In my second youth

Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins. Maybe the name is prophetic--the Hunger Games series has set my reading on fire. I've now finished the second in the series and pre-ordered the third, Mockingjay. The elephant in the room with any sequel is whether it can live up to the original or even come close. In this case, the answer is a resounding yes. The story moves, as we head back to the Arena for round two of the Games. This year is the 75th year, which means it's time for the Quarter Quell--Games that are bigger or more twisted in some way. The "twist" this time is that the tributes will be drawn from all the past winners. Big sigh for the youth of each district, but what a horror for the former victors, one as old as 80, who are thrown back into the ring.

Once again, there is little doubt that Katniss, the only girl victor from District 12, will return to the Arena and will survive. But the suspense is just as great, and Collins kept me guessing about who the good guys were.

She clearly planned all three books, leavving us with a cliffhanger for the next one. Will there finally be peace, happiness, and free from the Capitol when the book ends? I'll know in about two weeks.

Reading: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (??)
Listening: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest