Chapter 7

Happy Hunger Games! If you’ve been following along we’re in chapter 7 this week and what a cliffhanger! Before we dig in, let’s recap last week’s discussion.

Chapter 6 had two main themes- plot twists and goals. We have established that Collins is the master of the plot twist. There are more loop-de-loops in this lady’s bag of tricks than a roller coaster at Six Flags. If you’re not on the edge of your seat by now you should probably just put the book down and doom yourself to a life of Nicholas Sparks marathons. Moving on…Jennifer made an excellent point about maintaining goals in each chapter. As writers we need something to push us forward into the next scene. As readers, we need a reason to keep reading. Interesting thought- what happens when the plot twist becomes the goal or vice versa? On to chapter 7!

The chapter begins with a subtle reminder of where we are on the timeline. I would agree with our heroine. It is hard to believe she’s only been in the capitol for two days. I found the banter between Katniss and Peeta quite amusing and slightly confusing. Would anyone like to take a guess why they would argue over why the other person has a better chance at winning? Speaking of which, I must admit I was having a bit of fun on the training floor with them. If I wasn’t reminded every so often that they are actually training to maliciously kill each other this would seem more like a sport or an actual game. Perhaps I’m just wishing I’d paid better attention when the Olympics were on…

The last few paragraphs were flawlessly brilliant- so much so that I actually read ahead to chapter 8. I am hopelessly addicted now. Katniss has solidified herself as a chick with guts and determination. She is impulsive, hot-tempered, and fearless; the marks of a true fighter. Fist pump! Let the games begin!

Things I pondered:

• Rue’s entrance into the story is captivating. Is she part of yet another plot twist? What role will she play in the games and how will she affect Peeta and Katniss in the arena?
• The mental challenges of maintaining the appearance of unity is fascinating. Peeta and Katniss have been ordered to remain inseparable and clearly it’s draining them. The irony in all this is that it’s actually pulling them closer together. While they can’t see it yet, they are forming a bond that will greatly help them survive when they get to the arena. I hate the capitol a little less than I did a few chapters ago. Could there be a method to their madness?
• Even after skipping ahead to chapter 8, I’m still finding it hard to put the book down. Collins is superb at leaving us in total suspense. Remember what I said in the beginning about the goal becoming the plot twist? To be continued…

Have you seen the movie yet or are you planning on watching it after you read the book? I am curious to know if you would like to incorporate a discussion on the differences/similarities between the book and the movie. Any thoughts? Until next week! May the odds be ever in your favor!

Why Can't We Be Friends?

His massive form broke the surface of the water and for a moment time stood still. Casual observers did little to distract him from his goal. Unaware or indifferent, he had a job to do and he was determined to see it all the way through to completion. No innocent bystander was going to deter him from satisfying his hunger. Droplets of water erupted from his blowhole and a gasp of appreciation filled the air. His admirers were spellbound by his innocent invasion. Has a humpback whale ever been this close to a human before?

His attitude is remarkably admirable. Rather than voice his irritation by breaching or attacking, he reacted to his dinner guests with quiet and deliberate movements. Slowly, gently gliding through the glassy water he moved with the grace of a friendly traveler passing through town. Eventually he ate his fill and moved on, leaving his spectators as he found them- enchanted and completely unharmed.

His majesty is breathtaking for more than just his table manners. His eyes were on the prize and distractions were simply not worth mentioning. He focused on the task at hand, careful to treat his companions with the respect and honor they deserved. Is it really necessary to make waves when the atmosphere is this peaceful? Tranquility is a gift in itself. Rather than resent his distractions, he made them a part of his routine, engaging them in his ritual rather than intimidating them with his size. He embraced cultural differences and treated everyone as an equal, regardless of their station in life. There is one goal and it is to love and be loved.

In choosing humility and kindness, his dream was fulfilled and everyone around him was changed for the better. Humanity could stand to learn a few of his techniques. 

“If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours.”

Henry David Thoreau

Click here for the photographer's jaw-dropping images of this real life whale encounter.

Chapter 6

Happy Hunger Games! I hope everyone had a blessed weekend. Today we're in chapter 6 but before we dive in let's look at last week's discussion...

