Bookmarks Subscribers discussion

Catching Fire and [image error] The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire was reviewed in the new books guide and a synopsis of The Hunger Games was also included in the review. I'm going to include both books in this thread, because it is hard to review one book without considering the other. Catching Fire is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy.

First, these dystopian stories are written as Young Adult novels, but don't let that dissuade you from reading them. I normally steer clear of science fiction, but found The Hunger Games to be a real page-turner. Teens in this futuristic society were forced to play in a game until their deaths and only one survivor was left. The games were televised for the entertainment of the "Capitol." It reminded me a lot of the reality t.v. shows today. I didn't want to put this book down. This may be classified as YA fiction, but I'd recommend it for any adult.

I wondered if Collins could continue The Hunger Games, while still keeping the story as exciting and absorbing as her first book. Well, the title of the second book in her series is apropos, because she was on fire! Catniss is not left to rest on her laurels, but again is thrust center stage in the action. Added to the mix was a little love triangle and the story quickly ignited. I blazed through the pages! It was explosive! I was sad to come to the end and am now hungering for the next book in the series.

I would also strongly recommend this series for adults, and was pleased to see that Catching Fire was featured in the most recent issue of Bookmarks.

Never really a fan of YA lit, not even when I was a YA, I have really come around in the past year or so. As a high school teacher, I have taken extremely proactive measures to get my students excited about books. One of the best methods I have found is to read a book and share it with them if it is fantastic. Some of my students run out and check out the books right away, and I love sparking that in them. I have had students stop me in the hall this year for book chat, and I LOVE that. Anyway, I ramble.

So, back to my new-found love of YA lit. I purchased a book called and featured titles each day in all of my classes. When I read the books, I would tell students about them, and I have to say I have stumbled upon some real gems.

Suzanne Collins has written gems. I love dystopic lit, and her story about The Hunger Games is so fast-paced, you will NOT want to put it down. I have heard so many adults say this; in fact, I have only talked to adults that have read this!

I JUST picked up Catching Fire from the library today - I had it on hold for over one month, waiting my turn. I can't wait to get started, but I am also holding out because I know I will have to wait a long time for the next book! These are also being made into films.

Try something new. You WILL NOT be disappointed.

I really enjoyed these two books as well. It took me awhile to get into "The Hunger Games," but once I did, I raced through it. Lots of thought-provoking ideas in both books. I'm very happy to hear the novels are being made into movies. In the right hands, it could be amazing.

I loved both of these books. I have 8.24.10 marked on my calendar and will be at B&N to get the final book in the series. I didn't love Hunger Games as much as I thought I would because I read the book flap for Catching Fire. I devoured Catching Fire. Bill is now pouring through both of them. Stephanie, I would agree that this is not just a YA book. There's lot of enjoyment and entertainment for adults as well.

Definitely. My HUSBAND is actually going to read The Hunger Games now that I have told him all about it. Just to give you an idea of how HUGE this is:

Stephanie's Book Count for December: 38

Husband's Book Count for 2009: 2

He's just not a reader. He supports my habit, so that is enough for me. However, to get him even thinking about reading something we can talk about is fun. And this is definitely a book I would recommend to any age group for someone who isn't a big reader. Male or female.

Stephanie, I applaud your husband. I've been married almost 25 years, and in all that time I've only known my husband to read 2 books........... and a book on Dick Vitale.

Stephanie, Bill reads A LOT! His non-fiction/news reading far surpasses mine, reading two or three newspapers daily. He just doesn't read a lot of books. He sat and read Hunger Games this week. The only other time I've seen him sit and read the way he read this book is when we're on the beach. He's now onto Catching Fire. I woke up this morning to, "I can't believe President Snow visited Katniss." I had to shake my head to clear it and figure out what he was talking about. These are must read books!

CA - That made me laugh. Tell Bill his morning comment made my day.

Loved these books, can't wait for the next one to come out....

I read both last month and loved them. Passed them on to a 40 something friend and she devoured them, too. Can't wait for Mockingjay to be published here.

Can't wait but that will be the end....:(