Sunrise on the Reaping BOOK Review (Suzanne Collins)

 

 You don't need me to bang on about this book. I'll yield the mic to the myriad of young people who will probably be discussing each line in detail.

Let me say that Suzanne Collins took enough time with this contribution to the Hunger Games Universe that it can stand up competently next to the original Hunger Games, which is the first YA book this "Old Fogey" read years ago and introduced me to the entire YA genre.

But I WILL speak to this AUDIO version read by Jefferson White who completely knocked this READ out of the park (or should I say Survived the Arena in the book's vernacular).

This story is a PREquel to the Hunger Games where we follow Haymitch through HIS Hunger Games cycle. Of course, in the movies, Haymitch is embodied by Woody Harrelson who is both a talented actor and very quirky and unique individual. So,  not only does Jefferson have to depict a TEENAGE version of Haymitch/Woody, but he has to do younger versions of President Snow (Donald Sutherland) Effie, Ceasar Flickerman plus a HUGE amount of new characters that we need to keep track of. But he pulled it off 😃❗️

It helped that Collins took her time writing this book and gave us some interesting, relatable and three dimensional characters but Jefferson didn't just switch between men's and women's voices but included different tones and cadences that we become familiar with them. I could tell who was talking BEFORE the book said, "Effie responded."

As the star of these Hunger Games is Haymitch, Jefferson got Woody's way of talking so great that I was actually picturing a teenage Woody Harrelson. (It's currently being made into a movie so we'll have to see how that PLAYS out.)

But this was ANOTHER great trip to the Arena and I would recommend people jump to THIS book DIRECTLY after the Original (and postpone all the MockingJay stuff that is lesser in comparison).

I hope Suzanne continues to give us MORE Hunger Games Prequels. She is quite a great writer IF she doesn't RUSH it because of a deadline but takes the time to think things through.

As to Jefferson White, he's only narrated a couple of books but I HOPE he continues down this path because he has shown a huge potential to be a truly great voice actor. In fact, it's because of him particularly that I'm going to do something I've NEVER done before. Recommend the AUDIO book ABOVE the ebook or paper formats. 😯❗️

I should mention there is a brief mention of a same sex couple who have not been allowed to live together under this harsh, futuristic regime but it is not explored any further by Collins and I found no other disturbing ideologies.

🤔

Well, except that this entire book series is about poor children forced to violently and brutally hack each other to death in an arena while the adults watch to be entertained.

But other than that ... 💁‍♀️

I did NOT buy this book but got it from my public library, even though I had to wait several weeks for it.

Would I have paid for it❓️🤔

Maybe severely discounted but not FULL price because I'm Poor-folk. But if you have Moolah, this is worth spending it on. It was definitely worth me waiting for. I completely enjoyed it.

Well done to all involved.

I hope this helps.

 Thanks for taking the time to read it.

The Truth with Love,

Always Laura-Lee 

The book itself gets an 8 out of 10 cookies

🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪

But Jefferson White takes this to another level so I'm going to grant him another Cookie.

🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪➕️🍪

Please Note I have NO ADS NO Store, NO Merchandise No Monetizing and I NEVER accept Donations❗️🤨

Life Lessons From OLIVIA Newton-John & MADONNA

 

OLIVIA demonstrates the best way to win your boyfriend...

... is by becoming a total Tramp.

She encourages us to get Physically fit.

Then  Madonna picks up the mantle and shows us...

The benefits of getting Married

And being a good Housewife 

She advises us to keep our hearts open and demonstrate our Love for Young and Old alike.

She extols the Blessings of having an active Prayer life.

She chides Fathers for teaching their Children to abstain from sex before Marriage because it will lead to Abortion 

(❓️🫤 Huh.)

That we should never hesitate to express our feelings, even if they are shunned and considered Taboo by the rest of decent society.

That we should strive to keep our hearts from becoming Frozen.

That we should never put any limits on "Love".

