I know. I know. I’m totally behind on The Hunger Games. My friend Sandie of TeenLitRocks is a huge fan. She’s been telling me to read the trilogy for quite a while now. The Hunger Games has been wildly popular for young adults and grown-ups alike. Maybe that’s why I avoided it. Or maybe I’m a bit prejudiced when I find something labeled as YA.
Seeing the trailer to The Hunger Games movie was the impetus for me to finally read it. I think it will be an exciting, action packed movie. In fact, the book is written like an action movie. I wanted more back history and details to build the rest of the world for me. Suzanne Collins gave me plenty to imagine life in District 12 but not for anywhere else in the story. I was curious about the history of the war between the Capital and the other districts. What happened at District 13? (Sandie tells me I’ll find out int he subsequent books in the trilogy.)
Most of the characters are rather two dimensional for me. Though I rooted for Katniss to win The Hunger Games, I didn’t find myself caring about her. In fact, it was her fellow District 12 tribute Peeta that I worried about. I did stay up late at night to finish the book because I wanted to know what happened. I had already committed myself to the book and felt obligated to finish it.
The action was fast paced. The writing easy to read, easy to skim. I think this is why I avoid most YA books. They’re good for fun quick reads, but I’m not a huge fan of coming of age stories.
At least I can say that I’ve read the book before I see the movie when it opens March 23. You probably won’t catch me at the midnight showing. I’m not quite ready to pick up Catching Fire yet.
Have you read The Hunger Games?
I, too, am late to the game, but I couldn’t get enough of the Hunger Games. I found myself sneaking off to read it and just finished the other day. Now…to get my hands on the next two books.
What I found fascinating is that the whole time you’re reading it, you’re completely disgusted that all these people could be watching, but as a reader, you’re just like the others. I agree, Peeta was the most engaging character, but some of the others were interesting to me too. I look forward to diving back in.
I did read the book in almost one sitting but not quite compelled to pick up the 2nd one in the trilogy. Thanks for sharing!
We checked this out of the library on Sunday – my husband started reading it first, and he is liking it so far. He said he is pleasantly surprised at the quality of writing, and how compelling the story is. I am shocked he likes it – YA is NOT his thing. I’ll share my thoughts after I read it!