Kill the Romance

on September 5, 2011
in All Posts

Last night, I attempted to start our book club book – One Day – but was immediately turned off within the first 10 pages.  I guess I just wasn’t in the mood for a romance novel.  I wanted blood, revolution, and intrigue.  Hence – Mockingjay.

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So far, so good!  I really love The Hunger Games triology.  I’ve always liked books about dystopias  (The Handmaid’s Tale, anyone?  Best book ever).   The only trouble was that Mockingjay gave me nightmares.  I dreamt that I was stuck in an arena, forced to hunt down this kid from high school – I haven’t even thought of this person since 2002; so weird how the mind works – with a bow and arrows.  I woke up at 5 AM in a cold sweat and couldn’t go back to sleep.

 

One Pumpkin Spice Latte to the face later (sorry, green tea), I am feeling much, much better.

 

Plus – it’s GAME DAY!

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A simple breakfast because I was – of course – running late:

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In the mix:

Greek yogurt

Banana

Cashews

Raw oatmeal

 

It’s dreary out, but I’m hoping the weather will clear.  I would love to spend some time outside on Labor Day.

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Stay tuned – after a month of taking it easy so I could focus on work, I’m officially getting back on the exercise train, and I’ll be posting my Back to Track Plan later today.  I’m excited to get focused again.  After all, I’ve got two triathlons coming up!  Gulp.

{ 82 comments }

 

  • Parita September 5, 2011, 10:18 am

    I bought book one of the series this weekend. Can’t wait to start reading! Hopefully I won’t have any nightmares (unlikely since I am the biggest scaredy cat I know)! Have a great Monday. 🙂

  • Zo September 5, 2011, 10:18 am

    Handmaid’s Tale is one of my favorites, too! I’m definitely intrigued by Hunger Games, but the list of “to read” is long. I have not too fond memories of high school, so I might have enjoyed having your dream! It is funny when you have a weird dream and can actually pinpoint what happened during your day to trigger it though.

  • Marissa September 5, 2011, 10:22 am

    I just started this book last night in bed so how was I suprised was I to see it front and center on your blog!!! I loved the first two and can’t get enough of this one!

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:34 pm

      We are book reading twins 🙂

  • Ann @ Day by Day September 5, 2011, 10:24 am

    I started Catching Fire yesterday and I’m already a third of the way through. I’m trying to make myself slow down, but reading on a nook seems to be so much more efficient than reading in a book. You don’t realize how far you are through the book since you can’t physically see how much you’ve read! I can’t wait for the movies to come out.

  • Christine @ BookishlyB September 5, 2011, 10:30 am

    Love The Handmaid’s Tale! And in case you haven’t already, make sure to read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, since you love dystopians.

    I love that your husband wears the team pin- I appreciate it when doctor’s show their personalities. I had a podiatrist once that had concert posters hung in his exam rooms and it gave us something to chit chat about while he was looking at my gross feet 🙂

  • Khushboo September 5, 2011, 10:38 am

    Haha poor green tea- it used to be my first beverage of the day but lately, it has to make way for coffee 1st ;)!

  • Amber @ A Little Pink in the Cornfields September 5, 2011, 10:45 am

    Overall I really liked One Day, but thought it was a bit slow. When you get to it, push through it and then go see the movie. They go hand in hand! They are both so good together, but you can read/see one without the other!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg September 5, 2011, 10:53 am

    I loved the Hunger Games series too — I could not put those books down!

  • Lisa September 5, 2011, 10:56 am

    You’ll like One Day, it’s a book that stays with you. I’m reading Mockingjay now too. I don’t want it to end.

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story September 5, 2011, 10:56 am

    I just started The Hunger Games series on Thursday and I am already half way through the 2nd book. I can’t put them down…so, so good. I’m going to look into The Handmaid’s Tale…thanks for the recommendation! 🙂

  • Bridget September 5, 2011, 10:57 am

    Have you ever read Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood? If you liked A Handmaid’s Tale than Oryx and Crake would be another good read.

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:34 pm

      yes. so good. all of her stuff is good to me!

    • Jenny September 6, 2011, 6:02 pm

      Oryx and Crake is one of my favorite books. Have you read the 2nd in that series yet–The Year of the Flood (i think)? It’s next on my list.

  • Natalcho September 5, 2011, 10:57 am

    Bows and arrows! Wow – what did that person do to you in 2002? I had not heard of the Hunger games trilogy but having read what it’s about – I am buying it!

