The Hunger Games trilogy: Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay - Suzanne Collins

Until a few days ago, it never occurred to me to add the Hunger Games trilogy to the blog because it's hard to believe that anyone who would be interested in this series hasn't already read it. I remember that my (now 19 year old) niece poured through the novels the moment they each came out. She convinced my very busy brother and sister-in-law to read the books (miracle!) and they all spent a summer visiting with us and convincing me that I had to dive into them.

I spent last night watching the second movie,  Catching Fire, and I knew that I would need to discuss the trilogy today.

I love these novels. Specifically, I love the first two books: Hunger Games and Catching Fire. In case you have been living under a rock or leading a life more interesting than the average person, a quick, completely limited recap of the plot:

The story revolves around the series' rebel heroine, Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem, formerly known as North America. In Panem, the Hunger Games are an annual event in which young boys and girls fight to the death in a televised battle.

If you've read them, you know that this is a severely limited synopsis of the actual works. Specifically, Katniss is one of the best young heroines in YA (young adult) fiction today. Intelligent, resourceful and wounded by the early death of her father, she seems singularly motivated by love.  But her love is gruff and quiet and hidden under layers of need to protect herself and the people she loves. I especially appreciated Katniss' near rejection of any type of romantic connection due to the fact that her life and the lives of her family are constantly in peril. The relationships in these books are both the central motivators and quietly in the background against the realities of war (or lack of reality of war for those not participating but watching on TV).

Collins is an army brat and she was formed by her father's discussion of the reality of war and their family tours of battlegrounds (can I get an Amen from my brothers?). She says that her inspiration for the Hunger Game series came after watching both reality shows and how similarly the coverage of the Iraq war seemed to them. I think that Collins' own feelings are very clear in the third novel, Mockingjay. This was my least favorite of the books but mainly because I felt that two tightly written thrillers almost faded into a political treatise. To be fair, I read a lot of these series one after the other with little time in between. Authors necessarily need to repeat details in one novel to another so that new readers (or those who have waited a year or more) will be "up to speed." The detail didn't bother me as much as the overall feeling that Collins was bringing down a heavy-handed message (even if I totally agree with the message).

**Spoiler alert ** In the third novel there are no more Hunger Games, there is simply war and the very real consequences of war. **Double spoiler alert for Divergent not as many real consequences as in Allegiant.

Should you read the Hunger Games? Is anyone really asking that? Should your teen or pre-teen read them? (assuming they haven't). Well…there is very little sex. I don't think there is any really (if that matters). There is an unimaginable amount of teen violence in all three books. The third novel hasn't been a favorite of any of the teens or YAs I know. Similarly to the Divergent series (but to a lesser degree), there are emotional but realistic casualties in the series.

My guess is that most pre-teens will see the movies. The second was better than the first in my limited (but happy) opinion. The last novel will be split into two movies (out in Nov. 2014 and then 2015).

If your child does read the books, they would make a great jumping point for a discussion of war and the consequences of war. Also, the political make-up of the US (and North America in general). It's fun to try and figure out who lives where after the separation into Districts. I found the choices of who lives where a little racist while watching the movies and I would love to hear what other readers think.

Lighthouse Fundraiser

Although I'm trying to post everyday, I'm a bit behind as RKZ is out of town for a few days with work. Even though my mom is here to help, the load of things going on hasn't slowed. 

Saturday night, I was very excited to attend a fundraising Gala for a local charity that helps women struggling with unplanned pregnancies as well as the financial concerns of single mothers. The organization is called The Lighthouse and it was a fun and amazing night. There were over 800 people filling an airplane hanger turned museum. Also, there was an open bar. Good all around except that RKZ wasn't there. 

I sent him this selfie just to let him know what he was missing ;) 

 Our hostess for the evening showing off her sparkly shoes (moms get excited about dressing up)

My date, Julie,  showing off her sparkly dress (not really, I made her take pictures). 

We also were there with friends we met while we lived in Calgary! This shot also shows off the hanger-ness of the place. 

 The speaker was a 36 year old woman named Gianna Jessen who was the inspiration behind the movie "October Baby." Gianna survived a saline abortion and is subsequently living with Cerebal Palsy.  She was a very passionate speaker but was insistent that her life be defined with joy and not bitterness. She stated numerous times: "I am not a victim." I really liked her. 

