Banned Books Week extras

Hey guys,
So I saw this post/article on a site and thought that it was interesting.
This shows a little about what happens when a parent takes issue with a book, and what subsequent responses may be. In this case the book is the Hunger Games.
So read the article, and please tell us what you think

♥ Allie

http://mockingjay.net/2010/09/30/banned-books-week-the-hunger-games-challenged-at-new-hampshire-middle-school/

Banned books week

It is banned books week!
This event started as a protest because too many books (over thousands now) have been banned from schools and stores due to the fact that some people found them offensive in some way shape or form.
I have read a number of these books, and trust me, they are fantastic!
I urge everyone to go out and read what makes you happy, not what others say is good or not.
Sometimes the fact that something is challenged is point enough to read it.

Below is a link with more information about banned books week, along with a list of banned books.
I hope all of you look at it

♥ Allie

http://www.bannedbooksweek.org/info.html

Another Awesome Contest!

Hey all, I'm very sorry we havn't been keeping up on our posting. Whenever a new semester of college starts it's always chaotic, and this year more than most, so please forgive us.
 To make up for it though I have details on a new contest being put on by one of my favorite blogs, Reading or Breathing.

Here is the link to it. it explains everything. hope you enjoy! :)
http://readingorbreathing.blogspot.com/2010/09/favorite-five-giveaway.html

♥ Allie

Review - Mockingjay

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

This was definitely the most anticipated book of the year for me. I absolutely fell in love with this series and the characters! Of the three books I think this was my least favorite, but that is because it was so bittersweet seeing it come to an end. Don't get me wrong though, the book was amazing, the whole trilogy is! Unlike some series, where it seems like the author just needed to finish so the final book never meets expectations (which trust me, happens to me all the time when it comes to series), I actually enjoyed Mockingjay. It was so bittersweet to see this come to an end, but since it must, I accept this end. Collins' writing takes the reader right into the world of Panem. I felt for each of the characters, and I'll admit, I got choked up at the end. Mockingjay was an intense read that kept me going until the last page. I absolutely love this series, it is definitely one of my all time favorites, and I highly recommend it to everyone!

♥ Allie

Recipe - Mockingjay

In honor of Katniss, the heroine of the Hunger Games, here is a recipe of her favorite meal from the capitol: Lamb Stew.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds lamb stew meat
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 large onions, quartered
3 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
4 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 (14.5 ounce) can beef broth
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons minced chives
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
note: if you dont want to buy fresh herbs, then use the dry one's you have at home.
note: many people do not like lamb, if you are one of these people, then it is perfectly fine to substitute a different meat.

Directions:
1.In a large pan, brown meat in 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Remove with a slotted spoon; set aside. Add onions, carrots and remaining oil to pan. cook for 5 minutes or until onions are tender, stirring occasionally. add potatoes, broth, salt, pepper and lamb. bring to a boil.
2. Reduce to low heat and cover pan. Let everything simmer for about 45 min to an hour. (until potato and lamb are tender)
3.With a slotted spoon, remove meat and vegetables to a large bowl; keep warm. Pour pan juices into another bowl; set aside. In the pan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in pan juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the parsley, chives, thyme, and meat and vegetables; heat through.
 
Enjoy :)
♥ Allie