Where have I been? *August Giveaway*

Oh- lots of places. I have a post all about our summer coming soon. We've been to the beach, amusement park, water park, house hunting, packing, all sorts of stuff. Basically, pretty darn busy.

But, over the past two weeks, I've been spending a LOT of time somewhere else entirely. A place I just discovered.

A place called Panem.


Haven't heard of it?

That's a shame. Really, it is. Unless you want to get something done. Then it's probably good you've never been to Panem. Because it kind of sucks you in.

What the heck am I talking about?

This:

My sister gave me the first book in this series, The Hunger Games, shortly after I arrived home from China. 

I only picked it up recently after I saw a couple of friends raving about it on Facebook.I didn't have anything else to read, so I figure I'd start it. 

Yeah, right.  Start it. That's a joke. I literally read the first chapter, and then had to fight the urge to shut myself in the closet and read it in one sitting. I did NOT fight the urge however, to let my kids watch an INSANE amount of TV in order to finish it. It's ok, I wasn't going to win Mother of the Year anyway.

When I finished Book One, I was literally breathless. Yep, pretty sure I held my breath during the last few pages, and was gasping when I finished it. 

That's never happened to me before.

Then I realized it was 11:30 at night, and I didn't have Book Two in my house. That was poor planning on my part- I was DESPERATE to start Book Two, Catching Fire. Thankfully, my sister loves me and she showed up at church the next morning with Books Two and Three (Mockingjay) in her hands. 

I used every bit of self control I had not to sit all the three year olds down with a pile of animal crackers during Sunday school so I could start the book. It wasn't easy though.

Books Two and Three were equally as riveting, and I'm pretty sure my family was psyched when I was finished the books and was finally back from Panem, if reluctantly! 

The premise of the book is enough to make you ill, really, but as my friend so aptly described it, "it is a train wreck you just can't look away from". It's true. However, the author does a masterful job of creating characters- specifically a main character- you become emotionally invested in very quickly. Literally, I would lie in bed at night feeling like I left the poor girl alone in the woods trying to survive. I felt like I had to keep reading just to get her out of her current situation.

I know how crazy that sounds, but my friends agree- all three books are nearly impossible to put down.

And, once I did put it down, I had to deal with 10 feet of laundry, 5 feet of dishes, and a bare refrigerator. (Did I also mention we ate out like three times in the 10 days it took me to finish all three books.) I basically requested special permission to check out for a few days, and I was graciously granted my request!

So, for my August give-away. I'd like to give you a one-way ticket to Panem. Ask for a week off NOW just in case you win, ok? Trust me, you'll need it!

You'll thank me, really, you will. 

You CAN NOT read Book One without having Book Two, Catching Fire, and Book Three, Mockingjay, standing by ready for you to read- lest you end up like me without the next book to start at 11:30pm!!

I like you too much to do that to you. 

So, one lucky winner will win the entire Hunger Games Trilogy. 

Here is how to enter:

• For ONE entry,  leave a comment hear telling me about the best book you've read this summer or this year. I'm in the market for a new book to read.
• If you'd like a SECOND ENTRY, tell me what is your favorite book you've ever read. Because the next book I read will have to be a good one!
• For TWO extra entries, post about this giveaway on your blog to spread the word. 
• If you've already read, The Hunger Games Trilogy, mention that too in your comment and I will enter you to win one of my other all time favorite books, The Giver (by Lois Lowry) and it's companion book, Gathering Blue. That way, if I pick your name, you get something new to read. If you liked The Hunger Games, you'll love The Giver and Gathering Blue.

You must enter by midnight on Monday, August 22.  I will pick a winner one week from today- Tuesday, August 23. 

Then you too can enjoy sleepless nights, a fantastically messy house, and totally neglected children all to enjoy a trip to the country of Panem to experience the Hunger Games for yourself!