As a table, we bought a weekend at a resort. I'll be sure to post about that when the time comes (hopefully sooner rather than later!) RKZ definitely needs to come to these fundraisers to save himself some money!!

Divergent (and Insurgent and Allegiant) - Veronica Roth

This is a great book (and series) - if you like futuristic novels where the protagonist is a young adult facing both life-and-death choices and life-and-death situations. 

This is the synopsis of the first novel, Divergent, which the author gives on her blog site: 

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. 
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.

Because I'm … old… and not teaching teenagers anymore, I first heard of this bestselling trilogy when I saw Matt Lauer interview Roth on the Today show. Lauer was "teasing" the major twists and turns and shocking decisions which Roth made with her characters. Roth did make some surprising choices in the ending of the series. She credits JK Rowling and the Harry Potter books with making young adult fiction more realistic in terms of the consequences of character's choices (*trying not to give anything away).  I have to say that I first downloaded the novel based on how authentically shocked Lauer seemed to be with the course the books take.

I think I'll give my take on the Hunger Games novels tomorrow - because these two series will inevitably have comparisons. The main character is female, strong, figuring out her place in her world. There is a love interest (but no triangle in  Divergent). Personally, I liked Katniss a little more than Tris, but I always had the feeling that Roth meant for Tris to be a bit unreliable as a narrator. Tris is very much a teenager, where Katniss was always adult-ish. But, Tris clearly develops in this novel. She has difficult but authentic relationships with her parents and her brother and the twists and development of these relationships was what I must enjoyed. Family relationships are a major theme of the series.

I think I would let mature pre-teens and any teens read these books. There are "elliptical" sexual encounters  i.e. … the main characters are hot for each other but nothing is very detailed about their actual physical relationship. There is a homosexual couple but I don't know if pre-teens would notice as it's vaguely alluded to (in the 3rd novel, Allegiant). There is A LOT of death. Literally, A LOT. Not as gruesome as the Hunger Games, but much more emotional, as far as I'm concerned.

It's 100% knowing your child - I like my friend, Mindy's take - you should read this series with your child if he or she is considering reading it. If they've already finished the novels, I'd ask them about their favorite and least favorite parts.

**spoiler alert**I know about 5 teenagers who think the ending is ok. Most hate it. Feel free to comment if you'd like to know the end.

Friday Fashion-ish

Fashion-ish Friday report: My mom is here visiting, so I was able to shower.  Victory!
I had no idea what to put on at 6:30 this morning, so I turned to my old faithful, In Style magazine (December issue). I basically look through the "what to wear" section and try to use whatever I have to look remotely like the picture. Here's today's choice (it's snowing here):

My first thoughts? Uhh - I don't do polka dots and I have a muffin top, so I won't be using a belt to accentuate a waist I don't have. I would love a camel coat like this, but don't have one. Also, I had a meeting all afternoon, so a heavy scarf is out. I'm going to say that my outfit is about 10% similar to the picture, but it helped a brain-dead girl look ok. 

Pea Coat - CAbi, 7-for all Humanity Jeans, Old Navy sweater and Rebecca Minkoff purse. Basement of my parish after an Altar Society meeting. That blur is an umbrella. I don't look too much like the picture, but I have jeans and a jacket on!! 

Happy Friday! 

Stitch Fix - 1

I have a shopping problem. Or, maybe I have a fashion problem. I think it stems from the fact that I had literally no fashion sense as a child. Blame it on Catholic School Uniforms, the fact that I only had brothers or the fact that I had 4 of those brothers (and not an excess of family income to shop) but I just had no sense of what to wear or what looked remotely good on me.

Case in point:

Family photo circa 1986

I mean, seriously awesome lavender sateen shirt and skirt. Also love the permed hair. 

This is a great shot of our family, though (and Gma J, God rest her soul). 

Almost in reaction to the YEARS I spent with abysmal style (no laughing, old friends) throughout High School and University, the minute I made some money - very little teacher money - I spent it on another collection of the worst overly "in style" clothes ever. 

Ok, I don't think this outfit is very "in style" but I was very fond of that red and white striped skirt. I just like this picture because it's nearly the same people about 10 or so years later (maybe 15 - again with the math!).  But even as a "working woman" I had very little idea of what fit me and my shape and my goals (such a 90's and 2000's thing to say). 