    Can’t wait to see your Get Back on Track plan – I know I need one badly!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat September 5, 2011, 10:59 am

    Oh my goodness, there she goes with the flower pictures again! 😉 LOL! It’s rainy and dreary outside here today as well, but reading blogs is always good amusement. Have a great Labour Day Caitlin!

  • kathleen @ the daily crumb September 5, 2011, 11:03 am

    so exciting you’re getting back into training! i love taking a few weeks off of exercise because it makes me SO pumped about starting again (as opposed to feeling like a chore when i’m in the throws of a training plan).

    p.s. what does the hubby think of the miami player bribing scandal?!

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:33 pm

      he thinks it’s BS. i do, too. trumped up charges!

  • Ashley September 5, 2011, 11:04 am

    I wasn’t a fan of One Day either but my friends thought I was crazy since they loved it. The hunger games trilogy is really good! I’ve read the first 2 and still need to get around to the last one asap.

  • Katie @ Peace Love and Oats September 5, 2011, 11:05 am

    I’m about to start the Hunger Games – can’t wait to see how it is!

  • Kristen (inspiredbydooce) September 5, 2011, 11:07 am

    I also loved the Handmaid’s tale. Have you ever read The Giver? Also a book about a dystopia and a really interesting one at that…

  • Hillary September 5, 2011, 11:16 am

    Ah! Handmaid’s Tale is one of my favorite books EVER. I’m really into dystopian novels also, and I love that the Hunger Games trilogy introduces that genre to a younger audience. My students have all read them, and I love talking about the book’s issues with them. Very thought-provoking and challenging for a young audience, in a good way!

  • Linz September 5, 2011, 11:16 am

    GO CANES! jonny (hubby), zoey (pup), and myself will all be sporting our miami gear this evening! 🙂 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:33 pm

      YESSSSSSSSSSSSS

  • Jazz September 5, 2011, 11:18 am

    Pumpkin spice?? what?? that isn’t out till tomorrow!? JEALOUS

  • Tessa @ Amazing Asset September 5, 2011, 11:24 am

    I recently finished One Day and absolutely loved it! So if you get back in the mood for a romance novel, I am sure you will enjoy it… great story and funny as well!
    I also read The Hunger Games over the summer and finished the trilogy in about 4 days… couldn’t put it down 🙂

  • Christy September 5, 2011, 11:25 am

    Loved the Handmaid’s Tale! I have never met anyone else that liked that book too!

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:32 pm

      Yay English nerds unite!

  • Nicole September 5, 2011, 11:28 am

    I loved The Handmaid’s Tale! It remains one of my favorites! I had no interest in the Hunger Games books until you said it was similar but now I am going to check them out. It isn’t a dystopia but Sophie’s World falls into the same category on my brain so maybe read that one if you haven’t yet.

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:32 pm

      Oh thanks for the rec!

  • Alyssa September 5, 2011, 11:31 am

    I also had nightmares from Mockingjay! They were so scary too. I can’t wait to see what you think of the ending!!

  • katie @ KatieDid September 5, 2011, 11:31 am

    yay I’m not the only one who LOVES dystopian novels. Did you ever read The Giver when you were younger? Best novel! And pumpkin spiced lattes are the best, and perfect for a chilly (tired) morning.

  • Sweet and Savvy September 5, 2011, 11:44 am

    LOVE the Hunger Games trilogy! I’ll have to try out the Handmaid’s Tale. I love books of this genre. Have a great day! 🙂

  • Brenda September 5, 2011, 11:48 am

    I read One Day after you mentioned it would be your next book for book club. I thought the book was extremely boring. Don’t waste your time! I have yet to read The Hunger Games.

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife September 5, 2011, 11:56 am

    I actually really liked Mockinjay….and it never gave me nightmares-weird, I know?!

    I hope you enjoy it!! Nice work getting stoked to get back on the exercise train 🙂

  • Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas September 5, 2011, 12:01 pm

    I love The Handmiad’s Tale – I had to read it this summer for school and instantly loved it!!!

  • Marian @ marianwrites September 5, 2011, 12:09 pm

    Ugh I can’t get into the book either! Glad you found a good alternative!

  • Jess September 5, 2011, 12:54 pm

    Go Terps! Beat the U! 🙂

  • Cynthia (It All Changes) September 5, 2011, 1:07 pm

    I love both books for different reasons. You have to be in the mood to read One Day, otherwise you won’t get into it.

  • Erin @ The Grass Skirt September 5, 2011, 1:07 pm

    I absolutely cannot get into One Day AT ALL. At this point, I think that I’ve given up on it completely.

