What if the world had changed? What if you were starving; your family, your friends, your entire District were starving, and it were illegal to hunt? What if the government ran under constant Martial Law? What if there was an imposed contest? What if each district were required to send 2 teens to the contest and then all residents were required to watch? What if it were a battle to the death, and only one could survive? Not taking part meant your demise, plus your entire family, and extreme punishment for your District? What if? What if you were the winner and you had to live with these memories the rest of your life? What would you do if your name was called to represent your District? Think about how you would feel - how like a caged animal heading to its end would feel.
And so the story goes - in the 3 books of 'The Hunger Games': 'The Hunger Games,' 'Catching Fire,' and 'The Mocking Jay' by Suzanne Collins. They can be purchased through Amazon. Here is the link to The Hunger Games Store
When I heard the premise of this storyline, I emphatically said, no way! No way would I read such a horrible book about pitting young people against each other. I couldn't imagine why anyone would write this. Well, people can change their attitudes easy enough and I sure did with a little coaxing.
I was approached by my son and daughter-in-law on several occasions to read this series. I insisted over and over that in no way would I touch such evil books. They didn't give up. They know me well, and they know my tastes in books. Needless to say that I gave in, with the severe warning to them that if the books were as bad as I thought, I would personally destroy each and every page.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
It has been a long time since I was so engrossed in a tale. I absolutely could not set the book down. I loved the character, Katniss Everdeen, who is 16 years old. The Everdeen family is comprised of Katniss, her sweet sister Primrose, and her mother (her father had been killed in a mining accident). Katniss takes on the role of feeding her family. All her skills are sharpened from her time spent illegally hunting and trading for other needed items. Ms Collins does an exceptional job painting the desparate life in the District.
We quickly learn there are 12 Districts (District 13 having been destroyed during the uprising) and all districts are hurting. The government practices a no tolerance control of the people, and has instituted the Hunger Games as payback for an earlier uprising. All children, ages 12 through 17 are eligible for the contest and their names MUST be submitted. There is no way out.
One boy and one girl from each District are chosen. The games are fought in an arena and telecast around the clock until only one survivor remains. Obviously, Katniss is chosen as a contestant. Once selected, they are whisked off to the Capitol and the games begin.
Don't think it's all violent, sad and horror. There are some gentle endearing moments too.
Book Two 'Catching Fire'
Katniss, through no intention of hers, is pitted once again against other contestants.
By this time, I've grown attached to Katniss, Peeta, Gayle, Haymitch, and even Cinna.
Katniss is quickly becoming a hero to the people in all Districts and especially to the Capitol citizens. She plays outside of the box and is constantly spontanous, and you never quite know what she's going to do or how she's going to handle a situation. What you do know is that the Districts no longer want to dutifully accept the tortuous treatment at the hands of the current government, the senseless slaughter of their children once a year, and so whisperings of fighting in retaliation echo throughout the book.
Book Three 'The MockingJay'
Katniss is again made to perform, but not by the Government. She has been chosen by rebel leaders to be the symbol of their fight for freedom. What happens through this book is war - in all of its ugliness and tragedy. Who survives and who wins and what happens to our heroine is written in this book. Will the Government be defeated? Will Katniss survive? Will she ever get the chance to live a normal life? How will this story end?
Yes, the first movie is out, but in consideration of those who have not read the books or seen the movie, I will not give out more information. If you think I have because I've said Katniss is in all three books so she must have won, well, guess again, because the ending of Book One is not what is expected. Nor is the ending of Book Two, or the ending in Book Three.
What do I think? I can't help but wonder why you're still sitting here reading this when your noses should be stuck in this amazing narrative of survival and the human will to succeed? Suzanne Collins has written a colorful and breath-taking drama of what life could be, of a heroine who stuns the audience and citizens, breathing new life, new hope, and a taste of freedom into everyone.
Do I recommend these books? Are you still here reading this?! Grab Book One, The Hunting Games and begin your adventure with Katniss! Start your hunt into one of the best written tales I've read since 'Harry Potter,' 'Narnia,' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. (I won't get into best self-published or we'll be here all day when you should be reading Suzanne Collins' works)
Katniss becomes the role model because she believes in herself. Do you believe in yourself?
I rate all three books: 6 bows and arrows out of 5. That's right. Off the chart and heading to beloved Classics status - 6 out of 5.
Want to buy these books right now? I suggest Amazon, my favorite online shopping store. You can order right from here, by clicking on the link above, clicking on Amazon's widget (top right) or clicking on my Donna's One Stop Shopping up above, set up to accept orders on Kindle books and Pet Supplies. While your buying your books, pick up a Hunger Games souvenir too!
