The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
by Suzanne Collins
narrated by Santino Fontana

Published: 2020
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: Dystopia, YA
Hardback: 528
Rating: 5
Goodreads | Website

Hunger Games series:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
Mockingjay
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

First sentence(s):
Coriolanus released the fistful of cabbage into the pot of boiling water and swore that one day it would never pass his lips again.

Ambition will fuel him.
Competition will drive him.
But power has its price.

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He’s been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined — every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

My two-bits:

Yummy, certainly satisfies a Hunger Games craving.

Good origin story of Coriolanus Snow. Had mixed feelings for the character because we all know what becomes of him in his later life.

This inspired me to re-watch The Hunger Games film series.

~*~
* Listened to audiobook version.

Lovely Books and Things - 5.31.20

Lovely Books and Things
My Weekly Books and Films Update
Linking up with:
Sunday Post (details)
Mailbox Monday (details)

~*~
HAPPY THINGS:

1. Sleeping in (especially on the weekend)

2. Discovering new songs on Refinery29 (here)

3. Whimsical mural art - found on Fillmore Street

~*~
Bought:

Sharks in the Time of Saviors
by Kawai Strong Washburn
Magical Realism, Hawaii | Goodreads
Library: audiobook

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
by Suzanne Collins
Dystopia, YA | Goodreads
NOTE: Most of the virtual author events below are recorded and can be currently accessed for a listen - check per site

Virtual Author event: hosted by Booksmith
Check out their calendar for future free author events (here)
Tune in Tuesdays 11am pst VIRTUAL: ZYZZYVA & The Booksmith Present: Lockdown Lit @ Lunch
A conversation between Erin Somers and Mary South

Stay Up with Hugo Best
by Erin Somers
Contemporary | Goodreads

You Will Never Be Forgotten: Stories
by Mary South
Contemporary, Humor, Short Stories | Goodreads

Virtual Author event: hosted by Booksmith
Check out their calendar for future free author events (here)

Brown Album:
Essays on Exile and Identity
by Porochista Khakpour
Memoir, Essays | Goodreads

Virtual Author event: hosted by Borderlands Books
Check out their calendar for future free author events (here)
A conversation between N.K. Jemisen and Rebecca Roadhorse

The City We Became
by N.K. Jemisin
Fantasy, New York | Goodreads

Black Sun
(Between Earth and Sky #1)
by Rebecca Roanhorse
Fantasy | Goodreads

Virtual Author event: hosted by Paris Review
Check out their calendar for future free author events (here)

Drifts
by Kate Zambreno
Literary | Goodreads

AND watched: on Netflix

Never Have I Ever (2020)
tv series, season one
Creators: Lang Fisher, Mindy Kaling
Stars: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Darren Barnet, Poorna Jagannathan
Comedy, Indian American | imdb | my rating: 5
The complicated life of a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl, inspired by Mindy Kaling's own childhood.

DELIGHTFULLY funny, but also deals with serious issues.


AND watched: online part of SFFILM

One Thousand Stories: (2019)
The Making of a Fresco
Director/Writer: Tasha Van Zandt
Star: JR
Biography, Documentary Short | imdb | my rating: 5
One Thousand Stories is a 14-minute documentary that follows JR’s process of creating his first video mural project The Chronicles of San Francisco, which was mounted at SFMOMA in the summer of 2019.

~*~
* image source: JR at SFMOMA

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

*** THANKS to those on the front line during these times ***
Shelter In Place - Day 76, Week 12
Stay healthy! Be safe!

Thanks for stopping by :-)

Banned Books Week 2014

Banned Books Week
Celebrating the Freedom to Read
Sept. 21-27, 2014
CHECK out this cool trailer created by Books Inc. for Banned Books Week:



Top Ten Challenged Books Lists for 2013
Out of 307 challenges as reported by the Office for Intellectual Freedom

Captain Underpants (series)
by Dav Pilkey
Reasons: Offensive language, unsuited for age group, violence

The Bluest Eye *
by Toni Morrison
Reasons: Offensive language, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group, violence