I had a bit of a fashion epiphany around 30. I loved 30. I think I finally gave myself permission to have the body of a woman and I started researching which designers and trends fit me instead of the other way around. I also stopped obsessing with Sports Illustrated swim suit models and decided that who I am and what I am worth is so much more than boobs and butts and hair extensions. I wanted to dress beautifully because I like beautiful clothes and because I want to show the world that my appearance means a lot to me. I like dressing up to show other people that being in relationship with them means a lot to me. I like to "dress up" for life. I think living is a pretty big deal and sometimes I like to put on outfits that reflect that. 

Sometimes, I wear yoga pants and don't shower. I'm an enigma. And I still don't have a lot of time to follow new trends. 

Five months ago, I found a great site. Stitch Fix is a web site where you fill out a "fashion profile" and stylist puts together a box of about 5 goodies. They send a new box every month (you can set a preference of how often/little you receive a box). You also get to set price points and preferences, so it's not like a limitless supply of things no one can afford. You choose what you want from the box and send back what you don't. 

 I wanted to blog about this because I love getting a box of trendy (or semi-trendy) clothes based on my preferences. The first box was a "french toast" moment where some of the things didn't fit or were strange but you also rate and explain what you like and don't so successive fixes become increasingly better. 

Here is this month's fix: 

First, the box arrives via USPS

There is a little personalized note from the stylist (I've had 3 different stylists) 

There are "style idea" cards for each piece they send. 

I love this shirt. It's a cap sleeved blouse in actual silk. Awesome for the summer. 

My mom (current photographer) shot this picture of me in another of the shirts they sent. I've requested no pants for a few months because I have more than enough jeans and yoga pants :) This is one of the sweat shirts they sent in stripes and the color of the season - mint green/light teal

My son is wearing a t-shirt and hurley shorts ;) 

I'm still not the world's most fashionable woman, but it's fun to have someone choosing some cute trendy things for me lately. 

FYI, I sent back one of the shirts because its just didn't work for me. There is a pre-paid USPS envelope and I was able to buy everything else on-line. 

I'm back to novels and movies in the next few posts. Can't wait to see Twelve Years A Slave. 

Ash Wednesday 2014

Here's the (someday will be) yearly "Ash shot" (see what I did there?) I just want to say how much I like being Catholic. I'm sorry so many people hate it and think we're all crazy or mean or just think it's ok to make fun of us. I promise I'll never make fun of your crazy - even if you put a dot of stuff on your head for reasons I find archaic.

I stole this post from my FB status. It's passive-agressive mean but I don't care. Today, I'm a warrior ;) 

What's going on in Ukraine?

If you read or watch the news, you'll know that there is quite the stink going on in the Ukraine. Here's a little bit of info I lifted from a more news worthy (CNN) locale:

The short version is that Ukraine has long been split between folks who look West toward Europe and those who tend to lean East toward Russia. Last year, now-ousted President Viktor Yanukovych decided to scrap a European trade deal that promised long-term rewards in favor of a pile of quick cash offered up by Russia. The pivot toward Russia set off protests by the pro-European crowd that climaxed in deadly clashes with security forces last week. Dozens died before a European-brokered peace deal ended the fighting. But Yanukovych fled before the deal could all be implemented, first to pro-Russian strongholds in Ukraine, then finally to Russia.

Ukraine's Parliament says it's running things. Lawmakers have named an interim president, started to set up a new government and called elections for May. They've also been talking tough to Russia about keeping its military on its leash and avoiding anything that seems provocative. 

 Why does Russia care? Well...Why does the United States care what's happening in, say, Mexico? Pretty much the same reasons apply -- the two countries have traded territories back and forth, they have a shared border and there are lots of business and cultural associations. Ukraine is literally on Russia's doorstep. It's home to the country's Black Sea naval fleet. Ukraine used to be one of the republics in the Soviet Union, and Crimea used to belong to Russia. The countries are big trading partners, and Ukraine hosts part of Russian state-owned natural gas provider Gazprom's network of pipelines that serve European markets.

Keep an eye on Crimea. Pro-Russian forces still hold several government buildings, and lawmakers there have voted out a government they saw as too pro-Kiev. With so many ethnic Russians and a big Russian military presence there, it's a potential flashpoint. 

