Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games #1)

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love. 

First off... This has been on my wish list for as long as I can remember because someone told me there were vampires in it. Well, they LIED. Am I sorry they did, though? Most definitely not.

This was one of the most exciting books I've read in a while. I honestly wouldn't expect to find something like this among the YA category. There's a main character, Katniss, but all the others had their own unique voices and personalities, which has become very rare in books lately. 

There were times when it reminded me of gladiator movies. And then, at times, it reminded me off this Japanese (?) movie Battle Royale. But there was so much more action and emotion in this one. In general you just sympathize with almost all of the characters and find yourself not wanting them to die.

I'm not sure how books #2 and #3 are going to be, but I'll find out soon enough.

Something to be happy about.

Çok özlemişim...

Book Review: The Missing Rose by Serdar Özkan

The Missing Rose/Kayıp Gül by Serdar Özkan

Every few decades an inspiring story comes along and touches the hearts and souls of readers across borders−like St. Exupery's Little Prince, Hesse's Siddarta, Bach's Seagull and Coelho's Alchemist...The Missing Rose is such and has inspired and enchanted readers from different cultures all over the world. This is the story of Diana a young woman whose desire for the approval and praise of others has made her let go of her own dreams and values. Her mother's deathbed confession that Diana has a twin sister calls her to a mysterious journey−a journey to a wondrous rose garden in Istanbul where she will be invited to converse with the roses. This international sensation has sold in over 30 countries worldwide including Holland, Italy, Germany, Finland, Slovenia, Japan, Korea, Spain, Brazil, Serbia, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria, France, Romania, Greece, Russia, Croatia, Lebanon, Indonesia, Canada, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey and the Czech Republic. "If you like books such as The Alchemist or The Little Prince you will love The Missing Rose." -Time Out"The Missing Rose is one of the most beautiful stories I've ever read in my life. When you finish reading it, you feel like you've received a gift. I felt like that." -Christine Michaud, TVA Television, Canada"A wonderfully inspiring story about seeking and finding true happiness." -Magazine 2000plus, Germany"Turk's Little Prince charms the whole world." -Helsinki Sanomat, Finland

I must admit, I so did not see the ending coming. I did guess that it was a possibility, but I begged it wouldn't turn out that way and then I forgot about it. But yeah, it did end badly. I think the main reason why I hated the ending is because it made me feel stupid.


It's a journey of someone finding themselves, which is usually a topic I love to read about, yet this time it didn't work. Even the talking roses that felt magical in the beginning just died for me in the end. 

Also, Diana journeys to Istanbul and then back to San Francisco... The book makes it feel like it's a ten-minute drive, and there wasn't enough San Francisco or Istanbul in it, which was another disappointment.


I so don't wanna try and hear roses anymore... The one thing that's good about all of this is that The Missing Rose made me realize how much I miss The Little Prince.

In My Mailbox (#2)

In my Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren in which bloggers share the books they have received each week.

I borrowed these from my aunt when I visited her over the holidays. I've already started reading Kayıp Gül, and I love it so far. For those of you who'd like to check out some Turkish literature, it's The Missing Rose by Serdar Ozkan.

Book Review: Kimine Şampanya Dokunur

Kimine Şampanya Dokunur by Alphonse Allais

Alphonse Allais geçtiğimiz yüzyılın sonlarında Fransa'da yetişmiş en güçlü mizah yazarlarından biridir. Günlük yaşamında bile mizah vardır. Dünyaya tam anlamıyla biz mizahcı gözüyle bakar. Bir hikayesi ''Bir varmış bir yokmuş. Güzel bir genç kız varmış. Bu genç kız bir domuza aşıkmış.'' diye başlar. Bu bile A. Allais'in nasıl bir yazar olduğunu anlatmaya yeter sanırız.

I found this book randomly, at the $1 aisle of a bookstore. I hadn't heard of Alphonse Allais before--which, I realize now, is a shame!-- but when I read the first few sentences of one of his short stories, I was sold:

"Once upon a time there was a beautiful girl. And this girl was in love with a pig."

I haven't been able to find the English or the original French title for the book, but if I had to translate it roughly, it would be something like "some can't handle champagne." All of his stories are more hilarious than the other, and I can't even pick a favorite.

Wishlist additions.

I've been told these two make great summer reads, but I think they'll be perfect snuggle-reads while it's raining outside.

On the left: How the Whale Became and Other Stories by Ted Hughes
On the right: 100 Dogs Who Changed Civilization by Sam Stall.