Review: Mockingjay and Dramarama

So, finally, I will review these. I would talk about the VMA's, but I don't feel like it. So, first, Mockingjay.

Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins is the third in the Games trilogy. It was quite a powerful and dark conclusion to a wonderful series. It was considerably darker than the other two books, with much more action. And, as a result of this increased darkness, certain characters we know and love are corrupted. But all in all, it is a wonderful book.

Set in a post-apocalyptic North America, now called Panem, in this third and final installment, Katniss Everdeen must come to terms with the fact that she is the face of the new revolution. Katniss agrees initially, but with time must battle how to be the symbol of a rebellion she doesn't entirely trust or believe in. What follows is a complex and imaginative read that is, like I said, dark and powerful. Not only is it a great plot, it also delves into political statement, dealing with the horrors of war and the effects it can have on people's characters.

Personally, ending aside, I found this book wonderful. Some of the characters were developed in a direction I don't particularly adore, and all my favorite characters either died or turned into jerks, but all in all, it was a fantastic conclusion.

And now, for Dramarama. This book is by E. Lockhart, and it isn't officially published yet. So, as such, don't look for it. My local library (and second home) got an advanced, uncorrected proof of the book and because they couldn't put it on the shelves (since it hadn't been published yet) the young adult librarian gave it to me. It was a considerably lighter read the Mockingjay, and concerns a very different premise.

In this one, two best friends who live in a boring old small town in Ohio are blessed by fate when they both get accepted to a prestigious summer theater camp. For one, Demi, it is the moment he has been waiting for, a chance to finally bloom and be his flamboyantly gay self without worry of homophobia. For another, Sarah "Sadye" Paulson, it is a test of friendship and the strength of her dreams as she is forced to question how much talent she actually has for what she loves.

This book, although very light reading and, in the long run, inconsequential, made me bawl like a little baby. This is probably because the main character goes through everything I fear, she seems to be forgotten and forced to face a growing sense of mediocrity while everyone around her shines. I read this in less than a day and for the entire second half, I just bawled. It was a really emotional book for me...All in all another great read. I recommend it when it comes out.