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

I'll begin with the fact that this novel has been critically acclaimed for the short while that it has been out (it was first published in Dutch and was wildly praised). It's been on every "best seller" list since its publication. Before I picked it up (downloaded it to my Kindle), I read a few reviews and many readers rave about it's "brutal honesty", "coming-of-age themes" and "realistic, beautiful characterization." I wouldn't disagree with any of those comments. 

But, will that lead the majority of bourgeois readers (all 5 of you) to read it? Is it worth the time it takes to read 784 pages? Yes, my friends, it's 784 pages. I have been reading it on and off for 3 months. 

That begs the question of why on and off? For me, first, it was the story line itself. A young boy lives through a terrible tragedy and his life is changed forever…he is alone and floundering first in New York and then Las Vegas (of all places) and then back to New York. Many drugs and survival-type friendships ensue with a few (very few) authentically loving relationships thrown in. I wish I were the type of person who just revels in the artistic amazingness of these realistic story lines but mostly, I feel myself becoming very sad and I can't quite pull myself out of the story enough to be a good wife and mom even when I'm not reading. I was riveted by Tartt's writing and found myself staying awake far too late to be of any use to anyone - so that's a positive for the novel if you don't have anything else to do in your day. I actually made myself step away from the novel for a bit. [Ironically, I read The Fault in Our Stars instead. Tragic bildungsroman (fancy word for "coming of age stories") seem to be filling all the popular lists these days.] 

This is an idea packed novel. Simply the amount of words was stunning - but I was irritated after a while with what seemed like the author's way of throwing obscure vocabulary in for what started to seem like a "look how smart I am" narcissism. Even if I knew the meaning of the words, I was irritated that she didn't choose something that didn't break up the flow of ideas. This is totally a personal preference and probably just means she is smarter and better read than me so these words are a part of her normal life. But, if I hadn't been using a tablet to read - and the handy immediate dictionary - I would have been bugged. I felt as though it even took away from the novel's symbolism.

The book is also a slow read.  Tartt references the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series in this book and if you enjoyed the pacing of these books - nothing in the story line but the actual tempo of the books-  you'll like Tartt's style. 

On that note, it seems that Tartt's first novel, The Secret History (1992) was more of a thriller and the plot seems interesting so I'll probably give that a go. 

 Donna Tartt

I am excited to try and see the painting around which the story revolves - it's almost a character in itself - and it's currently on display at the The Frick in New York City: 

Sunday Scrum

Yes, we go to Church on Sundays. We even get out of our jammies by nine o'clock. But Sunday mornings always start like this: 

The Sunday Scrum.

Blue Jasmine

Sometimes, when RKZ and I get into a "small argument", I will storm out of the house and go see a movie by myself. Normally, I'll see a movie he has no interest in seeing as this seems like a giant act of rebellion on my part (also, even though I'm mad, I don't like to see something without him that I know he'd like -such is love, I guess). Earlier in the year, one such movie was Blue Jasmine. Honestly, I didn't really want to see the movie, but it was well-reviewed and the only thing playing in the time slot I'd given myself for an adult tantrum. 

What a revelation Cate Blanchet is. I mean, not a revelation, exactly, since everyone already knows she's a great actress…but she is very raw and tragic in her role and I was actually mesmerized by her. She is the movie, truth be told. The plot is that a very rich woman's husband is revealed to be a major schemer (Madoff-style) and he's put in prison. He kills himself (not a spoiler - it's in the first 10 minutes) and she is left to figure out her future. She basically unravels throughout the film. 

This was a great movie to see on my own in the midst of my own irritation at the one I love.  This is not a date movie. It's honestly not an anything movie. If you haven't seen it, I'd rent it on a day when you just want to revel in someone else's misery. Or the day you're mad that other people have more money than you. Or the day after a "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" Marathon. 

If you like "A Streetcar Named Desire", this is the movie for you. If you teach "ASND", you could have your students watch this film and then write a compare/contrast essay. It might honestly make for good reading. 

The movie is OK. Woody Allen directed (I saw it before his daughter wrote her letter or I wouldn't have gone) and Cate Blanchet is phenomenal even as a broken soul. 

Happy Saturday! 