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie
Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, offensive language, racism, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group

Fifty Shades of Grey *
by E.L. James
Reasons: Nudity, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group

The Hunger Games *
by Suzanne Collins
Reasons: Religious viewpoint, unsuited to age group

A Bad Boy Can Be Good for A Girl
by Tanya Lee Stone
Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, nudity, offensive language, sexually explicit

Looking for Alaska *
by John Green
Reasons: Drugs/alcohol/smoking, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
Reasons: drugs/alcohol/smoking, homosexuality, sexually explicit, unsuited to age group

Bless Me Ultima
by Rudolfo Anaya
Reasons: Occult/Satanism, offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexually explicit

Bone (series)
by Jeff Smith
Reasons: Political viewpoint, racism, violence

~*~
* books I read in the past

What's the difference between a challenge and a banning?

A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based upon the objections of a person or group. A banning is the removal of those materials. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others. Due to the commitment of librarians, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens, most challenges are unsuccessful and most materials are retained in the school curriculum or library collection.

I plan to read a couple from the challenged books list above. One from the Captain Underpants series by Dav Pilkey and one from the Bone series by Jeff Smith for this event.

How about you?

~*~
AND, check out the 4th Annual Banned Books Week Giveaway Hop, September 21st to 27th, here

The Hunger Games (2012)

Believe it or not, some glamour here...

The Hunger Games
directed by Gary Ross

screenplay by Gary Ross
Suzanne Collins
Billy Ray

based on novel by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 5

starring...
Katniss - Jennifer Lawrence
Peeta - Josh Hutcherson
Gale - Liam Hemsworth

Description from imdb:
Set in a future where the Capitol selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place for the latest match.

My two-bits:
As a fan of this book, I thought the story carried over well in the movie. The actors were well suited, however not what I envisioned.

GO Katniss!

READ more about this world...

--~ Book Giveaway ~--
signup to win ONE of the books in the Hunger Games trilogy
by Suzanne Collins
(offer ends today)

you pick...
Hunger Games
OR
Catching Fire
OR
Mockingjay

~*~

Safe & Sound
performed by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars
part of Hunger Games movie soundtrack

I remember tears streaming down your face
When I said, I'll never let you go
When all those shadows almost killed your light
I remember you said, Don't leave me here alone
But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

Don't you dare look out your window

Darling, everything's on fire
The war outside our door keeps raging on
Hold onto this lullaby
Even when the music's gone
Gone

Just close your eyes
The sun is going down
You'll be alright
No one can hurt you now
Come morning light
You and I'll be safe and sound

Just close your eyes
You'll be alright
Come morning light,
You and I'll be safe and sound...


~*~
* image source Hunger Games German poster, mandatory poster

* in celebration of the release weekend of the film version of Hunger Games

* lyrics from lyricsreg

Hunger Games: Fashion

One thing that captures my attention from The Hunger Games is the fashion.

I'm looking forward to see how the movie portrays the different districts outfits.

~*~
Did you know?



Which colour do you like?


I like Electrify ;-D

~*~
Reminder: if you entered The Hunger Games Giveaway, make sure to comment on these posts before March 31 to be eligible to win one of the three books in the trilogy...

Book Appeal post 1: The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats

Book Appeal post 2: The Fairy Godmother Dilemma: Catspell by Danyelle Leafty

Book Appeal post 3: Death Sentence by Rhiannon Paille

Book Appeal post 4: The Star by Javi Araguz and Isabel Hierro

Book Appeal post 5: Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

~*~
Wouldn't you like to have this awesome stylist do a makeover for you?


Cinna was Katniss Everdeen's stylist during her campaigns through the 74th and 75th Hunger Games. He came from the Capitol and he was not like the Prep team who, to Katniss, were like "a trio of oddly colored birds pecking around her feet." Cinna, as it seemed to Katniss, was more normal than she had expected.

~*~
* image sources: Hunger Games shoe and see more shoes here, nail polish

* first spotted Cinna poster at Fictitious Musings

* in celebration of the release weekend of the film version of Hunger Games

Book Appeal Game Giveaway

Ladies and Gentlemen!