  • Chelsea September 5, 2011, 1:42 pm

    Hunger Games gave me intense dreams as well of being in an arena ha! It’s SUCH a good trilogy that you can’t put down though 🙂

  • Nicole September 5, 2011, 1:47 pm

    My fave English teacher gave me The Handmaid’s Tale one morning in high school, I ended up with 3 detentions that day because I wouldn’t stop reading it in my other classes! Still my all time favorite book.
    I just bought Hunger Games and am (trying to) holding off for reading it on the plane tomorrow.

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:32 pm

      Oh you will LOVE IT.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey September 5, 2011, 1:57 pm

    Loved the Hunger Game series! Once you’re done with it, you need to read Divergent! It’s so good!

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul September 5, 2011, 2:08 pm

    whoa! Punkin latte is out?!!! I’m there! haha. Ahhh love that flower picture~I actually love rain and it kind of rained last night here too! But hope you have a great Labor Day and a relaxing one Caitlin!

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:31 pm

      Not officially until tomorrow! 🙂

  • Jen September 5, 2011, 2:12 pm

    I think I’m one of the very few that haven’t caught on to The Hunger Games yet. Will have to add them to the list.

  • Megan September 5, 2011, 2:21 pm

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE The Handmaid’s Tale. It’s in my top 5, no 3. I’ve got to get on this Hunger Games train, I’ve heard only good things.

    Also, I’m relatively new to your blog and I’ve really been enjoying the posts. I especially liked the tempeh cooking – I’ll have to try that style. I usually just saute it with spices, olive oil and onions, which is good, but I’m looking for something new!

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:30 pm

      Thanks so much for reading, Megan!

  • Army Amy* September 5, 2011, 3:00 pm

    I can’t say enough good things about The Hunger Games triology! I loved all three books. I’ve never heard of The Handmaid’s Tale, but I’ll have to check it out. I also have to plug The Giver. It’s kind of old, but one of my all time favorite books. (Plus, is dystopian, so go read it if you haven’t!)*

    • Lesley September 5, 2011, 4:34 pm

      I was just about the leave a similar reply! My top favorite dystopian books are The Hunger Games trio, The Giver, Lord Of The Flies, and Animal Farm. I don’t know if I could read The Handmaid’s Tale without repeatedly throwing it across the room, but I have heard it’s worth the attempt. 🙂

  • Amanda September 5, 2011, 3:38 pm

    I tried to like ‘Handmaids Tale’…. but it just pissed me off.

  • Renee September 5, 2011, 4:26 pm

    Have you read The Uglies series???? Ah-maz-ing series by Scott Westerfield. Quick summary: When a person turns 16 they are given a huge operation that makes them perfect looking and beautiful. Right after receiving the operation, they become New Pretties: obsessed with “staying bubbly”.

    It’s a wonderful take on the pressures teenagers feel to be “pretty”. AND the series ends with a great message. Ultimately, it’s way better to be an amazing, kick butt person on the inside than an empty person inside. In reality, isn’t “pretty” different in each society. Therefore, aren’t we all beautiful????

    • Lesley September 5, 2011, 4:35 pm

      Oooh, I need to put that on my reading list. 🙂

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:30 pm

      I want to read this!

  • Beth September 5, 2011, 4:31 pm

    That series also gave me horrible nightmares! I was always waking up from being chased, hunted, running to save someone. Have you read The Road by Cormac Mcarthy? It’s also a sort of post-apocalyptic novel that is written incredibly well. You should check it out….

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:30 pm

      I have not but thanks for the rec! Always looking for a good book 🙂

  • Courtney September 5, 2011, 4:40 pm

    I too had nightmares/dreams from that series! I absolutely LOVED the series, but I’ve had several dreams of various arenas and such. I loved A Handmaid’s Tale as well, and Uglies [by Scott Westerfield, I think] is a similar, but simpler, series. Have you read Divergent? I heard it too was similar to Hunger Games.

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:29 pm

      I want to read Uglies and Divergent now!

  • Stephanie September 5, 2011, 4:55 pm

    The Handmaid’s Tale is such a great book! I may or may not have accidentally stolen my copy from my high school library. Oops. I really liked The Hunger Games trilogy, but I honestly wasn’t crazy about Mockingjay, for reasons that I can’t get into without spoiling it for those who haven’t read it yet.

  • Molly @ RDexposed September 5, 2011, 5:00 pm

    I unfortunately always stick out books. I’ve been on the same book since June. Help.

  • Julie September 5, 2011, 5:31 pm

    I totally had nightmares after reading Mockingjay as well. What the? I think it was because I was staying up too late reading it and it was the last thing on my mind before I hit the pillow. Crazy!

