The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic Press
5 Out of 5 Stars
I freely admit that young adult novels are not my thing and, at the age of 30 something, I'm not sure that they should be. However, I appreciate that they are geared to a specific audience and they get that audience to read (and I did my time with Sweet Valley High and The Babysitter's Club *cringe* in junior high and turned out just fine--sort of). Typically, however, there's just too much teen angst, star crossed lovers, and sparkly men for my taste. Now, having said that, The Hunger Games was a great novel. Two teenagers are chosen from the twelve districts that make up Panem (what was once the U.S.) to participate in the Hunger Games, a fight to the death televised on national television as a reminder of who is really in control of this impoverished dystopian future. Suzanne Collins doesn't pull any punches--there is violence and there are several deaths in the arena, but they are portrayed with just the right touch (not too graphic, but also not too watered down). There are some nice plot twists (another complaint I often have with young adult--they're usually predictable to more sophisticated readers) and finally, finally, finally a strong female character who can take care of herself inside and outside of the arena.
Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic Press
4 Out of 5 Stars
The first part of the book is a little boring, as most sequels are. You have the exposition that reminds you of certain key events in the last book and then you are introduced to the life Katniss is living after winning The Hunger Games. What should have been a victory over the corrupt Capitol and President Snow, however, has resulted in several Catch-22s for Katniss. Because of the popularity of the star-crossed lovers from District 12, Katniss knows she can never be with Gale. Even worse, Katniss finds that her defiance of President Snow has stirred up rebellion in several districts. Katniss is ordered to diffuse the situation during the victory tour, which proves to be impossible as the underground rebellion is using the mockingjay (Katiniss's symbol in the arena) as their symbol; Katniss is now the unwitting face of the rebellion. What's a totalitarian government in a dystopian future to do? There seems to be only one option left--throw Peeta and Katniss back into the arena with the victors of past Hunger Games and show the people that even their heroes can not defy the Capitol.
What I love about these books is the smart, tough heroine who can take care of herself without relying on the protection of, oh, I don't know, say a vampire that sparkles like a disco ball in the sun. The tables are turned here as Katniss feels the need to protect Peeta who, while not a sissy, lacks the ruthlessness necessary to survive in the arena. Katniss is faced with difficult choices and is prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save her family and her people. As for the ending, which has apparently fuzzed up a lot of folks, I think it is genius and has set into motion many amazing conflicts for the next book. My only complaint is that I want that third book and I want it now.
Mockingjay
by Suzanne Collins
Published by Scholastic Press
4 Out of 5 Stars
It looks as though the reading public is split pretty evenly on this one. However, I found it to be a fitting end to one of the best young adult series out there (and that is not a compliment to be taken lightly as I only love about 1/4 of the young adult books I read).
The character of Katniss has evolved throughout the books and I think some are disappointed because she's not as bad ass as she was in the beginning of the trilogy. However, I think this is fitting. In the first book, Katniss is a somewhat introverted, anti-social character who only volunteers for the Hunger Games to save her sister, Prim, from being chosen. Katniss never chooses to be a Big Damn Hero. Her first and foremost priority is the survival of her family. By the time we reach the end of the trilogy, Katniss has been through the mental, emotional, and physical trauma of the Hunger Games, the Quarter Quell, and the sadistic threats of President Snow. Like a soldier who has seen the worst humanity has to offer, both within the self and within others, Katniss is suffering from PTSD. She's not as assured and ruthless and, as the politics of both sides ramp up, she's no longer certain as to who she can trust.
At the hands of the rebels, Katniss is reduced to an ineffective emblem, a rallying point around which the rebellion hopes to win over the general populace. As the Mockingjay, Katniss is removed from real combat and reduced to little more than an ad campaign--but one that is effective. That Katniss has been weakened by the horrific events in her life and by her use as a pawn makes her relatable. Everyone has a breaking point and it may be that Katniss has reached hers.
While Katniss has suffered, Peeta has been completely broken. Tortured by President Snow, Peeta now associates Katniss with danger and as a threat to his life. This conflict adds an interesting angle to the relationship that was developing between them in Catching Fire. I will say no more as the love triangle between Katniss, Gale, and Peeta provides much of the novel's suspense.
The ending is pitch-perfect, but I won't say more than that as it, too, may ruin the experience for many readers. There is violence and bloodshed, but this is ultimately a book about the ruthlessness that exists hand-in-hand with absolute power. The epilogue is also beautifully written and nicely ties up the loose ends to the reader's satisfaction
In The Hunger Games trilogy, Collins has created a series of books that is well-written, inventive, and intelligent--something we see too little of in the young adult section of any bookstore.
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