I think I don't know all the words to:
• Look at me now(Chris Brown)
• A lot of Eminem songs.
• Mine(Taylor Swift)
• Spaceman(The Killers)
• All Kesha songs.

5 things I would do with $100 million:
• I would be rich.
• I would get a lamborghini.
• I would pay off my house.
• I would go to a lot of NBA games.
• I would give some to charity.

5 locations I would like to escape to:
• Hawaii islands
• Heaven
• Some Canadian ski resort.
• Lake Powell
• Statue of Liberty

5 bad habits I have:
• Degrading people.
• I play beer pong with water.
• I do stupid things too often.
• I get really stressed.
• procrastinators unite... tomorrow. procrastonate.

5 things I like to do:
• I like to play basketball.
• I like to snowboard.
• I like to party.
• I like to eat food.
• I like to hang out with friends.

5 TV shows I like:
• Hawaii 5-0
• Spongebob
• Everybody hates Chris
• Kung fu panda:Legends of awesomeness.
• Man VS. Food

5 biggest joys at the moment:

• Life
• Christmas is coming.
• Getting done with this assignment.
• Friends and family
• Snowboarding

I’m happiest when … I hear a really funny joke.

Someday I’m going to … own a car. 

When I’m really down, what I want to do is … have fun.

I feel anxious … Right before my birthday.


I like people who … Treat me well.

All it takes to make me happy is … food.

What I really want to do is … meet Michael Jordan.

I wish that … It would snow already.

I don’t like when people are … Acting like jerks to everyone.

A person really should ... Listen.

I just hate it that … This assignment is taking me so long.


I just love it that ... Christmas is almost here.