Friday's Brew

It's Friday.  Whoop Whoop!  I have a few things for my Friday Brew including Katniss Everdeen, an Epic Giveaway and Fred is back too.  Wahoo! #TGIF

Bring on the Fire

To kick start everything, did you know Catching Fire is out on DVD today?  Well it's marketed practically everywhere including that rock we writers sometimes live under.  If you're a loser like me and didn't get a chance to see this in the movie theaters, now's the time to watch in the lap of luxury in your own living room.  Wahoo!  That's my kind of movie-watching.  

On a side note, I can't begin to express how much I loved this series.  When reading Catching Fire, I still can remember how chilling it was for Katniss when President Snow visited her in her own home.  It's such a killer series.  I'm glad the movies are up to par, but seriously folks, if you ever need an escape, Suzanne Collins will take you there with The Hunger Games.

Epic 2000 Followers Giveaway!

Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog is nearing 2000 GFC followers and to celebrate, he's hosting a giveaway! 

He's only a few short of reaching his goal so let's help him, minions!  See the details here.  First place prize includes one copy of the any book in the Cassa sci-fi series, $10 iTunes card, and one book donated to the library (middle school, high school, public) of your choice.  Grand prize – Signed copy of all three books, $10 iTunes card, t-shirt of your choice from Neat-O-Rama, designed by Retro Jeremy Hawkins, and three books donated to the library of your choice.   Those are some wicked prizes, huh?

Fred Snoozing

I mentioned before how Fred is getting older and naps rather frequently.  This is a shot of him in his new bed, where he spends about half of his day sleeping away.  There was a time when I would never be able to sneak up and capture a shot like this.  Those days are over.  He doesn't even move.

Have a wonderful Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Mina B.

Movie Review: The Hunger Games

The numbers are in. Over the weekend Lionsgate's Hunger Games grossed a staggering $155M, which frankly was no surprise.  For more details check out LA Times article. I was one of the minions contributing to that record-breaking number. As previously mentioned, I went to see this on Saturday and as promised, here’s my review. 

Having been so caught up in the frenzy of all things The Hunger Games, I had high expectations for best selling series by Suzanne Collins.  I'm happy to report that Hollywood didn't botch the best seller in 142 minutes.  The movie did a great job interpreting the book.  Was it like the book?  Hell no.  It never is.  Since the book is from Katniss' POV, there were aspects that they had to improvise, but overall, I enjoyed it.

When you’re dealing with a successful book, which this one happens to be my favorite in the series, you automatically know the movie won't capture all the book’s nuances.  Still, as a lover of fiction, you pray that your favorite parts are not ignored.  That being said, it was sort of a mixed bag.  All parts leading up to and the suspense from "the games" were indeed there.  I thought Jennifer Lawrence did an amazing job depicting our heroine.  That said, I was disappointed when scenes like when Katniss first discovers Peeta has an alliance with the Careers from the onset of the games.  In the book, that scene was riveting.  Katniss was shocked, but manages to play it up for the cameras.  That sort of literary brilliance fell short in the film.  Also, I thought the bread scene; Katniss and Peeta's “beginning” was sort of a missed opportunity too.  But hey…what are ya gonna do?

If you love the book, chances are you’ll like to movie.  For me, The Hunger Games movie was a 4 (unlike the book which in my review I rated a 5.)  Why? To be honest, the ending was a slight disappointment.  The scene/ reveal with Peeta & Katniss in the book was heartbreaking.  The movie, however, seemed to pass this over.  As far as characters, some were on point, others were okay.  I won’t tell you which ones.   I’ll let you be the judge.  My husband who didn’t read the book and knows very little of the story thought it was awesome.  He loves classic and sci-fi movies like Usual Suspects, The Godfather or Star Wars and Matrix.  That should give you a different perspective if you haven’t read the book. 

What about you?  Did you get a chance to see the movie?  Did you like it, love it or...? Thoughts?


Mina B.

Fridays with Fred: The Hunger Games

I know what I'm doing this weekend. You? Two of my nieces went to see the movie last night at the midnight showing. I'm dying to know what they think! Cue in whistling music. Did anyone see it? Do you have plans too? I can't wait! The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is my all-time favorite YA novel (my review) I'd be shocked if you didn't read this novel in one sitting. That's how awesome it is! As for the movie...I hope it does the book justice. Stay tuned for my review of the movie on Monday. Here's the trailer if you missed it.

Fred's a fan too!  Fred...don't let them see that pin.

Fred volunteers as tribute!

Remember to stop by and visit Schatze over at Mary’s BookHounds too.

Have a great weekend.

Mina B.

