The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

     The Hunger Games is the first novel of Suzanne Collins' futuristic, dystopian trilogy. America has fallen apart and taken new form as Panem under leadership of the Capitol. President Snow resides over twelve impoverished districts that are being punished for a previous uprising. The main punishment, the annual Hunger Games, is a last-child-standing fight to the death for 24 youth (a boy and a girl from each district) selected at random. The games are a reminder to each district that the Capitol is in control and is not to be questioned. The event is widely popular (in the Capitol) and televised all across Panem.

     Each district excels in different economical areas such as agriculture or coal mining and owes their various products to the Capitol. Those who try to take the product of their work are punishable by death. Peacemakers monitor each district to ensure cooperation and respect for the rules set up by the Capitol.

     This particular story centers on a character named Katniss Everdeen, an adventurous, strong young woman. She provides for her community and family by illegally leaving the "supposed-to-be-electrified" border of their district to hunt wild game in the woods. People survive in District 12 by trading primarily, but many die of starvation or illness because of limited access to money and adequate care while those residing in the Capitol are wealthy and well-versed in the luxuries of life.

      When the reaping (or the random selection of two Tributes from each district for The Hunger Games) takes place in District 12, Katniss' sister is called, but Katniss volunteers instead and is joined on stage by the baker's son, Peeta Mellark. From the reaping, the two District 12 tributes are taken to the Capitol to begin preparations for entering the Arena. Katniss and Peeta meet the only victor from District 12 in the previous 73 years of the Hunger Games, Haymitch, who is to guide them in preparing for their fast-approaching peril but his faith is lacking and his liquor is plentiful. It seems the only help the two will get will be from each other.

Author Suzanne Collins

     Things change in their team when Peeta and Katniss show themselves competitive and full of potential. A new fire is lit in the District 12 prep team...and possibly between Peeta and Katniss. This could-be romantic flame becomes the focus of the team in preparing the couple for the Hunger Games. This is the angle they can sell to the public to get sponsors (who can send vital life-sustaining supplies via air-drop throughout the games).

      Competing in this sadistic, less-than-human event but having to put up a cooperative, appreciative front to the Capitol just to get sponsors and keep the peace makes it difficult for Katniss to find motivation especially with her odds so low against Districts who raise their children specifically for the Hunger Games. If it weren't for her family back home, it might seem she'd given up before even making it to the Capitol.

     Once in the arena, numerous challenges present themselves to Katniss and Peeta. Gamemaker-produced forks are thrown in the road to make things "more exciting" and life becomes incredibly fragile what with surviving the elements as well as facing 23 other tributes set on winning the games for their own survival and District's benefit.

The Hunger Games Movie

Catching Fire Movie (11/22/13)

     Check out The Hunger Games to see what awaits Katniss in the arena and see what the Capitol (and rest of Panem) find of her behavior and decisions in the Games. The 74th Annual Hunger Games are unlike any other in history and are not to be missed. Check out a copy from your local library, buy it from Amazon for your kindle, as paperback, hardcover or audiobook. If you already know you'll love it, check out the entire trilogy or movie for the first book, The Hunger Games. The second movie, Catching Fire, will be released in theatres November 22, 2013.

Albert Nobbs Starring Glenn Close

     My husband and I just finished watching 'Albert Nobbs' starring Glenn Close and based upon the novella by George Moore. To be able to say "my husband and I" after watching a film such as this carries with it a personal impact I couldn't possibly describe to you. We are truly blessed to be a part of the 21st century.

     The story of Albert Nobbs is touching and is sure to engage your heart throughout the film. Albert Nobbs, a woman acting as a man to get by in the 19th century, works in a hotel as a waiter and is challenged to conceal his gender secret constantly. After a significant event, Albert knows he must follow his heart, work for his dreams and find love. He doesn't forget his secret - in fact, he still debates on when would be the appropriate time to let his love interest know the truth.

Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs

     Without revealing much more of the story, I leave you to consider a world without gender, sexual desire or physical appearances. Perhaps you're left with souls co-existing, able to acquaint themselves with one another based on the great mystery of love itself and all it entails? I often wonder how great it would be to live in a world where love took precedence over physical appearance and sexual desire. Perhaps it would be better? Perhaps not. I do know, however, that my heart sympathizes with the main character of this must-see film and I wish for my readers to watch for themselves the story of Albert Nobbs.

And should you be inclined to check out George Moore's novella, it's a one-sitting quick read which goes through the very same experiences and provides perspective to the origin of the film and the story from which it blossomed.

Zach Helm's Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium Starring Dustin Hoffman

     You might shake your head or skip this blogpost the very moment you read the following statement, but know that I mean it with my entire heart. I hope you'll continue reading to understand why that is.