Last week we discussed outward beauty and its emphasis on our culture. We agreed that our society has glamorized beauty so much so that we have failed to validate the inner beauty. It’s not all about good looks and it’s a very convoluted message we are sending to our daughters.

Today in chapter 6 we take a look at another sticky topic-guilt. Katniss meets an avox and immediately recognizes her. When she realizes that she may have been a reason for the girl’s presence guilt becomes the newest dinner guest. We are drawn into the scene and fully aware of everything Katniss witnesses when the girl is taken away by hovercraft. Collins does an excellent job of making us a part of the story, feeling all those conflicting emotions. What will happen if I try and help her? Are the consequences worth the risk of getting involved? Will I ever see the girl again?

When I think of this scene I am overcome with my own issues surrounding guilt. There have been times when I could have interceded but chose to remain hidden in the background. There were times when it was easier to allow circumstance to unfold without causing interruption. Time has taken place the way it was meant to and I am the bystander who did not interject. What have I learned from remaining quiet?

Another issue I took note of was the pampering the tributes are receiving during their stay at the capitol. I am intrigued why such lavishness is expended on people that are preparing to die. Is all this extravagance for the benefit of the tributes or the wealthy sponsors in the capitol? I can’t help but see a twisted spiritual side to this situation. The wealthy line their pockets and their bellies with all things decadent. Meanwhile they are dying inside. Peeta makes the statement, “I would leave.” How many of us would leave our current state of comfort and security in exchange for inner peace and serenity?

Things I pondered:

·        Effie seems completely oblivious to her own sickness. She accuses District 12 of barbarism while preparing her tributes for murder. How many of us prepare our children for life in the world without ever giving them real, helpful tools for survival?

·        Katniss’s sense of powerlessness resonates in my spirit. Is her inability to help worthy of the guilt she feels? Is her guilt justified or is she being too hard on herself? Is there ever a time when it’s too dangerous to get involved?

That’s all for this week! Next week things heat up when we get a little closer to the arena. See you on Monday!

Hunger Games Schedule

Happy Friday everyone!

If you've been following our Hunger Games discussion you're aware that postings have been on Thursday mornings. It's becoming increasingly difficult to maintain this schedule so I am moving the discussion to Mondays. Chapter 6 will be posted this coming Monday morning. I hope you'll come back and join us. Sorry for any inconvenience and Happy Hunger Games!

Hunger Games Chapter 5

Happy Hunger Games! I'm back with chapter 5 as promised. Today we dig into a sensitive topic for me. Does beauty equal survival? I would be curious to hear what you have to say on this issue but before we go there, let's take a quick look at what we discussed last week...

Chapter 4

Last week we decided that the capitol is very much like our modern day America. We are a country of excess and many of us just don’t realize how spoiled we are. Serving others is a great way to counteract this mentality. Volunteering at a local shelter or food bank or delivering groceries to families in need not only blesses others; it takes the focus off us. When we serve others with our whole hearts greed becomes less and less apparent.

I’m actually finding chapter 5 rather difficult to get into because of the deep subject matter this week. This chapter focuses on self-image and attractiveness. This is the part of the story that every young woman who reads it can relate. Our culture demands that good looks equal success. Being beautiful is the key to survival, happiness, and prosperity. Here then is the problem. Along with being spoiled rotten, we are a culture of superficial Barbie dolls. If we have money and a pretty face we can conquer the world. What happens if we’re lacking one or both of these things? Are we destined for failure or even death? Is this truly the message we wish to send to our impressionable young women?

Katniss undergoes a beautification ritual that is both painful and alarming. We see the slow transition from shock and discomfort to gradual acceptance and appreciation for the change in her appearance. Her prep team has made her to believe that not only is her natural self not good enough, her newly remade self will earn her approval among the masses and ultimately her survival. She recognizes that what they are and who they represent is despicable but it’s hard to hate them. They are, after all trying their best to keep her alive. Much like the beauty products that are peddled to us everywhere, it’s hard to have much disdain for them. They are the ones helping us thrive and survive in a culture overrun with beauty queens and Ken dolls. The question begs an answer- is it possible to survive on brains alone?

Collins breaks open another character in Cinna. He is clearly different than the other people on Katniss’s prep team, making it difficult for her to decide if he’s safe or not. He seems like the most normal of the bunch but that could be dangerous. Is he quiet chaos or subdued normalcy?