These books are available in e-book form or paper/hardbook.
Want to treat yourself to something special this year? Read these electrifying books. I did and I'm glad I did. Thank you, Suzanne Collins for writing these, and thank you, my son and daughter-in-law for insisting I read them.
LHR, my dear friends and let us all PAWS for Success.
And so the story goes - in the 3 books of 'The Hunger Games': 'The Hunger Games,' 'Catching Fire,' and 'The Mocking Jay' by Suzanne Collins. They can be purchased through Amazon. Here is the link to The Hunger Games Store
When I heard the premise of this storyline, I emphatically said, no way! No way would I read such a horrible book about pitting young people against each other. I couldn't imagine why anyone would write this. Well, people can change their attitudes easy enough and I sure did with a little coaxing.
I was approached by my son and daughter-in-law on several occasions to read this series. I insisted over and over that in no way would I touch such evil books. They didn't give up. They know me well, and they know my tastes in books. Needless to say that I gave in, with the severe warning to them that if the books were as bad as I thought, I would personally destroy each and every page.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
It has been a long time since I was so engrossed in a tale. I absolutely could not set the book down. I loved the character, Katniss Everdeen, who is 16 years old. The Everdeen family is comprised of Katniss, her sweet sister Primrose, and her mother (her father had been killed in a mining accident). Katniss takes on the role of feeding her family. All her skills are sharpened from her time spent illegally hunting and trading for other needed items. Ms Collins does an exceptional job painting the desparate life in the District.
We quickly learn there are 12 Districts (District 13 having been destroyed during the uprising) and all districts are hurting. The government practices a no tolerance control of the people, and has instituted the Hunger Games as payback for an earlier uprising. All children, ages 12 through 17 are eligible for the contest and their names MUST be submitted. There is no way out.
One boy and one girl from each District are chosen. The games are fought in an arena and telecast around the clock until only one survivor remains. Obviously, Katniss is chosen as a contestant. Once selected, they are whisked off to the Capitol and the games begin.
Don't think it's all violent, sad and horror. There are some gentle endearing moments too.
Book Two 'Catching Fire'
Katniss, through no intention of hers, is pitted once again against other contestants.
By this time, I've grown attached to Katniss, Peeta, Gayle, Haymitch, and even Cinna.
Katniss is quickly becoming a hero to the people in all Districts and especially to the Capitol citizens. She plays outside of the box and is constantly spontanous, and you never quite know what she's going to do or how she's going to handle a situation. What you do know is that the Districts no longer want to dutifully accept the tortuous treatment at the hands of the current government, the senseless slaughter of their children once a year, and so whisperings of fighting in retaliation echo throughout the book.
Book Three 'The MockingJay'
Katniss is again made to perform, but not by the Government. She has been chosen by rebel leaders to be the symbol of their fight for freedom. What happens through this book is war - in all of its ugliness and tragedy. Who survives and who wins and what happens to our heroine is written in this book. Will the Government be defeated? Will Katniss survive? Will she ever get the chance to live a normal life? How will this story end?
Yes, the first movie is out, but in consideration of those who have not read the books or seen the movie, I will not give out more information. If you think I have because I've said Katniss is in all three books so she must have won, well, guess again, because the ending of Book One is not what is expected. Nor is the ending of Book Two, or the ending in Book Three.
What do I think? I can't help but wonder why you're still sitting here reading this when your noses should be stuck in this amazing narrative of survival and the human will to succeed? Suzanne Collins has written a colorful and breath-taking drama of what life could be, of a heroine who stuns the audience and citizens, breathing new life, new hope, and a taste of freedom into everyone.
Do I recommend these books? Are you still here reading this?! Grab Book One, The Hunting Games and begin your adventure with Katniss! Start your hunt into one of the best written tales I've read since 'Harry Potter,' 'Narnia,' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. (I won't get into best self-published or we'll be here all day when you should be reading Suzanne Collins' works)
Katniss becomes the role model because she believes in herself. Do you believe in yourself?
I rate all three books: 6 bows and arrows out of 5. That's right. Off the chart and heading to beloved Classics status - 6 out of 5.
Want to buy these books right now? I suggest Amazon, my favorite online shopping store. You can order right from here, by clicking on the link above, clicking on Amazon's widget (top right) or clicking on my Donna's One Stop Shopping up above, set up to accept orders on Kindle books and Pet Supplies. While your buying your books, pick up a Hunger Games souvenir too!
