First it was Babysitters Club books, and then it was Sweet Valley High books. By the time I'd reached highschool, I was reading (albeit sneakily) Virginia Andrews books (Flowers in The Attic etc.) - and in all honesty, that probably cemented me in my deep seated love for trashy novels. I still like actual REAL, honest to goodness literature too, but I will always have a soft spot for 'easy reading'. Like many books, a television of film version often finds its way to our screens. I also enjoyed the TV series and movies of each of those sets. When I'd made my way through all of the Virginia Andrews books, I spent a few years trying to find something that fit the mould. Bryce Courtney saw me through a few of those years.
I wasn't reading for pleasure as much in my University years, and it was only when 'Twilight' was released that I found my way back to my old trust 'book sets' again. Throw stones all you want. Twilight got me reading again. (Twilight and some other GENUINE books). I resisted at first, because I just didn't think the whole 'vampire thing' would be for me... but it turns out I was wrong. I was addicted. I also am addicted to the movie versions of the books. Go on and laugh. Sometime sI shake my head at myself, but it's a fact. They are my favourite 'sick day' and 'rainy day' movies. (And lets face it, I AM the target audience of desperate housewife). After Twilight I then lunged straight into the True Blood series (mostly because I love the television series, and needed a 'fix' in order to see what might happen in future storylines), and truth be known, I want those hours of my life back. The books are NOTHING like the show. If anyone thinks Twilight is terrible reading, I don't recommend getting your claws anywhere near True Blood (The Sookie Stackhouse books). After Twilight I got into more serious reading; no 'sets' as such, just good, solid novels.
CP is also a reader. Early in our marriage I discovered his extensive stash of Wilbor Smith, Jeffrey Archer and John Grisham books. They kept me busy for quite some time too, but left me hungry for something a little more 'feminine'.
I started a book club in our little town and once a month a group of awesome ladies would get together to discuss books. I was deeply ingrained in my passion for reading. I found my way into Dan Brown, Kate Morton, Jodi Picoult, and Ken Follett, Harry Potter and the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo series.
I am also a fan of (and am almost ashamed to admit I like) '50 Shades of Grey' (again, I am the target demographic). I am currently making my way through the 'Game of Thrones' (A Song of Ice and Fire) box set. I am a fan of the series, and wanted to get myself engrossed in the books. It's heavy reading, but I am sure it will be worth it.
More recently I finished reading one of the latest literary phenomenom making its way around the world.
I'm talking about The Hunger Games. It took me a whole three days to go from go to whoa. There are three books in the series. 1. The Hunger Games 2. Catching Fire and 3. The Mockingjay. They are really written for a teenage audience, but I really loved them. The 'Hunger Games' movie was released in cinemas the week I started reading them, but I have always been a fan of reading the book first whenever I can. And so when Roadshow Entertainment contacted me about running a giveaway for 'The Hunger Games' DVD, I jumped at the chance! The movie is every bit as good as the book.
For your chance to win one of 3 copies of the DVD, all you need to do is pop over to my facebook page (or at the bottom of this page if it is more convenient) and leave a comment stating what your favourite book/movie combo is, and why. No word limit.
Winners will be selected randomly. The judges decision is final. Competition closes 21st August at 5pm EST. Australian and New Zealand entrants only please. Winners will be contacted by me directly.
The Hunger Games is available to own on DVD and Blu-Ray 17th August 2012.
* Amended 3 hours after posting. COMPETITION CLOSED!
