Archives for May 2012

It’s no secret I loved reading the Hunger Games series. At first I admittedly thought it was a bit strange, but then I couldn’t put the dang books down! I read all three within a week or two, and was ready for more like it. Thus began my hunt for more books of similar styling, and I have found a few I think you would like and wanted to share them with my readers. Here at RWS I believe in physical health AND mental health, and part of mental health to me is sitting down with a good book for some relaxing (and you learn a bit too, right?) So, without further adieu, here is what I have been reading lately:

The Maze Runner Trilogy

“Thomas (the main character) wakes up to find himself in a pitch black elevator called the box. He can’t remember anything but his first name, everything else in his mind is empty. When the lift soon opens, he finds himself surrounded by other kids who welcome him to what they call the Glade, a large expanse surrounded by stone walls hundreds of feet high that move. The Glade is surrounded by an enormous Maze”

I LOVED these books from the first chapter. The way the author keeps you guessing, you just can’t put it down! I loved learning about “what’s going on” along with the main character. Also I must say unlike the hunger games, I loved ALL of these books. I got bored with the third Hunger Games book, but not this series. I was so sad when it was over, I wanted more!

Unwind

“After a civil war—known as the Second Civil War or the Heartland War—is fought over abortion, a compromise was reached, allowing parents to sign an order for their children between the ages of 13 and 18 years old to be unwound—taken to “harvest camps” and having their body parts harvested for later use. The reasoning was that, since 100% (actually 99.44% taking into account the appendix and “useless” organs) was required to be used, unwinds did not technically “die”, because their individual body parts lived on. In addition to unwinding, parents who are unable to raise their children to age thirteen for retroactive abortion have the option to “stork” their child by leaving it on another family’s porch. If they don’t get caught, the “storked” baby then becomes the other family’s responsibility.”

While not quite as good as the maze runner trilogy, this was still a good and quick read. I read it on our cruise in about three days. It was very intriguing and I liked the characters a lot, it just seemed so short, I guess I am just bias to trilogies lately! Definitely one to try out if this sort of book is your thing, I enjoyed it.

The Selection

“For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself- and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.”

While slightly different than the others listed, it still deals with a post world war world, and a new way of life and a new structure to society. This was an easy read and also very romantic. Definitely more of a girl book than the others, but highly recommended!

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Yesterday I went on a run at 9:00 in the morning. I thought it was earlier enough that I would beat the crazy summer heat…I was wrong. It was 82, sunny and humid. The second I stepped out of the garage I knew I was doomed. I went anyway, pushing above normal pace but not “hard”. I had to call it quits at 2.5 miles because I got overheated and dizzy. Wonderful. I will be on the treadmill tomorrow!

Cooling off on the front porch post run. (Check out my post run routine here) Coconut water and a big towel were my friends for thirty minutes after my run! I also made it to the gym last night for my first time lifting weights since May 6th. Feels good to be back!

QOTD: Have you read any of these books? Any other recommendations for me? I love to read!