someday this pain will be useful to you

Someday this pain will be useful to you by Peter Cameron.

Summary
About a few days (weeks?) in James Sveck's life, an 18-year old who doesn't seem to know what he is doing.

Source
I read about this on Laineygossip.com, on which she shared pictures of the movie that is based on the book.

My thoughts
This was a very quick read. I don't know that I loved it, nor did I hate it. I can somewhat relate to James' lack of direction but I'm not sure I felt particular empathy with him. I think I felt more like he should just snap out of his funk.

I did mark this passage because I could relate to these feelings toward my own mother:
"I knew she wanted to help me. I knew she was my mother and loved me and I didn't want to be mean, but there something else inside me, something hard and stubborn that was mean."

Another passage I liked:

"I found this spectacle somewhat depressing, because I had always thought, or hoped, that adults weren't necessarily as hobbled by mindless conformity as so many of my peers seem to be. I always looked forward to being an adult, because I thought the adult world was, well - adult. That adults weren't cliquey or nasty, that the whole notion of being cool, or in, or popular would cease to be the arbiter of all things social, but I was beginning to realize that the adult world was nonsensically brutal and socially perilous as the kind of childhood."

While I understand his feelings toward adult, I would have expected these thoughts from someone more mature and I thought James acted quite immaturely often. I guess that's what being a teenager is all about, having very mature thoughts but not quite acting at that level

I feel a bit bad because it seems that from reading reviews, this book has touched many people. Obviously from the passages above, I did somewhat relate to the main character but I didn't always understand his actions, nor his surprise to the consequences of his actions. Maybe I wasn't supposed to?

Mockingjay

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

Summary
The third and final installment (The Hunger Games and Catching Fire) follows Katniss Everdeen in her most demanding challenge yet as a representation of the revolution against The Capitol.

Source
I was eagerly awaiting to read this and was still on the waiting list at the library but was able to borrow it from a friend.

My thoughts
I thought it was a proper conclusion to the series.

Catching Fire

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

Summary
The second book following The Hunger Games picks up after Katniss Everdeen wins The Hunger Games. She now has to deal with the consequences of winning and inciting rebellions.

Source
I was lucky to be able to read Catching Fire right after finishing The Hunger Games. Unfortunately, I am #164 waiting for the final book, Mockingjay, at the library.

My thoughts
I didn't think this was engrossing as The Hunger Games but it does draw you in. I don't want to say too much but I didn't expect to be pulled back in a second time. This one definitely ends in a cliffhanger, leaving you desperately wanting to read Mockingjay.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Summary
The heroine Katniss Everdeen, a modern day Theseus (I only found that out once my boyfriend A explained pointed it out), finds herself in The Hunger Games in which to win, she must be the sole survivor. The Hunger Games is an annual televised game held by The Capitol, as a reminder to the 12 districts that they lost their rebellion. Katniss must struggle against players 23 other players, including a potential lover.

Source
My sister was reading it while I was visiting although I suspect she heard about it from Lainey.

My thoughts
The book is so fast paced I could not put it down; I read the book in two days. I particularly liked the world that Suzanne Collins built. I could vividly imagine the different worlds she built: Katniss' District 12 specializing in coal production, the evil and futuristic Capitol and the arena where The Hunger Games are held. If you're looking for an engrossing read in which you get to live in another world and consider the role of government, this is the book for you.