WELCOME to the first Book Appeal Game Giveaway
here at vvb32 reads!

Step right up!

Be Bold!

Be Daring!

Throw your name in the hat to participate!

If you do, you will be eligible to WIN one of these...


The World Will Be Watching
--~ Book Giveaway ~--
WIN one of the books above.

Open to all.

Offer ends: March 31, 2012

TO DO (2 parts):

1. Comment below and tell me which book you want.
Also tell me if you prefer print or ebook.
AND, leave your email (if I don't already have it)

2. Comment on the 5 posts that will be posted after this one regarding Book Appeal.

The posts will feature a book and you MUST comment on which of the three points appeals to you regarding the book...

Title
Cover
Description

Book Appeal post 1: The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats

Book Appeal post 2: The Fairy Godmother Dilemma: Catspell by Danyelle Leafty

Book Appeal post 3: Death Sentence by Rhiannon Paille

Book Appeal post 4: The Star by Javi Araguz and Isabel Hierro

Book Appeal post 5: Revealing Eden by Victoria Foyt

OPTIONAL - for an extra entry you can also leave a comment or question for the author on the books featured

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Contest has ended - winners are here

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~*~

Just A Game
performed by Birdy
part of Hunger Games movie soundtrack

I don't know where I am
I don't know this place
Don't recognize anybody
Just the same old empty face

See these people they lie
And I don't know what to value anymore

There comes you to keep me safe from harm
There comes you to take me in your arms
Is it just a game?
I don't know
Is it just a game?
I don't know

He denies to break my heart
So hope's a guy coming
But I know I must play my part
My tears I must conceal

There comes you to keep me safe from harm
There comes you to take me in your arms
Is it just a game?
I don't know
To keep you safe from my heart

Take my hand and my heart races
Flames illuminate our faces
And we're on fire
Blow a kiss to the crowd
They're our only hope now

And now I know my place
And now I know my place
We're all just pieces in their games

~*~
* in celebration of the release weekend of the film version of Hunger Games

* lyrics from lyricsfreak

Let the Games Begin

Huzzah!

The film Hunger Games opens in the U.S. today!

starring...
Katniss - Jennifer Lawrence
Peeta - Josh Hutcherson
Gale - Liam Hemsworth

Will you be going to see it?

The Games Will Change Everyone
~*~
To celebrate this recent YA books to film presentation, some games will come in to play here at vvb32 reads.

Do you dare to join in?

May the Odds be Ever in your Favor

~*~

The Ruler & The Killer
performed by Kid Cudi
part of Hunger Games soundtrack

~*~

Book Depository has 5 sets of these great Hunger Games goodies to give away:

These items are in the prize packs:
- Boxset
- Poster
- Bookmark
- Brooch
- Mug

Just answer the question on their site by Friday 27th April to be in with a chance to be one of the lucky five!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins

Published: 2009
Genre: Action, Dystopia
Hardback: 400 pages
Rating: 5

Description from the amazon:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

My two-bits:
In-a-word: mockingjay

whaaaa? - my expression upon reading the last sentence of this book

Book 2. You can guess that the games are sooo NOT over for the main character, Katniss.

The action and adventure that was in book 1 carries over into book 2 with ease. One could easily devour this book in one sitting... if allowed.

The quote “Gladiator” meets “Project Runway” from Bloomberg.com on Suzanne's site tickles me. So true.

The strategies and cleverness of the characters during the games was fascinating to read.

I loved every minute of this dystopia world. Not because it was a happy place. But because of the characters.

And, the love triangle is ever present.

Team Peeta ;-D

Series:
The Hunger Games
Catching Fire
The Victors - Book 3 (this title is not official... yet)

- release date: August 24, 2010

*part of my Dystopia challenge

*check out my Book Fashion Catching Fire dress

Because this series rocks...

*** Giveaway ***

Do you have what it takes?

