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!