What can I say that hasn't been said before?

There is so much that has been written about this book, that it almost seems futile to add my opinion to the overwhelming discussions that have been prompted by this truly astounding book. However, as promised, I am reviewing all books that I have given a 5-star rating to and, since this book is so memorable, I thought it would be a good place to start.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me begin by saying that I started and abandoned this book 3 times before I managed to muster sufficient courage to get past the opening chapters where the shocking details of the Hunger Games were described. The concept is beyond harrowing and, as a mother, I found it almost impossible to continue.

5-Star Ratings

I have decided that if a book is worthy of a 5-star rating, then it is worthy of a review. So, I am going to go to all my 5-star ratings at Amazon and Goodreads and systematically write reviews for them. If I cannot remember the books, I will re-read them and if necessary re-rate them.

This decision was sparked by my recent re-read of, an all time favourite, Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, which I rather nervously reviewed below:

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I admit it! I am smitten by Darcy and have been since I was 13 years old. I return to him and Lizzy at least once a year, usually at a low point in my life when I am in dire need of simple pleasures. A re-read of Pride and Prejudice is guaranteed to revive my spirits and firmly knock me out of any thoughts of wallowing in self-pity or doom and gloom.

Everybody needs a Silver Lining

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read many, many, many books. I am happy to read anything from classic fiction to pure escapist chic lit. I don't mind mediocre writing, gratuitous sex scenes or week predictable plots since the authors allow me to enter another world for a one or two hours every day, and for that I am grateful.

Frustrating

Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I am so tired of cliffhangers. There are more and more authors who seem to be more concerned about the sale of the next book in the series than about the quality of their writing. It feels like manipulation and annoys me immensely! Don't read it, it will just frustrate you.

Disaster

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Walking Disaster is a thoroughly confusing rewrite of Beautiful Disaster from Travis's perspective. I really enjoyed the first book, but this was terrible.

Disappointing

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really expected to enjoy this book, as I loved Graceling and Fire. However, Bitterblue was disappointing. The story didn't seem to go anywhere, there were too many characters for any to be properly developed, and the harrowing details of Leck's reign left me feeling sick, without any satisfaction of justice being served or believable healing.

Trash

Seduction and Snacks by Tara Sivec
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

A story line with potential and some really funny moments. However, in the end the characters are crude and vulgar and have very few redeeming qualities. The interactions are so tasteless that they start to lose the intended comic effect and just become trashy!

Definitely in my Top 10

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is firmly positioned in my top 10 best reads ever. A riveting plot with full, rich characters (including the animals), written in simple yet powerful prose. The way in which the two storylines (old Jacob and young Jacob) are intertwined is masterful, and the conclusion of each, equally satisfying. A truly wonderful book.

Better than most in this genre

If You Stay by Courtney Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Another dysfunctional hero is saved by a heroine who embodies all that is good.

Despite having read a lot of books with this theme, I enjoyed this one more than most. Pax is not the usual "dark and brooding" hero, and has to work hard to overcome a shocking and very disturbing childhood experience.

Just couldn't relate

Lover At Last by J.R. Ward
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Reading J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood books is pure escapism to a world you know intellectually cannot possibly exist, but almost wish it could. The relationship between the brothers and their single-minded devotion to their "mates" is what keeps me going back for more.

Another Dysfunctional Hero

Wait for You by J. Lynn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A common theme in the Young Adult or New Adult Genre, where one disturbed character having experienced a life-changing and appalling event, is rescued by another strong character with the obligatory family support system.

An unexpected delight

Johnny Be Good by Paige Toon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have recently started browsing reviews of my fellow-readers, whose opinions of books are similar to mine. This is how I found this book and I am really pleased that I did.

A most satisfying ending!

Baby Be Mine by Paige Toon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Johnny Be Good was an unexpected delight and I eagerly started reading the sequel Baby Be Mine moments after completing the first part of Johnny and Meg's journey. When I started reading these books I expected light, fun reading, typical of the Chic Lit genre.

What a great read

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great book! Poughkeepsie has a bit of everything - romance, drama, suspense, comedy and so much more. You will experience every single emotion and will definitely fall in love with the diverse group of characters as you read this book.