Bourgeois Friday Fashions

One of the things about blogs that makes me laugh is the crazy amount of beautiful young (or older) people with fabulous lives who look fabulous all the time. I semi-regularly follow 2 blogs of women in their late 20's or early 30's and every other post is them looking SUPER stylish as they jaunt around New York (Kat) and/or London (The Londoner). Obviously, I am drawn to these blogs because they have NO resemblance to my own life. Also, their pictures help me craft similar-ish outfits out of my Target and Old Navy filled closet. Please notice that each of these blogs have little pictures at the bottom of the posts where the reader might "click and shop." My single constant question is "how do these girls afford all of this stuff?" Prada bags? TopShop staples? New items every week? 

So, I have decided to make Fridays into "Bourgeois Friday Fashions" with Bridgette. I will post whatever I wear (and whether or not I showered) and you can feel free to run down to Target or the Gap and buy whatever I'm wearing :) 

This first post is a bit of a cheat because I actually wore it last Friday but my photographers (kids) couldn't figure out my camera to take a picture of today's style statement. 

Last Friday, I did shower. My ensemble is a Gap cable knit sweater over a stitch fix skirt. I will have to discuss stitch fix next week. In these amazing photos, I am barefoot, but I wore the cow-boy inspired booties with this stunner. 

This is a real woman in her 40's at the end of a long day…Some of us are really too old for selfies

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

I finished this novel last night. I sobbed like a baby through the last 5 chapters.

If you don't know about this book yet, ask anyone under the age of 17. Plot - Two teens with cancer (or recovering from) fall in love.

There is a bit more to the plot than that, but major spoilers would result. The writing is wonderful (more pop references which are a little more "English teacher" than "teenager"). It was recommended to me by a 13 year old niece/cousin. She told me, "This is my favorite book - ever." High praise from a beautiful, athletic (read busy) honor student.

There is sufficient angst, melodrama and coming-of-age to make this into a classic young adult fiction. It also deals well with illness and mortality even if it offers very little in the way of hope or answers (just the way teens like it). If you are familiar with the Judy Blume book "Forever", there is a splash of that, for sure (even if Green didn't mean this). But I am really happy I read this book. I loved the characters. I cried as much for the parents as the teens. It is honest and quite lovely, actually.

Would I let my teenager read it? Content? Sex, death, eternal questions with mortal answers. I think answers will vary by teenager (like everything).

The movie will be released June 6. It makes me sad that a lot of people won't read the book because of this.

Watch the trailer here:
http://youtu.be/9ItBvH5J6ss

Our new kitchen choices

Even though I have no real readers, I've committed myself to blogging every day. Of course, t's only been three days, I've already missed a post so I will post twice today (hooray for the 2 people who see this!! ;) 

We recently moved to Denver, Colorado. We really like it and it was a good move even if it was very unplanned and last minute. I preface with this because we moved from Southern California where we had only lived for the past 3 years (long story for a later post). While in Southern California, our family lived in a home undergoing renovations for the entire 3 years. Seriously, the front yard was finished about 1 week before we sold our home to a lovely couple of very wealthy 20 year olds (no lie). 

Before we moved, I swore I would move into a home that needed no renovations (or very few that could be put off for years). I swore I wouldn't compromise. I swore I would never move again. 

This is what I get for swearing. 

We did find a home in a great location very close to my hub's work. It has a large yard. It is on a green space with just enough grass and trees for 3 little boys and a dog and it's about 1 block from the new Trader Joe's (very important to only me). Of course, it needs to be completely renovated. Like, every. single. inch. will be changed. I'm tempted to pretend that it's not mainly because I'm such a princess. Let's just say that's not the only reason we're renovating. There are basic changes that will help a lot - like finishing the basement and putting in a mudroom/pantry so that jackets, boots and cases of toilet paper don't fill my kitchen anymore. It will just be a prettier mudroom than is probably necessary. 

Oh, and while we're at it, we're redoing the kitchen. 

Here is what we've chosen so far (this is info strictly for Kathy):  The door is the shape we've chosen for our cupboards. They will be stained the darker color on the bottom. The bottom of the island will be the beige color on near the door. The backsplash will be the stacked stone. We have a great, quiet granite for the kitchen counters and working/prep island. The 2nd island is more a casual dining table and will be covered in a cherry wood. 

I did a really bad job of documenting our last reno, but this one I'd like to remember because I hope it will be my last.