Open to all.
Prize:
Hunger Games book 1 or 2 or 3
by Suzanne Collins
-whichever one you want
-offer ends December 31, 2009

+1 tweet or announce on another social network
+3 post about this on your blog
+5 if allies agree to become partners

Ready to play ???

vvb's Book Hunger Games requirements:

1. In a survival situation fighting against supernatural beings, what would be your weapon of choice?

2. You must battle werewolves

read and comment on this post: Fishmuffins of Doom

3. You must battle ghouls

read and comment on this post: Book Rat

4. You must battle cryptids

read about cryptids
and tell me which cryptid(s) you would be willing to battle from this list

5. Name a blogger (and their url) that you would pick as an ally for vvb's Book Hunger Games.

6. Comment below with your email after you've completed your battles above.

And, answer questions #1, #4 and #5.

Also, tell me which of the three books you would like as a prize.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Those who dare to enter the arena:

1. Zombie Girrrl of Crackin Spines and Takin Names

---with partner Dahlia of Dahlia's Eclectic Mind

2. Amanda of Melkite Greek Catholic Church

3. Laura of Tattooed Books

---with partner Rachel of The Book Wars

4. Raelena of Throuthehaze Reads

---with partner Briana of The Book Pixie

5. pepsivanilla

---with partner Tina of Fantastic Book Review

6. Yan of Books By Their Cover
---with partner Sharon of Sharon Loves Books and Cats

7. Triskaideka

8. Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

---with partner Brizmus of Brizmus Blogs Books

9. ninefly of story on a page

---with partner wings to dust of GAL Novelty

10. Megan of BookMac

--with partner Yan of Books by their Cover

11. Rachel of The Book Wars

---with partner Taschima of Bloody Bookaholic

12. Aik of Friends and Family

---with partner Cherry of Cherry Mischievous

13. Elie of Ellz Readz

---with partner Misty of Book Rat

14. Misty of Book Rat

---with partner Elie of Ellz Readz

15. Kristen of Bookworming in the 21st Century
---with partner Misty of Book Rat

16. Brizmus of Brizmus Blogs Books
---with partner Charlotte of The Book on the Hill

~+~

Career tributes (groups formed with 3+ players):

+5 each for their formation - uber cool, eh?

Career pack 1:

Yan-Sharon-Megan

Career pack 2:

Laura-Rachel-Taschima

Career pack 3:
Misty-Elie-Kristen

~+~

Power Partners:

These players increased their chances by choosing each other as partners.

Charlotte-Brizmus

~+~

*first learned about cryptids at Travails of a Budding Author

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Contest has ended - winner is here

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Waiting on Wednesday - 25

I'm waiting for...

The Hunger Games: The Victors
Book 3 (title is not official... yet)
by Suzanne Collins

-because the first two books are AMAZING

-note: the cover for the third book has not yet been revealed, this is just amazon's placeholder

Release date: August 24, 2010

Description of book 1 from the amazon:
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.


Description of book 2 from the amazon:
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Description of book 3:
not yet available, but more of the same action and adventure

book 3 is on my want list ;-D

*** Blogosphere giveaways ***

Try to win Hunger Games at:

ParaJunkee
-offer ends December 31, 2009

In Which A Girl Reads
-offer ends when 100 followers is met

Try to win Catching Fire at:

Fantastic Book Review
-offer ends December 17, 2009

The Compulsive Reader
-offer ends December 21, 2009


* Waiting on Wednesday
was created by Jill at Breaking the Spine

* source image of Mockingjay.net

* source of title from the Hunger Games Trilogy fan site

Team Katniss

*source image of Peeta, Katniss and Gale created by kitdg

*almost done reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

*my review

Team Gale

You haven't hurt people -- you've given them an opportunity. They just have to be brave enough to take it. There's already been talk in the mines. People who want to fight. Don't you see? It's happening! It's finally happening! If there's an uprising in District Eight, why not here? Why not everywhere? This could be it, the thing we've been --

- Gale speaking to Katniss (chapter 7, page 99)

*source image of Gale created by Burning Noodles

*currently reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
*my review

Team Peeta

*source image Peeta and Katniss created by Aleatoire09

*currently reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
*my review