My favorite movie is Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium (2007).

     Dustin Hoffman plays Mr. Edward Magorium, the owner of the magical toy store rightfully named Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. I'm not a huge fan of the movie because of the magic. It's not the witty lines, the family-friendliness or even the character I identify most with, Natalie Portman's Molly Mahoney. It's Mr. Magorium.

Molly Mahoney (Natalie Portman)

   I identify most with Molly Mahoney because she also plays piano. The song she knew best as a child is still, today, the only song she can perform. She feels stuck - or unable to go further with her talent, skills, etc. in life. She believes more in others than herself. She has a very difficult time saying goodbye. I share all of this with Mahoney so that when Mr. Magorium is there for her, it feels like he's speaking to me too. 

Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman)

   Mr. Magorium is 243 years old and preparing to "depart." He explains that a light bulb dies, but he...shall depart. A beautiful way to look at a sad situation. He plans to give the toy store to Mahoney upon his departure, but Mahoney simply can't take the responsibility because she doesn't believe in herself. Mr. Magorium spends a good amount of time encouraging Mahoney and Eric (a shy, hat-collecting boy who struggles making friends but helps out at the store). He tries to impart wisdom and encouragement to them both so they will believe in themselves and embrace the bravery he knows they need in life's journey.

   I cry when Mr. Magorium departs. My heart pours from my tear ducts and I can't help but feel sad. When Mr. Magorium is saying his farewell to Mahoney, he explains:

"When King Lear dies in Act V, do you know what Shakespeare has written? He's written "He dies." That's all, nothing more. No fanfare, no metaphor, no brilliant final words. The culmination of the most influential work of dramatic literature is "He dies." It takes Shakespeare, a genius, to come up with "He dies." And yet every time I read those two words, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. And I know it's only natural to be sad, but not because of the words "He dies." but because of the life we saw prior to the words. 

I've lived all five of my acts, Mahoney, and I am not asking you to be happy that I must go. I'm only asking that you turn the page, continue reading... and let the next story begin. And if anyone asks what became of me, you relate my life in all its wonder, and end it with a simple and modest 'He died.'"

   His final line to Mahoney is, "Your life is an occasion. Rise to it." By this point, I'm an emotional wreck. I've watched this movie a thousand times, and it was just recently I finally figured out why it is that I can't accept the departure of Mr. Magorium or any of my loved ones in real life. I can't imagine a world without my loved ones in it - the world is the magical place it is because they're here, now, with me. I can't make up for their absence and can't recreate the magic they've blessed the world with. The idea of them no longer living life with me is overwhelming and I'm not ready to accept it. I'm not sure if I ever will be, but I know I will always turn to this movie in difficult times to find a spark of encouragement, a light of hope and a few rays of sunshine to part my dark clouds.

"We must face tomorrow, whatever it may hold, with determination, joy and bravery."

-Mr. Edward Magorium (Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium)

The Terminal Man: Sir Alfred Mehran

Sir Alfred and belongings at Charles de Gaulle.

I recently finished The Terminal Man, an autobiography by Sir Alfred Mehran also known as Mehran Karimi Nasseri. In case you're not familiar with the name, Alfred is perhaps the most famous homeless man in history. He lived in Terminal One of Charles De Gaulle airport for approximately sixteen years, starting in 1988.

The autobiography itself was unique in the way that language was used. Alfred has a nack for using repetition for emphasis and for explaining some things in more detail than would otherwise be required.

Of all the homeless people I have met in my lifetime, it was encouraging to read this autobiography. For once, someone wasn't asking for money. In fact, on multiple occasions, people offered to send him money to help but he refused - he wasn't taking money from anyone. Food, on the other hand, was the only exception. Food and paper, that is. He kept a journal every day for his stay at Charles de Gaulle in France. The autobiography hardly contains a fraction of those entries.

Learning the background of this man and how he came to be stuck in the airport is a story you yourself should discover. Though this isn't as fast-paced as you might like, read it with respect remembering that the author lived sixteen years on a bench and then brought this perspective to you. You'll be as fascinated as I was to learn how Alfred's home went from nothing to becoming a bench at an airport.

It is my understanding that Steven Spielberg has never officially announced that The Terminal was based on Alfred's life but he did, in fact, pay Alfred $300,000 for rights to Alfred's life story prior to production of The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Therefore, it is my opinion after having read the autobiography and having seen the film that The Terminal is based on the situation of Sir Alfred Mehran.

If you've seen the movie and want to learn more about where the idea came from, read this book. You're sure to finish the last page with a new perspective on government, life and appreciation for the simple things.