books I've finished over the past few days:

I think Jules Verne, probably, hands down my favourite science fiction author. I'm not really sure why. I think it's, first of all, how vivid his imagination is for someone living in the 1800s. For 20, 000 Leagues, it was very technology focused I think, the Nautilus is meant to be an engineering marvel. But for Journey to the Centre of the Earth, there's very little technology involved. If anything it's about regression. The book basically disclaims the (now scientifically proven) theory of central heat, that is, that the center of the Earth is motherfucking hot, explanations for volcanic eruptions, plate tectonics and so on. As they move deeper into the Earth, they become more primitive with their tools, food rations, sourcing water. The only modern tools they use are lamps and measurement tools like barometers. I guess it's hard to describe the book & not spoil it for some people. However, when I first picked it up, I knew it was about an expedition but honestly, I had no clue what was going to happen. I've never watched any sorts of movies about it or anything, so some parts of the book really, really surprised me. And I love surprises so that was good. When I read books I'm more preoccupied with the story than I am with the style of the writing, so I don't have much to say about it. It is very archaic in a way, you won't see this kind of writing in any contemporary science fiction novels, but it's nothing intolerable. 

I liked this book! It's funny and imaginative and witty. There's a myriad of characters. And, like I said, I had no clue what hte book was about so I got quite a few surprises. Maybe I'm just more easily surprised nowadays. Whatever the case, I really enjoyed it. I love the idea of Margrathea, and I love Marvin the Paranoid Android. Good read!!!  

Sigh so much to say about this book. Can't decide if I love it or not. I really love the idea of fighting to the death (sadistic I know) but I think there's something very primal and interesting about survival. Many people are claiming that HG stole its storyline from the famous Japanese novel/manga, Battle Royale. I will never, ever watch Battle Royale because I'm pretty sure it's gory as fuck and I won't be able to handle it. However, again, the concept of people being thrown into an arena and fighting to the death is as old as the Roman Empire, so there's not much to 'steal'. I'll say it is a very captivating book, you just want to know how it ends. On the other hand, I felt that the romance element between Katniss and Peeta was so forced it was almost unnecessary. The backstory for their romance I suppose isn't completely ridiculous, playing it up for the sponsors to receive gifts, but ugh the excessive kissing, the cheesy lines. In all honesty it took away from the harsh reality of the Games, which is the book's main selling point. I don't understand why books always have to have romance in them if romance is not their focus, if it's between two 16 year olds, if it's between a fucking sparkling vampire and a bitch. I mean, there was enough going on in the arena to capture my attention and all the romance did was make me crinkle my nose. I felt like the story might have been more powerful if Peeta and Katniss were just friends, but in the end, forced to try to kill one another, not star-crossed lovers, whether or not they were acting. I don't know, I feel very mixed about it. I enjoyed it though, just not sure how the whole romance thing sits with me, and if it's continuing throughout the rest of the series, whether I should continue reading it. I did like everything else though, I thought it was quite brilliant, and the trailer for the movie looks pretty awesome. From what I see most people are blown away by the books so... always worth a try. I just hope the romance thing doesn't turn HG into another fucking Twilight.