On Tyrants & Tributes : Real World Lessons From The Hunger Games discussion

Am I the only person who couldn't continue with the trilogy because of the violent nature of the games? I found it too disturbing and didn't want to finish the story. I now feel compelled to try to finish it but I dread the blood, gore and violence of it.

I was disturbed. Life is filled of disturbing actions or situations, so I don't fine this as disturbing as much as I do other activities.

It is really disturbing.

All the people that really are close to me, wondered how I could read such a sick book with all the murder and blood and guts part of it, because it is so unlike me to read things or ultimately be interested in such things. But death is something that we all must face, so I was able to get past the face that people died. Although, the fact that they were brutally murdered and were so young was harsh. But honestly there is a theme throughout all the books that really drew me in. That is love. In almost every page there is some kind of message of love, Katniss and Prim, Katniss and Peeta, Katniss and Gale, Katniss and her dad, Katniss and her mom, Katniss and everyone. It is truly incredible, the relationships and the love shown throughout the story. The unity between Katniss and Peeta, or Rue, or Prim, or Gale, or Effie, or Haymitch, the list is never-ending. The themes throughout the story that really showed love were what made it for me. I've read all the books and I am currently reading them again. The story is incredible and the fact that they all have to work for freedom is inspiring to me. These are my favorite books ever, and its the relationships and lessons that shine through each page that allow me to get past the cruelness of it all and enjoy a truly inspiring and influential book. I would definitely recommend you try re-reading them, looking at them in this point of view. Good Luck!

I just might do that, Tori! Thanks for your perspective.

I think what allowed me to read these books and glean the important lessons was that the main message I received was that violence is wrong, destructive and damaging (I need stronger adjectives!)
If the books had glorified violence in any way I think I would have left them behind. However they donʼt, in any way, and for me they have important themes and resonances that I keep coming back to, always gaining something valuable.
Of course all people have different tolerances and I would never think less of a person for listening to what their heart says and not consuming the same media I consume. Life experiences, inherent preferences and our personalities all factor into this.

Tori wrote: "All the people that really are close to me, wondered how I could read such a sick book with all the murder and blood and guts part of it, because it is so unlike me to read things or ultimately be ..."

That is a fantastic point. I could never put my finger on what allowed me and millions of others to read past the violence. Thank you for the insight.