How can it be that even with a large collection of books, I am wanting for a new tale to read? And then, how can it be that there are so few stories and characters that I have met and liked? Perhaps it’s because I’m looking in the wrong section.

The Hunger Games

I picked up The Hunger Games (Suzanne Collins) from my brother’s bookshelf on Saturday and 2 days later, I am already onto the second book, Catching Fire.

Riveting story and such wonderful strong characters! The only thing is, it’s teenage fiction… or more politely, young adult (YA).

I wonder if teaching has kids is the reason I’ve jump backward but NO(!) I shan’t have it – The Hunger Games trilogy is really soooo good!

“Unput-down-able” is the verdict on the back page of the book and it’s true, I haven’t been up reading until after 3 am since I did the 9 book Robin Hobb marathon last year (The Farseer, Liveship Traders, and Tawny Man trilogies).

Dreading the end

Now the thing that is niggling me is that I’m 1.5 books away from the end of the Hunger Games, which means the mental adventure will be over soon. It’s akin to being on holiday and counting down the days when you have to go back to work.

My solution? Line up a good book and keep the ball rolling.

Bit of a dilemma

So how does one find books that you will enjoy and not forget?

I’ve scoured book lists and asked friends though frankly, some books people have recommended me (eg Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, The Time Traveler’s Wife) just didn’t make an impression on me.

So what has been good lately? Not much, it seems most of the good stuff I read was a few years ago.

             

• David Gemmel’s Troy series was excellent and inspired me to look into the legend and then download Homer’s Odyssey audio book which unfortunately was utterly boring.
• NZ-born Juliet Marillier’s Heir to Sevenwaters (following a couple of generations from Daughter of the Forest) drew some tears.
• Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell was a delightful blend of Victorian England and magic
• I still rave about the Thursday Next series by Jasper Fforde - but that’s old hat, almost a decade ago now!

Dear god… a decade?! I really need something good to read!!