It's good to learn about World History.

ESPECIALLY when it involves dancing with

 Antonio Banderas

How important it is to be a Good Mom ☺️

And to take time to read with your children

 ( ☝️even if you don't know who their Daddies are)

And she encourages us to have Good Dental Health

(which is ESSENTIAL to ALL of us)

Thanks, "Ladies".

We all feel the Better for your presence in our lives. 🥹

And we can be grateful for them leading the way for the next generation.

 And what great pearls of wisdom has Kylie Minogue

 to bestowed on us?

"La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la."

Thanks for the advice, Kylie.

Sound words to live by.

🌸🌿🌸🌿🌸☘️🌸☘️

In November of 1984, when I was 18 years old (Oops❗️🙊 Accidentally outed my age on the internet again) I was going to the store with Mom, who was driving our old, green, Ford Station Wagon and, as the Navigator, I was the one solely in charge  of the radio.

(HEY. Them's the Rules. 🤷‍♀️)

In our car we only received AM stations and there were only two that played Pop music.

(Keep in mind that there were no Christian radio stations in Canada at that time)

I turned on the radio and the first Preset station was just starting to play, "Like a Virgin", so I quickly switched to the second preset station which had "Like a Virgin" in full swing. So I reached over and turned the radio off.

Mom looks at me and says,

"Laura-Lee, did I just see YOU turn off the radio?" 😯

"Uh. Yes Mom"

"I think you should tell me why."

"I'd rather not say."

"Okay. Now I'm SURE you should tell me why."

"Because both stations were playing the same song and you're too innocent to hear them."

"Okay. Now I'm SURE I want to hear that song. Turn it back on."

She listened quietly, without comment, and when it was over asked,

"This Madonna person, is she very popular?"

"Yes. Extremely. In fact this is her second big hit [her first one being Borderline] and not only are people listening to her, but girls have begun to dress like her. Whenever you see a girl with her mid-drift exposed and huge crucifixes dangling all over her, it's because of Madonna."

"Well, then we will have to pray she is just another Flash in the Pan."

"And if she isn't?"

"Then she will be held accountable by God for destroying the morals, dignity and modesty of a generation of young women."

Mom got it right, except for one thing. Madonna has destroyed the morals, dignity and modesty of THREE generations of young people (both Male AND Female)

We could have taken a stand against these women back then but we didn't, so we too will share some of the accountability before God for the destruction they have caused.

Myself included, because I bought the album for  Grease  (Olivia Newton John) and the CD of  "The Immaculate Collection"  😣  (Madonna)

I'm sorry, Lord. 😔

The (sometimes  bitter) Truth  with Love 

Always Laura-Lee 

Classic Films That Promote the Patriarchy

 

As I examine the huge influence we have allowed the LGBTQ, Transgender movement and Feminists to have over us, I am constantly coming across fabulous, classic movies that would never have been made today, because a small portion of society controls the rest of us.

 And since an equally small portion of people are the only ones to be brave enough to take a stand against the onslaught, I suspect any more stories that show a strong man and good father are going to be a thing of the past. Apparently, they "contribute to the oppression by the Patriarchy".

The Patriarchy? 

Men who degrade, demean and abuse women ...

merely by existing! 🤨

(Shame on all you nasty men! 😡)

While we are waiting for the men to apologize to us, let's examine a few of the movies that would never be made today.

🔴 Ben Hur  

🔴 Life with Father 

🔴 The King and I  

🔴 Yours, Mine and Ours  

🔴 12 Angry Men 😲 

(I feel oppressed just from reading the Title)

   

🔴 To Kill a Mockingbird  

🔴 Ordinary People  

🔴 In the Name of the Father  

🔴 The Lion King   

🔴 Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade  

🔴 Sleepless in Seattle   

... and on and on it goes.