Lionsgate's Countdown for The Hunger Games

Oh, minions...isn't it beautiful?  I know.  I know!  *hyperventilating* Lionsgate just released this along with the poster and I am beyond thrilled!  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is seriously one of my most treasured books - not to mention series.  If you missed my review, click here!  Thanks to Mandy / Twimom101 for posting this.  I couldn't resist reposting!  Want one of  your own?  Check out the Hunger Games movie site here.

Hunger Games the movie releases March 23, 2012.
Until next time...are you getting hungry yet?

Mina B.

Book Review: Suzanne Collins's Catching Fire

Book 2 in the Suzanne Collins Hunger Games Series is Catching Fire.  If you haven’t read Book 1, it’s a must! Check out my review.  Also, I’m so enamored with the series that I’m giving away a copy of this book along with a $10 GC.  Contest ends tonight – see link for details.  Note: THERE ARE SPOILERS IN THIS REVIEW!

After Book 1, the 16 year old girl on fire, Katniss Everdeen, made it home as a victor from the Hunger Games.  Peeta made it home too, but unlike Katniss, he’s nursing a broken heart.  Both of them did what they had to do to survive in the “kill or be killed” Hunger Games.  They barely made it out alive and caused quite a stir in the process.  In Book 2, unknown to Katniss, rumors of an uprising have surfaced, prompting her to receive an unscheduled visit from the diabolical President Snow.  He’s the man that smelled like roses and blood and he gave me the creeps. 

Despite all President Snow’s attempts at censorship with Katniss and Peeta’s act of defiance, a small flame has sparked an uprising among some of the Districts.  And now in order to defuse the volatile situation, Katniss was forced to continue to play the love match with Peeta.  Was it love or were they both still playing the game?  Off camera Peeta played the jilted lover, while Gale, Katniss’s life-long friend, secretly admited his true feelings to Katniss.  Sadly, Katniss was literally pulled in several directions that I wondered how she could really even decide?  The capital demanded her cooperation while Peeta and Gale wanted her love.  Her mother still saw her as a young girl and the Districts claimed her as the face of their rebellion.

Just like the games, it all happened so fast and the Capitol decided Katniss’s next course of action.  She’s now reenlisted – along with all the other District’s victors – back into the Hunger Games.  This time in the Quarter Quell; the Olympics of Hunger Games.  It was all rigged – the Quarter Quell and everything else for that matter.  President Snow figured the best way to minimize the damage is to kill all the District’s former victors or heroes.  And that’s only half of the story, guys.  I can’t tell you anything else.  It’s so damn good, you have to….HAVE TO READ IT!

I was so hooked; I went out the very next day and got the final installment, MockingJay.  I loved all three books in the series, seriously.  For me, Catching Fire was easily 4.75.  There is no question, this is one of the best YA series out there.

Mina B. 

Splash Into Summer Giveaway Blog Hop

Hi there, minions!  Thanks for stopping by my Splash Into Summer Giveaway Blog Hop.  The Free Sh** Fairy has been buzzing incessantly since the last hop for this giveaway.  And to continue on with the Hunger Games madness I’ve been starving for, my FS fairy found for you…Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Book 2 in the Hunger Games series.) 

I'm # 269

If you haven’t read Book 1 in the series, Hunger Games you seriously are missing out.  I’m completely smitten with this dystopia tale.  For more details about this book, see my review here.   
I hope everyone’s excited about this summer.  And I hope I can add to it with this killer hop giveaway.  Oh, and before I forget…thanks to the Free Shit Fairy, I also have a $10 GIFT CARD from Starbucks to toss into the mix.  And so not only am giving away a book but some coffee too.  How's that for some Free Sh**?  Settle down, okay?  I know it’s a lot to take in. 

Alright, let’s clarify once more. For my Splash Into Summer Blog hop, I’m giving away one (1) copy of Suzanne Collins’s Catching Fire (Book 2 in her Hunger Games series) and also one (1) $10 Starbucks Gift Card! (Retail value of $23)

 +

The Splash Into Summer Giveaway Blog Hop runs from 12:01 AM on Wednesday, May 25th to 11:59 PM on Tuesday, 31^st, midnight.

And now…here’s how to enter.

To enter…
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)

Extra entries…
+2 For Becoming my Fan/Like on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+2 NEW/OLD Followers on Twitter @MinaBurrows
+1 if you Retweet this (limit 1 retweet)

The contest runs from 12:01 AM on Wednesday, May 25th to 11:59 PM to Tuesday,May 31^st. Contest is for US residents only. Want to see who else is participating? Take a look at the links below and hop on by.

Mina B.

(Note: The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org.)

UPDATE:  I'm having issues with the Google Form.  If for some reason, you see the form is not working, please comment on this post with your name, GFC name, email and don't forget to mention extra entries!

