I seriously finished the second book about 20 minutes ago and while I clench the third and final book in my arms as I type this dying to know how it ends, I figure I should take a break and reflect on the second book. Maybe review? We’ll see how that works…

Now see, it’s hard enough to write a review the first time around since you want to just type and spoil away, unforgiving because in your mind EVERYONE should have read this already. However, it’s even more difficult to write something on the second.. now I have to be careful not to spoil the first or second book. I’ll try and be as careful as I can.

So… beware what’s below.

ready?

Katniss Everdeen is back in District 12! But her life has changed, drastically. While her family no longer lives in hard times and her District is being rewarded for her win with monthly food parcels, the “good” times aren’t all good. Relationships she’s had with friends are on the edge. Freedoms she previously had are taken away. Threats come down upon her that not only effect her but everyone she loves. And now… the start of the Seventy-fifth Hunger Games…

Gosh. I couldn’t put this down. Well, I did. I had to sleep at some point. then I had to work. I actually left the house to try out a new coffee house just across the river so I can work. Wow. go me. but I still managed to do all that and FINISH the second book in the series in about 24 hours.

yeah

I both love and hate reading a book quickly like that. I love it becuse I can read more. Or if it’s just utter trash it’s over soon enough. But I hate it if it’s a book I’m REALLY in love with… So far The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are just brilliant. I’ve fallen in love with the characters, I still manage to yell out loud. I cry, scream, gasp and even “facepalm” the book to my head when the moment calls for it. Katniss is a brillant character growing throughout the book, and the relationships aren’t forced. I’ve read books where relationships between characters, whether friends or lovers or co-workers, classmates, it all seem unnatural.. just there for the sake of the plot, later editions… .  To me, these characters and their relationships are so natural.

Symbols are clear, repetitive, but clear. And the social aspects are interesting – from the districts to the central city.

I would love to know the thinking process Suzanne Collins went through while thinking of the story. Just brilliant. I’m in awe.

Okay. The third and (as far as I know) final installment is calling me. I need to know what’s going to happen. I want to know if my favorite pairing gets together in the end. I want to know if the plans work. I wanna yell at Katniss some more.  I’ll TRY and pace myself with this one. but damnit. Th chapters end with such crazy suspence that I just have to keep going!!!

However, the other day I was at Target. A quick “in and out” shopping day (pffft. yeah right). I needed my command strips to hang a few new wonderful posters. I know the layout , and I knew to weave around the stationary (I LOVE PENS!) and past the book section towards the kitchen stuff, then the toys to get to said strips. (Everyone has a “route” right? or am I the only one?) And of course, I kept my hands in my back pockets through the ink filled wonders (COLOURED SHARPIE PENS ARE NOW IN PACKS!! AGH!) but took them out too soon when I reached the books. Hunger Games for $7!! HELL YES!

I’ve heard great things of this series. Nothing specific. I knew the very VERY simple premise. I had grown weary of Young Adult fiction since This Crap Came Along. (it shouldn’t have made it past the publisher. What drunk intern thought this crap was pasible for the public, I’m not sure.) But yeah. I read the first chapter, and was immediately HOOKED.

For those who don’t know. The Hunger Games is about Katniss Everdeen, a girl from District 12. With a tough life in the Seam she supports her family, and has become the tomboy. During the “reaping” or the name calling for this year’s Hunger Games, her sister was picked as the female tribute. Unable to accept this, Katniss volunteers which is a highly rare act, knowing the possible outcome of the games is death. With the boy tribute at her side she is transported to The Capitol and is all-too-quickly immersed in a game of survival where only one can come out alive.

The detail is perfect and not overly drawn out (like Watership Down) or redundant (god-damned Twilight). I guess I find it attractive because for the first time in a long time I read a book with a female protagonist that wasn’t all love and high school drama. I did find myself yelling [silently, as I read this at night while others slept] at Katniss like you would at a character on tv. They can’t hear you, but oh how they get you riled up!

I don’t want to spoil it for you so I will stop here about the book. However, I would like to point out they are currently filming the movie adaptation. I’m excited but also weary. The Hunger Game’s contestants are children 12-18. Only one comes out alive. This isn’t Harry Potter where, while yes there is death it’s “magic death”. Whip of the wand, magic light bursts out and, hit, you fall dead. I’m not knocking HP. I love those books too and the deaths made me cry. My point is, in the Hunger Games, there is real BLOODY death.. of kids… Just wondering how they’ll adapt it. :: shrugs ::

Point is. This is different. It is moving. I was brought into the life of the book which hasn’t happened in while. I grew so frustrated when it ended I had to re read the last few chapters to make sure I didn’t miss anything, and to just keep reading. (I only got frustrated again… and sad, and impatient, and happy …)

And now, because the Boy Wonderful is AMAZING and surprised me with the next books in the series, I can finally see what happens after the games. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Read! Go now! GET IT!

…And may the odds ever be in your favor!