And I haven't even tackled Romantic films that have a traditional man/woman dynamic or Action Movies 😱

But by all means, just accept whatever happens and then spend an exorbitant amount of time complaining and lamenting,

"They don't make 'em like they used to." 😟

The Truth with Love 

Always Laura-Lee 

Maybe in a future blog I will discuss the destructive influence on society of  "Father Knows Best",  "My Three Sons" and "The Courtship of Eddie's Father".

(Which I consider a personal attack on my womanhood) 😡

 

Gillespie and I by Jane Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was given this book while in the hospital. It was serendipitously wonderful.

It is the story of a strong, independent English woman who travels to Scotland after the death of her Aunt to see the big Exibition in Glasgow in 1888. Once there she encounters an artist named Gillespie and his family. After becoming friends with Gillespie's entire family, including his wife, two small children and his mother, she learns that there are many disturbing things going on in this family.

What starts out as a period piece turns into an intriguing look at Gillespie's entire family. Their various character traits and eccentricities. But just when you think you have the rhythm and flavour of the story, it takes another turn when Gillespie's youngest daughter is kidnapped. The entire second half of the book turns into a gritty who-dun-it including a fascinating court case. And the actual criminal is ... NOPE! I ain't telling.😄


This book is a rich journey told in flashbacks as we jump from the 1930s in London to the 1880s in Glasgow. This book is a satisfying read whether you're into period pieces, character studies or a good mystery. (Or if you just like Glasgow).

It made me want to read other books by this author and I have just Followed her here at Goodreads.

Hope this was helpful to you.

Always, Laura-Lee

View all my reviews

Bye, Bye, Bye is "Resurrected" by Deadpool

 

Okay, here's the deal, in the 1990s when Boy Bands were EVERYWHERE I was already in my 20s (Oops❗️🙊 I accidentally outed my age on the internet again. Kinda) and I had flipped over to Country Pop looking for some music with substance. Although I liked a few songs from them like, "Show Me the Meaning of Being Lonely", "Shape of My Heart" and "As Long As You Love Me" all by the Backstreet Boys,  I generally gave them all a miss to listen to artists like Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Diamond Rio ... (you get the idea).

But with the release of "Deadpool and Wolverine" (2004), NSYNC and their massive hit  "Bye, Bye, Bye" (originally released in 2000) has come back and I've been taking a look at some of the videos I missed the first time around. My Conclusion? I was correct to give them a skip. They are pretty lightweight fare. BUT (and I have a big one 😉)  these lads can DANCE❗️

Things are different for me now. I'm pushing sixty years old and I have to get around with my walker (a little leftover from being paralyzed from the neck down in 2019) BUT (there it is again) I can still shake my BUTT ( and there it is yet AGAIN) and frequently do. Now I want to encourage you to do the same. One of my big regrets in life is that I was too shy and self conscious to dance in front of others so I only did it in my bedroom (as a teenager) and my apartment (as an adult). But I STILL Danced!

We are all so isolated in our homes and staring at a screen for hours and hours each day  and it is not healthy. You need to GET UP  and MOVE.🕺💃  This benefits you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. 

Compile a Dance Playlist appropriate for your tastes and current physical condition (don't over do it at first), and get off your big BUTT and move it around.

As for the remake of "Bye, Bye, Bye" by Resolve for the movie Deadpool and Wolverine ...

you can DEFINITELY skip their dark, S&M, Dancing Dominatrix version of the song. They SO didn't get the POINT of the song! They are supposed to be DUMPING the girl who is treating them like a puppet, NOT getting their "jollies" from being tied up by her! 

(Yikes! 😬)

As to my opinion of Deadpool and Wolverine...

I will not, I repeat NOT, be seeing it! 🤨  The first Deadpool and the second Deadpool (which I DNF) tainted me quite enough with their excessive violence and foul language, which is prevalent throughout. And Hugh Jackman's glorious body I have seen enough of too. Like in EVERY movie he has ever made! ("Get over yourself, Mate!")

