The Hunger Games Trilogy

[maddog]

Good God, this book is outstanding!!!

This is one of the most mesmorising, horrific, captivating and addictive stories I have ever read. The concept and context are so appalling that they are irresistible, and the characterisation, plot development and pace of the story make it impossible to put down!

Truly, I am reminded of a combination between George Orwell's "1984", the timeless novel "Lord of the Flies" and the "Survivor" tv series, but with the added dimension of a psychological thriller and a very real and compelling tale of humanity that sets it apart from all of the above.

I did love Millennium, but this is on another level.

I am strangely filled with dread to read on though... which I suppose is part of the appeal.

Peter has just saved Katniss from the Careers following the attack of the wasp thingies, if anyone's wondering where I'm at.

MD

 

[Hashi]

I've just finished the first book. It was hard to put down.

I had a horrified fascination for the way she had to take part, had no choice but to play the game. That was more disturbing for me than any of the specific violence.

I thought the depiction of the future was believable, especially the way the districts were organised and how each one had their own character. It felt very natural. It was surprisingly easy to believe in the games themselves, and that the glitzy and ridiculous people in the Capitol would watch them.

At times I felt less convinced by the reactions and behaviour of Katniss and others. She didn't seem to be in much conflict with herself over what was required of her, it obviously affected her but it didn't seem to change her or force her to act against her values. I think it would have been more realistic for her to have been put into the position of having to fight/kill someone she felt something for, like Peeta or Rue, if she was going to survive. The speculation about having to try to kill Thresh and the bit with Peeta along those lines were too token to count. I think that Lord of the Rings/Heart of Darkness thing was missing.

I've seen clips from the films and don't think I'd be able to get past how perfect their hair is throughout!

 

[anthony]

I thought the depiction of the future was believable, especially the way the districts were organised and how each one had their own character.

I also found that quite apt myself... as all countries, and even countries combined trading resources, they have speciality areas within themselves that have resources, often defining countries into specific lifestyles based on the resources.

 

[Muzikluvr]

Wow! I couldn't put this series down. I read one book after another without breaking. The third book, though... that one triggered me really bad. Last night, I wrote the following post for the "How are you feeling today" thread in chit chat.

Despair. Heartless. Unattached. Alone. Defiant. Invulnerable. Angry. ​

Then I realized... that's not how I feel... that's how Katniss feels! And, I am WAY too wrapped up in what she's going through! lol

I loved how Katniss voted to have another Hunger Games by saying "I vote yes... for Prim" and looks to Haymitch, who understands her so well. When he responds, "I'm with the Mockingjay" I have no doubt that he is referring to avenging her sister's death, rather than to have another Hunger Games.

I am really impressed with how the author represented trauma and the lasting affects of it. The characters ask so many questions that I have wondered myself in various states of shock and recovery. They make observations about our society that clearly come from the standpoint of one who has been faced with significant loss.

The loss of free will that Katniss experiences in every way, but especially in her love interest, is heart wrenching. And, the fact that no matter what side she was on, she was asked to pretend. Each side had an agenda, and each side assumed the public couldn't handle mixed messages. I felt so manipulated! Outraged for how stupid the public was assumed to be.

I was so distraught last night by how little regard each side had for the people caught in the middle.

I completely identified with Peeta, when he came back hijacked. I even experienced my own "Real or not real?" a few times while reading. The problem - as usual, for me - is that I don't have anyone to actually play that game with. What I remembered was not something I can go back and ask about, it's trivial actually. But, it put the exclamation point on what I want from my family. I want to trust them. I want to have come home from my vacation, when I was 7, and be able to ask "Real or not real?" and them to care enough to tell me the truth. It was really, really nice to hear people, as a group, affirm Peeta's experiences. Even, and maybe most especially, the heinous torture that he details... despite not having witnessed it themselves. Ah, wouldn't it be nice to be believed?

I also identified with Peeta's family situation. His mother sent him to his first games, saying "Finally, District 12 may have a winner!"... and it wasn't him she was talking about. I love how underestimated he was in the beginning, he looked like the lesser boy vying for Katniss's affection; when all along he was perfect for her. If Gale had volunteered, as he suggested at the end of book 3, Katniss would probably be dead.

 

[Muzikluvr]

I saw the movie first. ;) It is definitely my new strategy! :D

While reading the book, I could picture the movie - which followed the book closely, and I think they covered everything. I thought the fact that Haymitch and Katniss understood each other came across brilliantly in the movie. I remember understanding that he didn't send her water because she was close to finding it.

I have no idea, now, if that actually happened in the movie. :) But, I could certainly picture it as I was reading! lol I liked the movie when I saw it, and I liked the book too. Whereas, when I saw the movie for Harry Potter... I was VERY disappointed. God, was it the most boring thing I ever saw. There was hardly any dialogue, and it all seemed so contrived to me. Not at all what I came up with on my own.

The Lightening Thief is another great book series, but the movie was completely different! I mean, they even changed who the bad guy was! They ruined it for sequels. They basically chose to make ONE movie, instead of multiple. :confused: Idky they thought the movies wouldn't be successful enough to make at least as many as there are books in the series.

So, anyway... I gave up on watching the movie AFTER I read the book. This way, I think I can enjoy both.

