Mockingjay (#3 The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 9/10

Summary: After Katniss is rescued by District 13, she finally agrees becomes the “Mockingjay” symbol after she is rescued from District 13. However idolized as she is, she has not forgotten about the other victors who helped her along the way and asks the president of District 13 for their immunity in exchange for being the symbol.  Peeta, who is captured and brainwashed by the Capitol, creates yet one more problem for Katniss and the Rebellion. Nonetheless, the rebels work together to regain the districts control.  Upon their arrival at the Capital, their plans go wrong and Katniss must once again choose between some of the hardest choices she has ever been faced with.

My thoughts: The third in the series, definitely took a different spin by staying away from the Hunger Games and focusing on the resulting war caused by the rebellion. This book was my least favourite of the three. I found most of the scenes forgettable.  I did enjoy the evolution of the rebellion and the message in which the symbol of the mockingjay continues to reinforce the population and remains the image of hope.

Please don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed this book, and consider it amongst some of my favourites, I just preferred the first two.

Quote p.236: “Several sets of arms would embrace me. But in the end, the only person I truly want to comfort me is Haymitch, because he loves Peeta, too. I reach out for him and say something like his name and he’s there, holding me and patting my back. “It’s okay. It’ll be okay, sweetheart.” He sits me on a length of broken marble pillar and keeps an arm around me while I sob.”

The Hunger Games series:

1. The Hunger Games

2. Catching Fire

3. Mockingjay

Catching Fire (#2 The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 10/10

**Spoiler Alert** Please read book 1; The Hunger Games, before reading on. 

Summary: After Katniss is back from the Hunger Games, she quickly learns that uprisings and rebellions have started in many of the districts. Many of the districts see her as the symbol to the rebellion, however, with this year upcoming Hunger games being the 75^th, the Capitol has an idea that to turn things into their favour. They host the Quarter Quell, where old victors from each district must go back once again to fight. Being the only girl victor, Katniss is automatically chosen. Alliances are formed with a few of the old victors, who are willing to sacrifice themselves in order to save Katniss.

My thoughts: Amazing sequel, the description of the arena, although different from the last is very well constructed. The characters have been extremely well developed, and Katniss’s character has lost little of her personality since the last book.

Having adored the first book, I could not possibly phantom how this author could keep this story captivating without repeating everything from the first book. To my surprise, Suzanne Collins is an amazing author capable of great things. Not only did she manage a way for them to re-enter the Hunger Games, but made the rebellion, which started at the end of the first book, remain the priority of the sequel.

Again I know this is a book review, however, I must mention the movie. While not released yet, I am once more petrified that the movie will not hold justice to the book. Gary Ross, the director to The Hunger Games, did a terrific job in keeping the movie as accurate and generating the right emotions at the right times. However, I do not know Francis Lawrence, the new director for the sequel, and can only hope that he will do just as well as his predecessor. 

Quote p.375: “My prep team. My foolish, shallow, affectionate pets, with their obsessions with feathers and parties, nearly break my heart with their good-bye. It’s certain from Venia’s last words that we all know I won’t be returning. Does the whole world know it? I wonder. I look at Cinna. He knows, certainly. But as he promised, there’s no danger of tears from him.”

The Hunger Games series:

1. The Hunger Games

2. Catching Fire

3. Mockingjay

The Hunger Games (#1 The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Rating: 10/10

Summary: Katniss Everdeen is a 16 year old who lives in district 12 of Panem, governed by the Capitol. Each year, the Capital hosts The Hunger Games, a televised battle in an arena where 26 contestants fights for their lives and only one makes it out alive. Each district is to send two contestants, one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 to 18 who are chosen as part of a lottery; however one may volunteer himself for this dreadful position. Katniss is the only one in the history of district 12 to volunteer her self.

My thoughts: One of the best books I have read in a long time. This story portrays the world of child soldiers, who are raised and trained to fight, although the author blended this idea with the idea of a reality TV show. Part of our world still train children as soldiers and force them to fight for a cause they have yet to understand. The portrayal of the districts having no choice but to choose two contestants every year, shows the greediness and power of those in charge and how little the people affected by them can do about it all.  Not only has she toyed with this idea, Suzanne Collins, incorporated the idea of Reality TV shows, a form of entertainment our generation is so mesmerized by. Big Brother is watching!! By blending these two aspects together and weaving a story of courage and determination while staying true to your self, the author created a series that is both compelling, eye opening and very captivating.

I know this is a book review; however I must also mention the movie which recently came out. I must admit, I was extremely scared when I heard this movie was to be the next Twilight (don’t get me wrong, Twilight was interesting and true to the book), I was petrified that producers would turn it into a lovey dovey and fight for your honour movie and forget to include the horror and negative aspects this story is meant to portray.  Having loved the book so much, I knew I would never be satisfied until I saw the movie. I was definitely pleased with it, and feel that the producers did a wonderful job portraying the right emotions at the right time. Still, I would recommend reading the book, although for those you know who don’t read, the movie still holds a strong message and is worth seeing.

Quote p.281: “For a moment, the cameras hold on Peeta’s downcast eyes as what he says sinks in. Then I can see my face, mouth half open in a mix of surprise and protest, magnified on every screen as I realize, Me! He means me! I press my lips together and stare at the floor, hoping this will conceal the emotions starting to boil up inside of me.”

The Hunger Games series:

1. The Hunger Games

2. Catching Fire

3. Mockingjay

Also a movie!