For a rainy day...

I have been, as ever, reading a lot and watching movies. I know...not surprising. But, I have come across a couple great ones recently that I thought I would share. The first is a young adult novel by Suzanne Collins. It's a bit of a drama/sci-fi I suppose with some government control issues, adventure and survival, along with some interesting social commentary. I suppose if I were to compare it to other books I have read it would be a more futuristic version of The Lottery and The Giver.

I was so happy with the story that I convinced Mike to read it again with me as something to do together. I think it's wonderful that there are so many authors out there catering to the Young Adult population! Granted, most of them are writing fantasy/sci-fi...but...it's getting young people to read again. I feel like reading has not been a big past time for young people and teens for the last...well I don't know how long. Many people don't prefer Stephanie Meyer's writing or are not on the "Twilight band wagon", but I think she really fueled an important fire. Because of her vampire/human lovestory - more and more kids are going to the bookstore to find the latest fantasy or supernatural book to gobble up.

I am grateful that it is now becoming "cool" to sit around reading and talking about books. Especially for the younger people who need to be staying out of trouble and expanding both their vocabulary and imaginations.
Here is the book I am re-reading with Mike AND the sequel Catching Fire. Book number 3 to come this summer or fall I think!
























The movie I really enjoyed recently was called INK. It's a low budget, independant film (again Sci-Fi/Fantasy) but it didn't seem like it at all. The actors were sort of familiar but not well known and the storyline was really original. I especially enjoyed the cinematography. It was really amazing! It made the film unique and kept a very engrossing, dreamlike feel to it. I can't really describe it well, but to say that it's good vs. evil (dreams vs. nightmares) with moving storylines and limited dialogue. Most of what you need to follow the movie is visual, so there is not a ton of speaking but definately enough to support it and keep you on track.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants to watch something different and visually striking.