Tag: Suzanne Collins

What’s Ashley Reading?: A Year in Review

This was a busy year for reading! I completed 112 books in 2025 but there were a few standouts that I would highly recommend. Below are my top 10 books I read in 2025!

  1. Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian
  2. The Love Haters by Katherine Center
  3. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
  4. First-Time Caller by B. K. Borison
  5. Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler
  6. Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
  7. Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer
  8. Boudicca’s Daughter by Elodie Harper
  9. The Undertaking of Hart & Mercy by Megan Bannen
  10. Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

And I know that next year will have some great books for my TBR list. Here are the ones I am most looking forward too!

  1. Sparking Fire Out of Fate by Brigid Kemmerer (1/27/2026)
  2. And Now, Back To You by B. K. Borison (2/24/2026)
  3. Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano (3/10/2026)
  4. Everyone In This Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson (3/17/2026)
  5. Daughter of Egypt by Marie Benedict (3/24/2026)
  6. The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer (4/21/2026)
  7. The Shippers by Katherine Center (5/19/2026)
  8. Wild Goose Chase by Sarah Adler (7/7/2026)
  9. The Unknown by Riley Sager (8/4/2026)
  10. Grim Tidings by B. K. Borison (9/1/2026)

What were your favorite reads of 2025? And what are you looking forward to the most in 2026? Leave us a comment!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Hunger Games trilogy

The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins

First line: When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold.

Summary: Ever since the rebellion against the Capitol, the districts are forced yearly send one boy and one girl to fight to the death in the Hunger Games.  For decades the districts have complied and submitted to the games but tensions are rising among the populace.  Katniss Everdeen volunteers in place of her sister in the games and slowly wins the hearts of the Capitol residents and the districts.  As she fights to survive the arena it appears that a fire may be catching throughout Panem. 

<b>My Thoughts:</b> It has been years since I read The Hunger Games trilogy but after reading the latest installment, Sunrise on the Reaping, I decided it was a perfect time to revisit the original stories.  As I went through each book and movie I noticed things that Collins built upon.  Now that I was able to connect more with Haymitch and his story it gives a deeper look at his motives and personality.  Little details I would never have remembered from my first reading became clearer.  Characters that we know and love are able to seem more real and have deeper backstories.  There were many times where I would smile or gasp as something happens that connects to Haymitch’s story.  Katniss’ story is still as heart wrenching as the first time I read it but it is now richer because of the addition. 

If you recently read the new book, then I would highly recommend re-reading the trilogy.  It gave me a whole new appreciation for the author and her work. 

What’s Ashley Reading?: Sunrise on the Reaping

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

First line: “Happy birthday, Haymitch!”

Summary: As the morning of the 50th Hunger Games dawns, Haymitch Abernathy is among the group of children of District 12 who wait as names are picked as tributes but this year is different. To commemorate the fiftieth year, four tributes will be chosen from each district to compete in the games. As Haymitch hears his name called he is forced to believe that he most likely will never see his family or the girl he loves ever again.

Upon arrival in the Capitol he comes face to face with the people who are relishing in the deaths of children. As he becomes more familiar with the world around him his anger increases against those that are determined to keep the districts down. But what can a kid from District 12 do? Using his hope of survival, recklessness and drive to help those he cares about he plans to bring the Capitol and the Games to their knees.

My Thoughts: Ever since I saw this book announced I couldn’t wait to read it. I LOVED the original trilogy and enjoyed the other prequel, even if it was about Snow. I had to know what Haymitch’s life was like before Katniss and Peeta and I believe Suzanne Collins completely delivered. From page one until the last it brought me back to my love of the originals and gave me more to mull over as I decided I needed to reread The Hunger Games.

Even though I was dying to read this I made myself take my time. I read 30-50 pages a night rather than devouring it in one sitting. It was an emotional roller coaster. I had hopes of seeing other characters and this was exactly what we get. With each person’s introduction I had to set the book down and collect my thoughts on them and what this may mean to the story. But even with knowing how it’s going to end, I was still on the edge of my seat as I finished the Games portion and then the aftermath for everyone involved. It was everything I wanted from this book and more.

If you loved The Hunger Games trilogy and are willing to go back into the arena, then I would highly recommend picking this one up as soon as you can! It adds so much to the original trilogy and gives a whole new appreciation for those who help Katniss and Peeta throughout their story.

FYI: As with the original stories this one is filled with death, violence and other triggering themes but it also has a story of hope too.