Things I pondered-

• Clearly, looks are a big part of this whole production. One cannot compete in the Hunger Games without looking his or her best. The irony is that once they are in the arena it won’t matter much anyway. Will it?
• Katniss makes the statement- “For the first time I feel a flicker of hope rising up in me.” She realizes that her beauty makes her desirable and capable of winning sponsors. She might actually have a shot at winning. How will this affect the other tributes? Does being beautiful truly make life easier?
• Peeta is a sweetheart. Is anyone else getting tired of Katniss hating on the poor guy?

I’m curious to hear your thoughts on this whole beauty issue. What do you think? Check back with us next week when we get deeper in the story with chapter 6. Happy Hunger Games!

Light Breaks Through

My apologies if you're looking for our Hunger Games Discussion. I wasn't able to finish it on time so it will be posted tomorrow, I promise. In the meantime, this message has been on my heart and apparently a few people need to hear it. During the darkest part of the storm, God is there...

Vicious, destructive storms blow through with a fury and we're left wondering what we did to deserve this utter chaos. Debris, dirt, and devastation abound and in our minds we just can't fathom how it can get any better. Then one day the sun peeks through the clouds. A glimmer of hope rises within us as that one ray of sunlight breaks through the darkness. In that instant we know that brighter days are coming. There is hope in the sun. There is hope in the Son. Look towards the clouds because just beyond the darkness light is there, warm and welcoming.

Praying for you, my friend.

Chapter 4

Happy Hunger Games! This week we get a bit deeper into the novel with chapter 4. Before we dig in, let’s recap our previous discussion. Here’s what we decided about chapter 3:

Chapter 3 was all about the intensity and violence. We decided that it’s a very fine line between too much and just enough. The consensus was that Collins is writing to a YA audience, therefore it’s almost a prerequisite to have a high level of blood, guts, and intense emotions. She pulls it off well so we’re ok with it but just barely. As writers we need to make sure we don’t over saturate our audience with too much of either. Too much of a good thing can easily turn into a bad thing. Moving on to chapter 4…

Collins peels back another layer of the story with the ever-present reminder of Peeta’s kindness. This is a huge issue for Katniss because she can’t decide if he’s a threat to her safety or just to her heart. No matter how you slice it, the guy is dangerous but for reasons she was not expecting. This adds a dimension to the story that is oddly satisfying. We want to believe that Peeta is a good guy but what if he really is just using his survival instincts? Will he turn out to be an ally or an enemy?

We also meet Haymich in this chapter. Collins so brilliantly crafted this character that I almost want to ask her who he was modeled after. Which drunk guy in her family was she thinking of when she created him? Out of all the characters we’ve been introduced to so far, I think he is the most complex. Alcoholism means so many different things to so many people. It stirs powerful emotions, no matter which end of the spectrum you find yourself in. I think the thing I find most endearing about him at this point is that he is willing to compromise for the sake of Katniss and Peeta’s success. He clearly has a problem but is willing to lay it aside in order to help them. Sort of like a hero.

Things I pondered-

• We got a good look at the capitol in this chapter. Again, I found myself inside Katniss’s head and relating to her discombobulation. I remember the culture shock I went through when I moved from a big city to a smaller suburb. Everything about this place was weird. In some ways I’m still not used to the differences. Have you ever been through your own culture shock? How did you adjust?
• We are moving deeper into the story now and are gently being assured that Katniss will hold her own in the games. Again, we have a symbol of hope in the dandelion. These are all good things. Does anyone else feel like they can’t decide if they are hopeful or slightly disappointed at this point in the story?

That’s it for this week! Come back next week for chapter 5. Happy Hunger Games!

Beyond What I Deserve

About a year ago I was still recovering from one of the greatest miracles I had ever been allowed to witness. Our home was yanked out from under us and we only had a week to find a new house, pack, and move. We summoned prayers from literally everyone we knew. We hand-delivered our request to God and believed that He would provide the answers we so desperately needed. Turns out we were not disappointed.