I've attached Links to two versions of Bye, Bye, Bye. One is all dance by NSYNC and the other is a pretty cool exercise video by just regular folks to inspire you. 

I guess the only thing left for me to do is say,

"Bye, bye, bye" and, of course, ...

The Truth with Love,

Always Laura-Lee  😌

Bye, Bye, Bye All Dance

( One little point I'd like to make. 🤏 Watch the people in the audiences. They are NOT viewing it through their PHONES❗️ They have something AMAZING going on RIGHT IN FRONT of them and they are participating in the moment by dancing around and RECORDING it indelibly with their FIVE SENSES. 😃)

Bye, Bye, Bye EXERCISE

Okay, here's a little treat for scrolling to the bottom and to continue to motivate you. 

"CAN'T STOP the FEELING" by Justin Timberlake

(Hey, the man has sunshine in his pocket! 🌞 You can't top that!) 😃

Farewell to Donald Sutherland (1935-2024)

 

Canadian Actor, Donald Sutherland  (father of Kiefer Sutherland) has died.

His best performance was in  "Citizen X" (1995) as a district head of the KGB in the Soviet Union in the TRUE story of  the hunt for the USSR's  first serial Rapist/Killer, Andrei Chikatilo, for which he won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.

It is a hard, hard movie to watch (due to the content) but certainly is one of the best I've ever seen and (by far) the best thing HBO has ever spawned. 

This movie is as accurate as Hollywood ever gets, taking the case apart and watching it unfold year after horrible, frustrating year.

Although the makers must show a great deal, they used a very restrained hand. Yet the content intensifies in graphic nature as it progresses, which actually is very useful to display how serial killers intensify in their behavior if they are not caught and motivates us emotionally to get this monster caught!

It is NOT for Sensitive viewers or the faint of heart, but a very well made movie in every respect.

MY Rating:

8/10

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔴🔴

 

Donald Sutherland is also well know for his wonderful depiction of dad, Calvin Jarret, in the movie  "Ordinary People" which won Best Picture, Best Director (Robert Redford), Best Supporting Actor (Timothy Hutton) etc, etc, at the 1981 Academy Awatds.

It is the story of the aftermath on a family after the accidental death of their oldest son (and the subsequent attempted suicide of their younger son) as they try and rebuild their family.

Mary Tyler Moore took the limelight for this movie because she gave a gripping performance as the distant, controlling mother and Timothy Hutton was equally powerful as the broken son devastated by the death of his beloved older brother. However, I learned later that Dick Van Dyke was originally cast to play the father which made me reconsider Donald's performance. His character (and performance) is what anchors this movie as he quietly goes through it trying to understand his small family and his own grief. It would have been a VERY different movie without him.

It is also a difficult movie to watch because of its deeply emotional content but also receives my 

8/10 Rating

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🔴🔴

MY criteria for someone being a great actor? Versatility and Longevity. So to Donald Sutherland I say,

"Well done. Take a bow,"

The Truth with Love,

Always Laura-Lee 

🍁🌿🍁🌿🍁🌿🍁🌿🍁🌿

P.S. On the flipside, there are two movies by Sutherland you can completely skip. Film Noir, Psycho-Thriller, "Klute" (1971) and Black Comedy (No. That's not a racist thing. It's actually a genre), "MASH" (1970) which the long running TV show was based on.

Both films were early on in Donald's career and I didn't see either of them until I was an adult because they would have NEVER been showed on TV until western civilization had deteriorated enough to broadcast them.

 They are both "angsty" anti-establishment, graphic in all ways and end tragically, which was all the rage for movies made in the 1970s. I'm not even going to bother to rate them and just advise you to spend your time doing something much more beneficial. like repeatedly poking yourself in the eye with a sharp stick or...

  watching the "Hunger Games" again (for the umpteenth time.) 😉

OR...

   we could all just stare at (easy on the eyes) Jennifer Lawrence some more. 😳

LINK My Book Reviews at Goodreads (The Hunger Games Top of the List)