happily random

What Next? 10+ Books for Your Hunger Games Withdrawal

It's been over three years now since I first read The Hunger Games, and it still remains one of my favorite books. With the movie release this past weekend, I'm sure that many more will be reading this book for the first time. But those of you who have read the entire series -- probably more than once now, like me -- are looking for another good book fix. Well, here are a few of my other favorite YA dystopian novels that I have read over the last year or two that I have found to be, if not equally as good, nearly as good as The Hunger Games. Hope you enjoy!

1. Divergent by Veronica Roth
   ***The second book in this series, Insurgent is available May 1, 2012
2. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
3. Blood Red Road by Moira Young
   ***The second book in this series, Rebel Heart is available October 30, 2012
4. Birthmarked & Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien
   ***The third book in this series, Promised is available October 2, 2012
5. Enclave by Anne Aguirre
6. Graceling & Fire by Kristin Cashore
   ***The third book in this series, Bitterblue is available May 1, 2012
7. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
8. The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials & The Death Cure by James Dashner
9. The Plegde by Kimberly Derting
10. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion

*Yep, this post contains Amazon affiliate links, but all opinions are indeed my own.

Like A Tattoo... Only Not

I started getting my nails done about two years ago. It was then that it hit me that I was never going to have long lovely nails without some kind of professional help. After seeing samples of what they could do with acrylic and glitter from a few of my friends, I dove right in. As I'm a colorful, creative person to my core, the fun and variety appeal to me. Yes, it does cost me money, but I do tend stretch my fills from the recommended two weeks to three or every so often four weeks. Honestly, it's like getting a tattoo -- which I have never been able to commit to -- that I can change by my mood every few weeks, only it's not permanent... or on my skin... and involves glitter. That, and for the first time in my life I have long lovely nails.

I Won't Grow Up!

My very adorable 6-year-old daughter (who knows she's adorable and completely uses it to her advantage every chance she gets) came to me sobbing yesterday evening.

"What's a matter, Sam?" I asked, folding her into my arms.

With tears literally streamng down her face, she cried, "Mommy, I don't want to grow up and have to move away from you and Daddy!"

Of course, by the time she grows up, I'm sure that she'll be ready to move out on her own, but it sure does a mother's heart good to know that I'm loved.

Book Review & Discussion: Diary of A Mad Fat Girl

If you're looking for a book that's a fun -- if not a bit nutty -- easy read, and Diary of a Mad, Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee is just one of those books. Centered around Graciella "Ace" Jones in a Southern small town, it's a story of the crazy hijinx -- there is no better word for it --  we will dive into help our best friends. I blazed through this book in a day and laughed out loud throughout it.

Not only that, but it's great to see a book that was originally self-published making the big time!

Found out more about this book at join the discussion of Diary of a Mad Fat Girl at Blogher.

***This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.