The very next day we found a house listed in the classifieds. It had beautiful hardwood floors and marble countertops and was only a mile away from where we were already living. We met the owner and were told that we could move in as soon as we were ready. We were allowed to keep our dog and we wouldn’t have to go through the hassle of changing phone numbers or elementary schools. The best part was that it was smaller and easier to clean! It was such a perfect arrangement that all we could do was stand in awe. God sure knows how to take care of us!

A year ago today I looked around at all that God had given me and I praised Him. I praised Him for allowing me to live and grow for another year, for all the amazing people He put in my life, and for meeting our needs in such a perfect way. My husband asked me last week what I wanted for my birthday. I had to think long and hard because honestly, there isn’t a thing that I could want or need. I have it all and I am so very blessed.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me and being a part of my life. I treasure you more than you could know.

So very blessed,

Sherry

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

We may as well call this the Gifts and Goodbyes chapter because that’s basically all we’re witnessing at this point. There is a smattering of new characters introduced and a few scenes we would rather forget. Before we go any further, let’s recap on what we discussed about chapter 2.

• Last week we decided that everyone is a hero. The residents of District 12 in particular seemed to shine almost as bright as the tributes simply because of their obstinacy.
• Speaking of District 12, we liked that they helped us affirm in our minds that Peeta is indeed a likeable guy. It’s almost like they are the backbone of this operation, working behind the scenes to help the good guys win just by association.
• We also decided that these first two chapters summon up a very broad range of emotions and feelings. We’re angry at the capitol, sad for the situation our heroes are in, and emotionally charged for Katniss and Peeta. We want them-need them to succeed.

The first thing I noticed about chapter 3 is the sharp contrast between the capitol and District 12. We are getting a glimpse of two entirely different lifestyles and it’s jarring to me. How can one part of the country live so decadent while the other starves to death? Katniss enjoys the feel of velvet; she eats so much that she gets sick to her stomach. These are things she is completely unfamiliar with. Now suddenly she is thrust into a world she must adjust to as she processes the fact that soon she will fight for her own survival.

We also become familiar with the mockingjay, a symbol that would appear important to me. Somehow I think Collins planted this bit of information in our minds for a reason. Will it be useful later?

Things I pondered-

• The attitude is incredibly somber- Katniss says goodbye to her friends and family, receiving gifts from people she did not expect to see at all. Have you ever accepted a gift from someone you never thought would cross your path? How did you feel after receiving the gift?
• Again, there is a dividing line between the way Katniss treats her mother and the way she treats her sister. She can no longer hide her resentment but is wise enough to remind her that underneath all that anger, love still lives.
• We get a rough idea of what the games are truly like to witness and participate in. The battles are gruesome, vicious, and cruel. Was it really necessary to describe so graphically how children were chosen to die in sport? I am conflicted with these scenes because I see them from both writer and reader’s perspective. Details might be necessary to give us a sense of the brutality used. Yet something tells me our own imaginations could probably do the job just fine. We are given enough information about the capitol and the way it operates to draw our own conclusions. What do you think?

That’s all for this week. Come back next Thursday when we dive into chapter 4. A side note- school is starting next Wednesday. That means I’ll have more time to write on other days of the week as well. Look for new blog posts unrelated to our HG discussion.

May the odds be ever in your favor!

Happy Hunger Games! Chapter 2 Discussion

Chapter 2

Before we delve into chapter 2, I thought I would give a quick recap of last week’s discussion. In case you missed any of it or need a refresher here are some things we decided based on Chapter 1:

• My initial assessment of Effie Trinket may have been off base. I have decided that she is a Stepford wife who happens to be married to the most vicious child-killing dictatorship I have ever heard of. She is a robot and she does her job well.
• The early character development was pure genius. We love getting to know the key players and how they think and why they do the things they do. We are looking forward to seeing how things progress between Gale and Katniss and deep down, we either want a Gale in our own lives or just want one for our daughters.
• Katniss is a hero. We root for her because of her survivalist attitude. She’s a tough chick. We like that.

We are ushered into chapter 2 with the wind knocked out of us. Collins uses an excellent analogy to help us feel the way Katniss feels-stunned, breathless, and in total shock that her sister’s name was called at the Reaping. When she volunteers to take Prim’s place she becomes the hero in every sense of the word. Katniss displays selflessness, courage, and bravery as she takes the stage, refusing to shed a single tear. From this point on she must remain guarded at all times or she becomes an easy target for her competitors.  