  • Lisa September 5, 2011, 5:33 pm

    Have a wonderful day!

  • Caitln September 5, 2011, 5:34 pm

    I had serious Hunger Games nightmares while reading all three books! So funny that others did too.

  • Melissa September 5, 2011, 5:57 pm

    I finished One Day last night. I bought it after reading about it on your blog. I loved it.

  • Amber K September 5, 2011, 6:06 pm

    I just can’t get into novels in general. I can handle mysteries, thrillers, and non-fiction, but I just get so bored with regular novels!

  • Stephanie September 5, 2011, 6:09 pm

    First, I also love dystopian literature and The Handmaid’s Tale is definitely one of my favs! Second, I loved the Hunger Games trilogy as well, and I totally had an “arena” nightmare too! Although, I think it was after/while I was reading Hunger Games. I haven’t read One Day, but I’ve heard it’s one of those books that either you love and are hooked or it’s just not for you. Very divisive.

  • ashley @ cooking for john September 5, 2011, 6:26 pm

    Yay to getting back into the exercise groove! You will rock your tris! I love the husband’s Miami pin on his doctor’s coat- football season perfection.

  • Kait @ One Love Run September 5, 2011, 6:26 pm

    The Hunger Games – such an addicting series! I finished the second two books in two days. The first one disturbed me a little, but obviously not enough to keep on reading!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me September 5, 2011, 6:36 pm

    I was so obsessed with the series. I read through all three books in a week!

  • Angharad September 5, 2011, 6:40 pm

    I absolutely adored One Day so much so that I can’t imagine anyone disliking it but that’s the great thing about books! It might have to do with me being British – it made me long for home in a very intense way but I’d also add that while it’s a “romance” it’s hardly your typical happy/mushy romance. A lot of crap goes down! Still, I read it so quickly and absolutely couldn’t get it out of my head for days!

    • CaitlinHTP September 5, 2011, 7:26 pm

      Okay I will try to trudge through the first few chapters!!!

  • Joyce @ Jranola Joyce September 5, 2011, 6:42 pm

    Always love that breakfast combo!
    yum!

  • Emily September 5, 2011, 6:55 pm

    I just finished reading One Day, I had to force myself a bit but it wasn’t too bad. I am in a book rut, just picked up Cutting for Stone and am really not feeling it. Hope you had a great rest of the day and am definitely looking forward to hearing more about your training plan!

  • Sana September 5, 2011, 7:25 pm

    Sometimes it’s nice to come back into exercising! Work will always have it’s place in life and so does exercise!

  • Liz September 5, 2011, 7:36 pm

    I absolutely loved the Hunger Games series & was sad when I was finished with the 3rd book. I am looking forward to the movie & hope they do the books justice!

  • Laura September 5, 2011, 8:05 pm

    I just finished the first book. HOOKED!

  • melissa September 5, 2011, 8:48 pm

    I’m twenty years older than you and we are so much alike it is crazy! I ran my first marathon last November and then another one in March. Over the summer, we were very busy with our family and I really lost my running legs. I’d get scared anytime I thought of running more than a 5k. Well, I have done the same thing as you. A few weeks ago I signed up for another race and made myself a running spreadsheet. Looks so much like yours it is so funny! I haven’t taped mine on my fridge yet but I like the idea. I eat raw oats with yogurt and banana most every day thanks to you. Even on mornings that I have time to cook them, I prefer your yogurt mess bowls. And….I finished the Hunger Games trilogy ages ago. Can’t believe that you like it too. Keep up the great work! Love your blog. I’ll be looking forward to getting your new books for my two daughters.

    • Caitlin September 6, 2011, 12:32 pm

      Hahh we are twins 🙂 Thank you so much for reading and for your support, melissa!

  • Lindsey @ Chick Flick Chic September 5, 2011, 9:34 pm

    omg the handmaid’s tale is wonderful! have you read alias grace (also by margaret atwood!)

  • Jamie @ A Healthy J.D. September 6, 2011, 9:24 am

    I’m nearing the end of One Day right now and I usually run from romance novels. It’s not a bad book (though I’ve hear the movie is slightly disappointing) and it’s a fast, easy read. I second the above comments that say it’s worth the read :)Though I can’t argue with putting it aside to read The Hunger Games trilogy because those books are amazing and addicting.

  • Sophie @ threetimesf September 6, 2011, 5:41 pm

    Can’t wait to see said plan! I need one too! Good luck 🙂

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