Creative Reviews discussion

I saw the bandwagon pass me by a few times, and I looked the other way. But it just kept passing me by and everyone looked so happy on this pretty little bandwagon. So I did it. I really did it. I jumped on that sucker and went on a ride! I'm thrilled I did it too!

The book reminded me a bit of the short story "The Lottery" at first, and I thought I wouldd not be able to get into it. But the more I listed about this future world of Panem, the more intrigued I became. Suzanne Collins seemed to take elements from many familiar sources of our world. As I said before, "The Lottery" was represented as well as our popular reality shows and many countries need to show dominance over the weak.

Katniss is a 16 year old girl who struggles to help keep her family fed everyday since her father died in a coal mine explosion. Her mother could not be depended on. After the death of her father, Katniss's mother decided to go to her own la la land and leave her two young girls to fend for themselves. But we start this story on Reaping Day, a day when the Capital picks two people to participate in a reality show that is the ultimate Survivor show.

To make a long story short, Katniss is the one who is sent to the Hunger Games. She must now fight for her life in an arena where anything can happen, and the game makers can change things as they wish to make the game more exciting for the viewers at home. Just when the children involved think they have the perfect hiding spot, all of that can change in a moments notice.

Peeta and Katniss, the two Tributes from District 12, impress the audience, fight for their lives and see many gruesome events happen right before their young eyes. Will they survive? And if they do, will they be able to live with themselves for what they had to do in order to survive? The Capital has ultimate control over them and their fates, will they be smart enough to win?

This story was fantastic. I was not sure how much I would like it at the beginning, but the longer it went, the more I loved Katniss as a person. I know it was the point of the games, but I hated seeing the people die in the games.. you get to learn about these kids, and suddenly they are just gone. Killed by a hand that would eventually be stilled as well. Only one can survive - the Capital made it that way. All for the entertainment of the all powerful Capital. I see so many political and social lessons that can be learned here. Our own reality shows of today are moving in this direction. How long before we are sitting around watching people fight to the death for entertainment?

I am eager to start the second book to see what is next in the world of Panem. This world in our not so distant future has gotten a hold on me. Thank you for all of those on the bandwagon who scooted over so I could have a seat!

This is exactly what I felt about Hunger Games, I wasn't very engrossed in the story at first but then it really picked up and before I knew it, I was 'head over heels' in love with this book. The innocence deaths was devastating, and I grew to hate the Capitol as much as Katniss.

Oh my gosh - the capital, I wonder sometimes if that is how some foreigners look at us....how we seem to waste things that they would never throw out.

The deaths of the children were horrible, but I also wonder if there was a lesson there too...what would happen if all the kids simply refused to do it? I know there is backlash towards Katniss in Catching Fire for her "stunt" at the end of Hunger Games, but I haven't gotten that far, but if they all went up against the capital, they couldn't hold them all down forever...the capital needs the districts to support their lifestyle, the districts don't need the capital!

That's what I thought too, I don't know why the districts don't just stop supporting them or give in to their cruelty, they have mass numbers, the capitol has mass money, does power and wealth really worth that much?

I think it has gone on so long that the regular citizens have no idea that what is going on is wrong. The only ones trying to enforce everything are the leaders. They still know the dangers, but they have hidden the truths. That is how they can all watch these games as seriously just see it as a "sport". They have been desensitized to think the people from the districts are little more than toys. And toys are great to love and play with, but they mean nothing in the big picture...if someone loses a toy, it can always be replaced later.

I like the analogy you used for the people, but Hunger Games reflected the truth about the world too right? That's what people are doing these days, people are using people to achieve something they want. That's what I like about HG, it speaks of the truth in so many ways.

I think you are right about that too. Some people do things that are just unbelievable to serve a selfish purpose. It's unbelievable what people are capable of doing. One book that I am wanting to get my hands on is Battle Royale. That book is supposed to be similar to the Hunger Games, but the students that all fight have known each other for years...

Is it a YA book as well? I love reading about conflicts and how the characters solve them, just like in HG, Battle Royale huh? I thought it was a war movie, ;p

I heard about it when I was reading some other reviews about the Hunger Games, I looked it up, and it is a Chinese book...Here is the link to it....Battle Royale..from what i read of it, and what people have said, it will be an intense book!

Wow, it is quite a big hit. I hope it's emotional as well.

Had to grab this one as well! I am going to have to stop reading reviews or I am going to go broke! LOL I already have so many books to read; I might never live long enough to get to them all! ;-)

You won't regret getting this one!!! Happy reading!!

Great review Amy! I haven't read this...wasn't sure if I would like it but it really sounds great! I think you have won me over!

It took me a while to finally give on reading this, I wasn't sure I would really enjoy it, but I was very pleasantly surprised!!

here's the link to the first two books.

Hunger Games

Catching Fire

Have you read the third one yet, Kay?

I'm reading it now, I'm hoping to get it finished by tomorrow. I don't think it'll b a problem coz i'm so addicted to it haha

So I guess I don't have to ask if it is good or not. LOL. So do the books get better as they go?

Yes they do. when i first started book 2 i thought it was as good but not as good as the first book but once i got halfway thru it just got better and better and i think its amazing.

Very cool! The best series always get better the further you go into the story! :)

yep they do. I'm so hooked i just can't wait to see how it ends now :)

Based on what I have been hearing you probably won't be disappointed!

no i don't think i will. i hope not lol
well i'm gonna go read now so i'll ttyl

Lol. Have a great day!

review:

Mockingjay