In this chapter we meet Peeta and discover that he has many of the same qualities as Katniss. What he lacks in strength he makes up for in selflessness and bravery. Risking a beating from his mother to help Katniss feed her family establishes him as a hero in his own right. I feel sorry for him when his name is called but also a bit comforted to know that Katniss will not be in the games alone; she has an ally and one who seems naturally adept at protecting her well being.

Things I pondered:

• The residents of District 12- immediately after Katniss took her sister’s place a tangible shift in attitude took place. They immediately looked to her as a source of hope which was evidenced in their refusal to clap when commanded to do so. To solidify their allegiance they offer her a rarely seen hand gesture, their loyalty forever etched into her mind. I found this whole scene incredibly moving. Can you think of a time in your own life when you had to take a physical stand against some form of evil or injustice?
• I will not get into a political debate in this discussion but let the record state that I find the capitol’s behavior despicable. Allowing innocent people to starve to death while sending in “robots” to clean up the bodies makes me sick to my stomach. ‘Nuff said.
• Katniss’s conflicting emotions regarding Peeta-he’s the guy who helped her when she was at her weakest. Now she has to compete with him in a fight to the death. She feels like she owes him a debt she cannot pay and that really bothers her. Have you ever felt so indebted that you felt like it was impossible to pay it back? How did you come to a resolution?
• Katniss’s strength and determination to keep her family together- Those images of Katniss struggling to survive really resonated within me. Can you relate to her internal battles?
• The symbols of hope-the loaves of bread and the dandelion gave Katniss hope that things were going to be ok, that she would not remain in this place of uncertainty and helplessness. Do you have any symbols in your own life that give you comfort in the face of adversity? What are they?

I’m looking forward to hearing your responses! Come back next week for a recap of chapter 2 and a hearty discussion on chapter 3. Happy Hunger Games!

Happy Hunger Games! Chapter 1 Discussion

Welcome to The Hunger Games Dissection and Discussion group! Let the games begin!

Chapter 1

Our first chapter opens with a superb introduction to the main characters. We become acquainted with Katniss, her sister Prim, and their mother. We learn that Katniss is a survivalist, fighting for what she believes in but also smart enough to avoid trouble. She makes the best out of difficult situations but can hold a grudge with the best of them. We also meet her friend, Gale who provides a safe haven for Katniss when she needs to let down her guard and be herself. I thought Collins’s choice to illustrate the relationships between each person was a brilliant way to hook the reader. I already want to see where things will lead between Katniss and Gale.

Panem is cleverly outlined, its history described during the Reaping. We get a real sense of what it’s like to live in a place like this with its strict rules and dictatorship. The dark and barbaric way of maintaining order within the districts is foreboding and haunting. How long will the president be able to keep his residents frozen in fear and dependant upon the capitol? How will Katniss help to bring about the change that is obviously necessary?

Things I pondered:

• The contrasting relationships between Katniss and her mother and Katniss and Prim- I could really identify with that mother/daughter dysfunction and I found a kindred spirit in Katniss. Which character could you most relate to at this time? Why?
• The “Big Brother is watching” feeling I get every time I see the Capitol in my mind’s eye. Can you see any similarities between our America and their Panem? From a Biblical standpoint, does anything seem familiar?
• The Reaping- this whole ghastly ordeal reminded me of Nazi Germany when children were recruited to Hitler’s army. Can you think of any other time in history when there were similar practices?
• Effie Trinket-I kind of feel sorry for her. What would it be like to be forced to stifle your feelings as you hand select the children who will die at the mercy of your president? Do you know anyone who is so broken inside that they hide behind a mask of vigor and perkiness?

 I hereby declare this discussion open! Don’t forget to come back next week for Chapter 2. Happy Hunger Games! May the odds be ever in your favor!

In Her Shadow

Sherry & Kristina 1992

My friend, Jan posed the question yesterday at Jewels of Encouragement. (Click on the tab and scroll down to yesterday's date to find her post) “What are some sounds that you would prefer you didn’t have to listen to?” Loud snoring and bad grammar top my list. Still, it got me thinking about sounds I love to hear. Jim Brickman on the piano. Rain tapping against the window. My dog’s playful bark that sounds more like a howl. My daughter’s laugh and my husband’s sexy voice on the phone. These are all sounds that I adore but there is one in particular that never gets old. I never tire of hearing my little sister asking for my attention.

