Is it bad that I enjoyed this more than the original movie?

I've finally finished Forest Born by Shannon Hale! I must preface this post by saying I knew I was going to like this book before I read it. The narrative voice or maybe the writing style of this series, is intricate, weaving lush narration with subtle humor and have strong, engaging, three dimensional characters. They have the magic of fairy tales, and characters that stick with you. I love these books, I think people mistake them as slow moving, but I disagree. They are refreshing and different, set apart from dime-a-dozen novels by the author's obvious love of her characters and painstaking attention to the details of this world she has created. Hale is an author that I would buy a book from without knowing the content because I appreciate her writing.

Okay, enough hero worship. Forest Born introduce Rin, a girl who is ruled by fear. Fear of showing who she really is. Fear in not really knowing who she really is. As with a good tale, she embarks on a physical and emotional journey and amidst adventure and danger begins to learn who she can be. I've over-simplified this, but if you decide to read this, you can see how complex and beautiful this simple story really is. I would actually star by reading Goose Girl, but from there you may have enough background to read Forest Born, but why skip the books between?

I love Kristin Cashore. Well, I don't actually know her, but I mainly like her because I liked the novel, Graceling. The other reason I like her is because she has this posted on her blog:

And her new book, Fire, is coming out. And mine is on the way to my house now, I can feel it. Why is anticipation so awesome, and so annoying at the same time?

(read it, it's good for you.)

Have you read this book yet? It is the sequel to The Hunger Games and I think it's pretty darn good! I promise I read other genres besides fantasy, but people keep recommending them, so I can't turn down a good book! It is post-apocalyptic version of the world where the despotic, corrupt Capitol rules the exploited Districts. Every year the Capitol holds the Hunger Games to remind the Districts of the consequences of their rebellion long ago. The Hunger Games is like Survivor where the last one alive wins. Each district is required to send two tributes, children offered to the Capitol for their amusement. I don't want to tell you too much about Catching Fire in case you haven't read the first book yet. I will just say that it is great. It is rebellion, love, loyalty, suspense, survival and the story takes my breath away. I keep thinking about Katniss, the main character, how she is just a girl trying to figure out herself and her part in the imminent future of the Districts. I am not awed by her heroism, but I embrace her as a real person in a confusing and dangerous situation trying to do what is right for those that she loves. She is an everyman, we can all see ourselves in her and relate to her and I really like that kind of hero.

What are you waiting for? Go pick up this book or borrow a copy from your neighbor right away!

I Think I Can Dance

I wish I was going. But since, alas, I cannot, you should go and tell me all about it. Say hi to Shannon Hale for me. And Lois Lowry. And Holly Black. Tell Rick Riordan and Judy Blume I'll miss them. I'm must go and wallow in self-pity now.

For those of us that can't make it, I believe, although I am not positive, that there will be webcasts or podcasts of some of the action, I will definitely keep you updated, or check out the Library of Congress site here.