Easter Hop Winner & Book Review: Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is Book 1 in Suzanne Collins's riveting YA trilogy and for me, an explosive read.  Collins swept me away instantly with her spellbinding, authentic tale. I truly haven't read a YA book this phenomenal in awhile. (FYI:  The winner of my Eggstraveganza Hop is mentioned at the end of this post)

The Hunger Games begins in a fantastic, grim world, featuring a nation called Panem, formerly known as North America - or what's left of it.  The futuristic country is divided into Districts and each sector is assigned to various occupations. For example, District 12 is the mining district and District 11 farming/agriculture and so forth (you get the picture.) Most of the districts are poor but a few are affluent. Under the tight-fisted and menacing regime of Panem, people barely survive let alone live. The government holds a deadly grip on the Panem countrymen to discourage any District uprisings.

One method they use to control their people is through the Hunger Games. Each year a District must draw two names from their resident pool to participate in the games. The Hunger Games is the ultimate game of survival where young adults are sent into an arena set with elaborate earthlike/manmade conditions and where they fight to the death. The last person standing – or better yet alive – is the victor. Oh...and did I mention this barbaric sport is all caught on camera?  Oh yeah!

Katniss Everdeen is our heroine and I have one thing to say about her: Katniss KICKS ASS!!! She’s probably my favorite YA hero period! Katniss lives in District 12 (the mining district), specifically in the Seam, the poorest area in the District. Her father died in the mines and since then, she’s been tasked with sourcing/hunting for food for herself, and her mom and sister, Prim.

Katniss only comprehends one thing….survival. She lived a poor and abject life, starving most days and using all her resourcefulness to find food. She’s barely living, but at least she has her guy friend Gale. He’s taught her everything she knows about hunting. And it’s a good thing too. Because once Prim’s name is drawn for the games, sixteen year old Katniss volunteers for her little sister. And from that moment on, her life was never the same.

The Hunger Games was so brilliantly paced it was literally unputdownable. I was enthralled from the beginning and then once Katniss hit the Capitol for the games, the story took off like wildfire. My mind raced through the pages, sucking in every nuance and every twist in this spectacular tale. I won’t say anymore about it other than it’s a MUST read. Stop. Drop. And Read it…Now. Like Katniss…this book’s on fire!

On my Killometer scale, The Hunger Games a 5. What’s that? That’s when a book is so flipp’n good that I add it to my treasured book collection.

Until next time….can’t wait to read it again!

Mina B.

And the winner for My Hoppy Eggstravaganza Giveaway is …

Congratulations to Sarahthehobbit the winner of My Easter Hop and the recipient of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and a $10 Starbucks GC. The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org.


A special thanks to everyone who participated! I love doing these hops because I get to meet new friends and say hi to old ones too! I’ll probably do another contest soon. Maybe even with book Catching Fire so be sure and check back or sign up to receive my email notifications.

My Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop

Okay, folks.  Its book hop time, specifically…my Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop!  I love these flipp’n hops and so does the Free Shit Fairy.  Don’t you?  I took a poll on my FB page and asked my fans to choose the book for this hop. And the winner is…Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Ohhhhh SNAP!  Yeah, I know.  It's a killer read so I’m pretty pumped too!  Anyway, I’ve wanted to review this series for awhile and now I plan on doing so.  Which reminds me…be sure and check back during the hop to read my review on HG.  For those who aren’t familiar with the bestselling Hunger Games, read the first chapter here.

My Eggstravaganza Giveaway

Alright so let’s get down to business. Thanks to the Free Shit Fairy, I also have a $10 GIFT CARD from Starbucks to toss into the mix. And so let’s recap shall we? For my Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop giveaway - one (1) LUCKY winner will win one (1) copy of the YA book, Hunger Games plus one (1) $10 Starbucks Gift Card! That's a retail value of $20 which is pretty cool, huh? Let’s all say it in unison… *cue in communal voices* “Thank you FREE SHIT FAIRY.”

De nada!

The Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop runs from 12:01 AM on Wednesday, April 20th to 11:59 PM on Monday, April 25th, midnight.


And now…here’s how to enter.

To enter…
You MUST be a follower of my blog and MUST fill out this entry form. (And yes, I do check GCF)


Extra entries…
+2 For Becoming my Fan/Like on Facebook/MinaBurrows
+2 NEW/OLD Followers on Twitter @MinaBurrows
+1 if you Retweet this (limit 1 retweet)

That’s basically it. The contest runs from 12:01 AM on Tuesday, April 20th to 11:59 PM on Monday, April 25th. Contest is for US residents only. Want to see who else is participating? Take a look at the links below and hop on by.

Mina B.

(Note: The Winner will be notified by email and will have no more than 72 hours to respond before another winner is drawn. Winners are selected by the reputable Random.org.)