“Hey, want to hang out tomorrow?”
“How did you know when you were in love?”

“Let’s go shopping and buy BFF necklaces!”

“I love you!”

Sherry & Kristina 2010

Although I feel plain, ordinary, and insignificant around her I’m perfectly fine with that. She glows and she makes everything and everyone around her better somehow. I know I’m the older one so logic would dictate that she look up to me. The truth is that as many years as there are between us, I will always look up to her. Standing in her shadow, the sun is shining on the both of us and everything is beautiful. 

January 30, 2012
Reading from John 9


Jesus knew the Pharisees would have major issues with the healing of the blind man. They would either have to take him at his word that he was the Son of God or they would have to deny the truth. They chose door number 3- get rid of the evidence. Rather than face the face truth, they booted the evidence. Out of sight, out of mind, right? When faced with disturbing truths in my own life, how am I apt to respond to them? Will I face my own inadequacies and repent, deny the truth about God, or toss the evidence and pretend nothing happened? I every instance-either good or bad- I should choose Jesus. Denial or indifference does not change facts. Lesson of the day: When Truth confronts you, embrace it and repent. Do not deny or hide from it. Learn from mistakes and allow the Lord to change you from the inside out.


Dear God,
Open my eyes to truth about myself and ways I need to change. Speak to the lost and heal their blindness.
Amen. 

Find Me at Jewels!

I'm over at Jewels of Encouragement today. Simply click on the tab as labeled and leave me a comment. Happy Sunday!

Skin Deep

June 21, 2012
Not long ago I came across a story that I have not been able to get out of my head. It featured an eighteen year old model with a dark secret. Underneath that flawless complexion was a severe case of acne. Speaking directly to the camera as if talking to an old friend, she demonstrated the step-by-step process she used every morning to cover up her blemishes. Starting with a clean, make-up free face she shared her secrets to attaining the appearance of perfect skin. The transformation was remarkable! Despite the fact that the video lasted more than hour, it went viral and eventually made the news. Apparently teens will go to any lengths to hide their imperfections. Because I still battle the blemish war even in my 30s, this subject got me thinking. Wouldn't it just be easier to treat the problem rather than continue to cover it up?


I recently learned that someone close to me had been hiding her own dark secrets. For years this person had  been covering up a huge part of herself, hiding behind a thick layer of self-preservation. When the truth finally came out I was stunned and heartbroken. I thought we trusted each other. I thought we knew each other. A couple of days later when I was able to simmer down we talked. We truly listened to each other's thoughts and feelings and gained a new understanding of how the other person operates. I learned that when a person hides behind a layer of betrayal, it's because significant damage has occurred and needs to be dealt with. I also learned that trust is a precious commodity that cannot be taken for granted. My friend learned that sometimes it's ok to take off the mask and just be real. When all the layers are stripped away it's always easier to get to the grime beneath the surface. 


I know the problem won't get fixed overnight but I also know that we're making a lot more progress without all those extra layers holding her hostage. Interesting thing about that teenage model with acne. A face full of pimples couldn't hide the fact that she was still beautiful. 

Be Careful What You Ask For

June 18, 2012
All this time I've been "waiting for direction". Maybe that's my whole problem. If I'm really supposed to delight myself in the Lord, why am I still sitting here not delighting? Don't sit, just do. Well ok, then. I guess it's time to get busy...


King David was an intriguing man. He made his mistakes but he also paid dearly for them. He  understood that everything we do affects everyone around us and that consequences for bad choices are just a part of life. I guess what really hits me between the eyes the most is his appreciation for sacrifice. He understood on a very real level that sacrifice is just lip service unless you back it up with solid action. If it doesn't cost anything, why bother?

A couple of days ago I was aimlessly wandering, in need of answers and a job to keep my hands busy. Today I see a well lighted path with plenty of work to do along the way. I am fully prepared to get down and dirty and give up a huge part of myself in the process. God sure has a funny way of answering prayers.