Oh... except The Bourne Identity series... I saw the movie first and I just can't seem to get into the book. - loved the movie though.

 

[maddog]

I've just finished book 2 of this series, after a sort of break between books 1 and 2. Really felt that the whole complexity of the dynamics between the characters was even better developed in the 2nd book, and that issues of love and loyalty, trust and betrayal, were very cleverly teased out, both before the arena and during that whole ordeal.

I was worried that a 2nd trip to the arena would be repetitive and not as captivating as the first time, but needn't have been concerned. The group dynamic was fascinating and, in the end, tragic, once understood by the reader. There was something deeply moving and devastating about the loyalty between the various mismatched district partners - it really moved me.

The subtle exploration of trauma and its effects on the players was accurate, relevant and very respectfully dealt with by the author, I am really appreciating that part of the book.

There is something I find almost annoying about Peter. A little too self righteous and perfect or something, almost as though he at times plays the part of Katniss's, and the reader's, conscience, rather than a flawed and falible character himself.

I love the symbolism of the mockingjay. For some reason it resonates deeply with me.

There is something suitably sinister and repulsive about the president smelling of blood and roses!

Yes, an excellent, excellent series.

 

[Kati]

I have read all three of the books in the trilogy. It took forever - but they were the first books I have really been able to read since I have come home. (I used to be able to read. I read constantly... Now I have trouble concentrating....). The first book sets the stage for the other two. In the first book, you think that Haymitch is just a jerk. But by the time the series has ended, you realize the damage that was done to him - not only that he survived the games, but had to mentor two kids every year that he knew would not survive. I related to that on so many levels. The second and third books really demonstrated the different ways PTSD effects us. Even though Peta and Katniss experienced the same games - they each displayed their PTSD sysmptoms in different ways. As did every survivor. Yet the books also showed how when one found a way to deal with things - they would suggest it to someone else. Finnick with the knots to Katniss.

What I have trouble understanding though is all three of my kids have read them. I told them that this really shows PTSD and how it effects people. Each of them looked at me and told me in all seriousness that this is fiction - it is not real. ARRRGHHHH

 

[nimkekaa]

Am I too late to start reading the series now and join in the discussions? It sounds like a great series and I LOVE to read.

 

[Muzikluvr]

Never too late to read the series and contribute to the thread. :D It's a great series. Enjoy! :tup:

 

[maddog]

Yeah, it really is outstanding, very absorbing, troubling and with a lot of complex messages and morals for those who go looking for such things.

Which spurs me on to get over my odd reading procrastination and finish book 3!

MD

 

[Hashi]

I used to be able to read. I read constantly... Now I have trouble concentrating....

Me too. Now I have audiobooks (from Audible). I still can't read fiction, but I can listen to it being read and this is really important to me. I like the way The Hunger Games is read. The reader is good at varying the voices without falling into the common trap of giving silly gruff voices to men, or silly falsetto voices to women.


Going to reveal some plot from the second book.

I've just finished Catching Fire. I found it hard to get into at first. I thought the recapping from the first book was clunky and annyoingly handled. But I was fascinated by the previous victors returning to the arena, and what that meant for them. I related very personally to things that I can't literally relate to, but the sentiment is there - for example, the feeling of betrayal that after what they've gone through they should now be safe for life... then find that they aren't.

There is something I find almost annoying about Peter. A little too self righteous and perfect or something, almost as though he at times plays the part of Katniss's, and the reader's, conscience, rather than a flawed and falible character himself.

I don't like his character because it doesn't seem real enough. I feel like if he cared as much as he supposedly does, he'd be campaigning and resisting like Gale. If he was as "decent but vanilla" as he comes across to me, he wouldn't be carrying out acts of defiance like in his demonstration to the game-makers. I can't really see his character as coherent or consistent.

I got uncomfortable about the references to torture and what the Capitol was willing to do. Could someone tell me - is this worse in the third book? How easy would it be to skip those passages? (ie is it contained in two or three passages that you could identify and skip, or is it referred to in numerous places in the book)?

 

[CraftyCath]

I have just read book 1 and have book 2 on order at the library.

I haven't read most of the above posts as I don't want any spoilers for book 2 and 3, so sorry if I'm repeating anything.

I really enjoyed book 1. I'm a big reader of fantasy fiction such as George R R Martin's Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones on HBO). His books are very adult, bloodthirsty, political and complex and so I found this one a little predictable. That isn't a criticism because I didn't expect it to have the complex plot structure of Martin. It is, after all, a teen read.

But I truly enjoyed reading this book and can't wait for the next one. I loved her character and it reminded me so much of those who have struggled through illness, poverty and the like who then become stronger and more able to cope with the crap life throws at us.

The use of children to appease the government is no surprise. I would not put it past governments to use children in this way in the future. It was quite shocking to read about young lives being pitted against each other in such a way. Especially with little Rue trying to survive against much older and stronger kids.

I wonder if this happened in our lives how long it would take for children to rebel against the system? Form a gorilla movement and head for the wild? Having not read the next book I don't know what happens but I know my kids would not tolerate it., despite the fact the the powers that be might punish the district.

I'm truly looking forward to the next one.