These books are available in e-book form or paper/hardbook.
Want to treat yourself to something special this year? Read these electrifying books. I did and I'm glad I did. Thank you, Suzanne Collins for writing these, and thank you, my son and daughter-in-law for insisting I read them.
LHR, my dear friends and let us all PAWS for Success.
20 comments:
Wasn't it completely amazing! Epic! Suzanne Collins is an absolutely wonderful writer- a master of the craft. She lives near me too! Somewhere in Sandy Hook, CT- LOL, I've never run into her though : ) Katniss is one of my favorite characters and the story is so poignant. I completely agree with 6 bows out of 5. Thanks for the review : ) ~ Jess
My tween talked me into reading them and I think you did a fine job of reviewing...powerful reading. I could not put down, myself! Isn't it good when we ask ourselves why we are forming conclusions based on unchecked assumptions. We expect others to listen to our thoughts and opinions , yet we so often refuse without ever checking- to listen and think...for ourselves! Thanks for sharing, and glad you were able to come around. I was reluctant but pressured as well! ;)
Jess, thank you for your comment. Let's hope someday you do run into her. Epic is a great word to use with her books.
Modern Day Disciple, thank you for your comment. And you are so right. We would rather expect others to listen to us, than for us to change our opinions. Great point! I'm glad you also read these wonderful books.
Donna, you are the fourth blogger to recommend these books. I think it might be time for me to see what all the fuss is about. Thanks again for highlighting books we can all enjoy :)
Fois in The City, trust me. You won't be disappointed. Thanks for your comment.
I haven't read these because I know I'll cry. Having kids fight each other to the death is too much for me right now. The mother in me can't handle it because I know I'll see it in relation to my daughter even though it has nothing to do with her. Maybe one day I'll be able to read the books. Just not now.
Kelly, thank you for your comment. I thought similar to you and it turned out not to be like that. I did cry in book 3. Many, I heard, cried in book 1. But the sadness is no worse than Harry Potter. Hopefully, someday you will get the chance to read them.
I haven't read the books yet (I'd still like to) but I have seen the movie with my son (it was his choice.) As its pitched at the young adult audience I knew the violence would not be ott. What impressed me is that its not the same mindless, predictable fodder aimed at the teen market that is so prevalent today. The concept is very original and the story thought provoking and powerful and as such has to be applauded.
Sharon, thank you for your comment. You are so right. It is above and beyond. There's nothing usual in it.
Donna- I agree with you! I didn't want to read this series and had the first one on my shelf for almost 2 years before I finally picked it up. I kept putting it off because the storyline did not appeal to me. Boy was I wrong. As soon as I was a chapter in I was hooked. I loved Katniss and the other characters that I was introduced to in the series. Suzanne Collins is a master storyteller. I also enjoyed her Gregor the Overlander series (MG). Great post!
Stephanie, thank you for your comment, but uh-oh, now I'm in trouble. She has another series?! Oh, I must read these.
I'm glad you saw the same as I did in these books. The concept sounds so horrible, but when you read them, it's totally different. Thanks for telling me about her other series.
hi Donna! i am one of those who seldom goes with the hype about books and stuff. like you i didn't care whether i read The Hunger Games Trilogy or not. it was my brother who changed all that. he bought a boxed set and when he was done, he handed over the books to me. it took me a few days or so before i started. there was no turning back. i read the first two books one after the other. i was reading late into the night and finishing around 3 or 4 in the morning. so i decided to go slow with the last book.
i definitely agree with your rating. it was a brilliant series. thanks for sharing your thoughts as well.
Hi Ao bibliophile. Thank you for visiting my blog and commenting. I really think these are worth the read. They are just so different from what people expect they'll be.
I think I must be the only person not yet to have read this set, when I can fit it in I sure would love to read them!!
I’ve looked at these several times but each time shake my head and walk away. I’m still not sure, but after your wonderful endorsement, I will add book one to my TBR list and see how it goes.
Barbara, you will not be disappointed. They are just not what you expect them to be.
Spot on review! I would definitely rank them up there with the Narnia and Potter books (I haven't read the Rings series...I know, I know). Even if you're not a big fan of fantasy/sci-fi, the human element of the story far surpasses traditional genre lines. It was beautifully written!
Lone Star Mama, thank you for your comment. I'm glad that you agree with this.
I've been debating reading those books - you just sold me! Time to check them out of the library (or get on the waiting list since they seem so popular).
OneMommy, thank you for your comment. You will not be sorry for reading them. You will love them.
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