To be a writer, you must write, but you must also read.  Which, because of the latter, puts me way behind the curve. 
I think with pregnancies, babies, toddlers, diapers, and being a wife and a mom in general, I've felt it very selfish to read - for pleasure. (I know that wasn't right, but it's what it was.) 
And I think when I was younger, the choose your own adventure books, ruined me.  No patience.  I cheated on them.  And yes, I peeked at my Christmas presents.  But Brendan stopped that bad present peeking habit of mine.  I am completely cured.  Except I'm still impatient with books.
So, I've never been a member of a book club.  I've never paid attention to people's recommendations.  Not even Oprahs. (I don't watch her show.)
Yes, I'm a complete book snob.  I've spent more time the past few years reading repair manuals.  Wait, I do frequently visit the likes of Louisa May Alcott, and C.S. Lewis.  And also Barbara Park.  Cuz that Junie B. is hilarious.  We would be friends I think.
Only in the last 6 months have I really picked up reading.  Ones I couldn't put down were written by Ann Cannon, Carol Lynch Williams, and Ann Dee Ellis.  There are others I liked very much, but these, I feasted on.
Lately, I've been on a little bit of a dry spell with books.  None that have held me.
UNTIL........................ dah dah dah DAH!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. 
Are you kidding me?  This is an excellent book.  I didn't put it down.  Ask my forlorned husband, he will confirm this.
It was a literary feast.  The characters were excellent.  I could picture every part of the book.  The protagonist was brilliant.  The subject matter was strangely believable. 
Some of it I have to say was predictable.  And some difficult decisions were evaded, I thought. 
But not so offensive to cause me to put it down.  And I would have no reservations recommending this book to teenagers.  Which is a stark contrast to one I picked up from the library that burned my eyes with language and sexual content.  It might've made Eminem blush.

So this is what I had to say.  I read the hunger games in a matter of hours, and I would do it again.  So if you're looking for book endorsements from picky snobby readers, look no further.

Can't wait to read the next one.