The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – I was hesitant about this one because it didn’t really fit into the genre of books I typically read for pleasure. You know, like Amish literature. I tend to stay away from anything remotely science fiction. I’ve read exactly one Harry Potter book. Don’t hate me. But so many of you recommended The Hunger Games to me that I thought it had to be decent. So I downloaded it on my kindle. And then? I read the entire trilogy in less than twenty four hours..
It is that good. Also, I am a speed reader but that is neither here nor there. What matters is, oh my gosh this is a good book.
This book is the best in the series. Isn’t that always the way? Nothing ever beats the first book. I am not sure how to review it without spoiling it. I added the movie trailer below because it’s a good synopsis without any spoilers.
Technically this is a YA novel and if you have teenagers or pre-teens, stick a copy in their stocking. It is such a good story. I honestly can’t believe I liked it so much. I love the different twists in the games, the relationships between Katniss and well, everyone else. I really enjoy her as a character. It wouldn’t be a YA novel without a little romance drama but even that is told well, playing an integral part of the story without dominating it. This is nothing like Twilight.
I’m not going to fully review the two other books in the trilogy because I don’t want to spoil them. Catching Fire is book #2 and I thought it was very good. Mockingjay is book #3 and it was decent. I tend to dislike when authors overuse descriptive language. You know, like “Floating. Darkness. I move towards the black cloud like a vapor. Mist. No one can touch me here, free, dark.” I just made that up but you know what I mean. I don’t need pages of that to understand how the character is feeling, I want to see more movement than that. I know why the author did it but my distaste for it made that book my least favorite.
The movie comes out in March and I think the trailer looks fantastic. What do you think? I pictured Peeta being bigger but Katniss seems perfect. If you haven’t read the book yet, you should definitely read it before then.
About Kayla Aimee
So glad you enjoyed them. I also loved the first book and thought the second was ok. I tried to read the third but gave up about a quarter of the way through. Too much description and not enough action, like you mentioned. I am also super excited for the movie.
will definitely be going to see it (and I am not a big movie theater person.)
I, too, really drug my feet on these books. Everyone, including my kids were talking about how wonderful they were, but just the whole premise behind them turned me off. Finally, I gave in to the pressure. Then I was glad I’d waited, because by then all three were out and I could go from one to the next and then the end. Would NOT have wanted to wait for a sequel to be released. I couldn’t put them down. The movie looks great, too!
I’ve been wanting to read these! But like you…not too into that genre. Have no desire to read Harry Potter or Twilight. Yeah.. So anyway, a teacher friend of mine recommended them after her students praised them. I was this.close to buying them last night for my Kindle! Looks like I know what my next book will be!
Loved loved loved loved LOVED these. I can not wait for this movie. We never go to the theater to see movies… but this one I’ll want to see immediately. This trailer is the best I’ve seen so far too.
And I totally agree about Peeta… I thought he would be bigger. I’m not quite sure how… but bigger. Bulkier? Huskier?
Oh…. and I loved the writing so much I immediately moved on to her earlier series… Gregor the Overlander. Not quite as good… but still very worth the read. Very quick reads too.
I am definitely going to check these books out….I have heard such good things about them…..but I CAN NOT believe you haven’t read all the Harry Potter books. hee hee
I LOVED this series! I only read the first Harry Potter book and was not able to get through more than two chapters of Twilight, but this series was fantastic and I could not put it down. Can’t wait for the movie.
I have heard so many amazing things about this book! And if I ever find any time to actually crack open a book I will definitely be reading this one.
Yep, loved these books. I also had a friend recommending them to me and it took me three years to finally pick it up. Totally agree with you on the first being the best, although I did read all the Harry Potter series and loved the last one the most. Can’t wait for this movie and to read your review Kayla!!
I’ve read the books twice. Once when I was in the hospital pregnant with our third little baby and again two weeks ago. LOVE. I agree the third book was slow and I skimmed through many pages. “She was mad” would have been more to the point, but alas, REALLY fabulous books.
I’m so excited for March!
I did enjoy the books a lot! Can’t wait for the movie. However, it was the first series I have ever read that I disliked the main character more and more as it went on. Katniss got on my last nerve by the time the third book ended. A little disappointed in the ending too. (I was hoping for a different outcome to the relationship).
These are my current favorite adolescent literature books (I teach middle school reading). My favorite part is that kids who don’t normally like to read, love to read these books. I, too, was disappointed in the third book, but overall the series is fantastic.
I guess I disagree with you about Peeta. I didn’t picture him as being bigger because in my mind, he has to be a stark contrast to Gale. But Katniss is spot on. March 23rd, baby!!!
First time commenter, by the way. Clicked my way from another blog, and now I am hooked
I loved this trilogy too! I am really looking forward to the movie. I had the exact same thoughts about the characters that play Katniss and Peeta.
You should read Divergent by Veronica Roth, it’s a great one too!