Author: Suzanne Collins
First published: 2008
Add it: Goodreads, Book Depository
Rating: ★★★★☆
It was time for me to check what all this hype was about, so I finally coped with my suspiciousness towards the books labeled "YA" and did it! And I was pleasantly surprised, as I actually really liked this book!
First, let me say that the whole concept of the show is amazing. Modern show-business techniques are hyperbolized by being applied to a totally monstrous show concept, and the result is that this monstrosity looks totally plausible. The rest of the world-building had some problems (Specialized districts? Seriously? I'd like to see your logistics.), but the show backstage and organisation is just awesome. The only problem is that because of the first person narrative and the existence of two more books in the series reader knows who'll win. There is some twist in the end, but I could see through it. It didn't bother me much though. The writing is so dynamic, that the narrative never gets boring.
Surprisingly enough, the "teenage feeeeelingz" aspect was also not dull. Pretend love for show? Much more interesting than a normal love triangle. I'm only slightly frightened that there will be more of this triangle in the further books, so I'm hesitant to start them. Apart from that, the relationships on the arena were all quite plausible. Katnniss's trail of thought was interesting to follow as she tried to survive and do the right thing.
In my book:
A fast, entertaining and not stupid book to bury yourself in for a couple of evenings.
Oh I'm so relieved you liked it. I think this is a wonderful series dealing with PTSD, a subject rarely found in YA novels, and, because it is set in a dystopian society, it's easy to put the characters through unfamiliar experiences while still allowing for very real emotions to come through.
ReplyDeleteI think I haven't reached the PTSD part yet, as they've only just finished the competition in the first book, but I agree that the emotional part of the book is believable. I'm very new to YA, but I guess it's a good example of the genre :)
DeleteDid you get my comment? I assume you must have a filter. But I'm on a different computer today, so maybe I just messed up. :)
ReplyDeleteDAH! You DIDN'T get my comment, did you! GRRR. Well, anyway, short repeat...good that you liked it, it was an exciting story. I found it to be too violent for my tastes and never continued on with the rest of the series. Heard it's good though!
ReplyDeleteI don't have any filter that I know of, but thanks for repeating the comment anyway :) I agree that there is a lot of violence, but it's not pointless and not very visual, so i was quite OK with it.
DeleteGlad you liked it! I normally don't like YA, but I enjoyed it, too. I liked your verdict of "fast, entertaining, and not stupid"--just what I thought of it! However, the other two books in the series aren't as good as the first, and the way the series ends disappointed me as well as most everyone I've talked to.
ReplyDeleteI've just finished the rest of the series, and I was quite satisfied with the way they continued. The end was a bit messed up, I agree, but it worked quite well for me.
DeleteI really expected to hate this book. But surprisingly I ended up loving it too. I don't read much fiction, but when a book gets this much press, I figure there's some reason. :) I usually head toward YA when my teen daughter recommends something good to me and she really liked this series.
ReplyDeleteI usually try to avoid YA, but I'm so glad I've made an exception :) No teenage daughter to give me tips about what's worthy, that's the problem :)
DeleteI was pleasantly surprised too, because I wasn't expecting this kind of plot in a YA novel. I understood the specialised districts as an extreme way of what we already have today. Certain parts of a country are usually known for certain things (mines, fields, fishing etc).
ReplyDeleteWell specialization is one thing, but their structure is too specialized! Just imagine how many transportation there must be! No wonder they have fast train lines ;)
DeleteI had a very similar reaction -- pleasantly surprised and impressed with the premise and the story-telling skills of Suzanne Collins. I've been meaning to reading Catching Fire for over a year now....
ReplyDelete< Katnniss's trail of thought was interesting to follow as she tried to survive and do the right thing.
I think that's what made the book work for me :)
I wanted to wait with Catching Fire too, but the film made me pick the book immediately. I had to know what's next! :)
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