My Thoughts on Hunger Games

With March sneaking up fast, and the advanced movie ticket sales blowing Twlight's out of the water, I've been overdue to blog about The Hunger Games, both the books (all 3 of them), and the upcoming movie. So, here's my Hunger Games story.

I first read The Hunger Games in late 2009, I think it was. My first impression was how ugly the cover was, and my second, that I probably wasn't going to like it. This was because, in general, I don't like post-apocalyptic stories of any kind, so the bit on the jacket-flap about being set in the "ruins of North America" made me skeptical.

The first few pages actually didn't hook me right away. In all honesty, if it weren't for the line where Gale hints at his feelings, I might have even put it down. Not permanently, of course, but put it down all the same. I didn't. From the reaping on, I was grabbed (and dragged) by the throat through this breathless, non-stop story that left me gasping for air, and for more.

I read Catching Fire as soon as I could get my hands on it, and was left gasping, and even growling, a second time. Only this was worse, because Mockingjay wasn't out yet. So I tried to put it out of my mind, and obsessed whenever it found its way there anyway. I squealed over the cover when its image was released -- such a pretty shade of blue! -- but to be completely honest, at this point, I was anxious to read for Peeta and Katniss. All I really wanted to know was if Peeta would win her over. If everything would be okay between them.

At long last, Mockingjay was released, and it was mine. I curled up in a squishy armchair, in a very quiet room, and I didn't move (except maybe to eat) until I was done. Slight exaggeration, but really! It was intense. I may or may not have cried and spoken out loud at the pages more than once, demanding they say something else. I finished it a little frustrated -- I mean, how abrupt was that ending?? -- but satisfied.

From this whole experience on, I've considered myself a fan. Actually, I did after reading the first book. I have a Hunger Games t-shirt (oh yeah!), I'm going to see the movie right on the 23rd (unfortunately no one would go with me to see it at midnight on the 22nd), and I will re-read all 3 books (happily) any time the mood takes me.

So what is it that draws me to this trilogy? What was it that evoked such emotion? In all honesty, I don't know. Perhaps it's just that I'm a romantic deep down inside, and something about Peeta's devotion, through thick and thin, touched that place within every girl that wants the same. Perhaps it's something about her writing style, how fast and present and in your face it is. I'm leaning toward the first.

No, I don't think she's the Best Writer Ever. It's not my Favorite Book In The World. But I do really love it, and, whatever its faults (as picked out by all the smart people on Goodreads), it works. It does what I want a story to do-- grabs me, tugs on my heart strings, and doesn't let me go until the last page. I LOVE these things in a story. The things that make you forget the world. And Hunger Games definitely did that for me. (It also sent me into a "Why can't all boys be like Peeta?" phase for a week or two after reading each book.)

As far as the movie is concerned, I can't wait to see it! I think Gary Ross has got the vision, and that he's cast some talented actors. I'm already prepared for the differences from book to script. All that's left to do is to see if it lives up to my expectations. I think it will.

That being said, I'm very happy for Suzanne Collins right now. She's in a place that a lot of writers dream to be in-- sitting pretty on the loads of cash that comes with bestselling novels, and watching as fans of her book buy tickets (by the thousands) to see its movie. That's got to be so rewarding.

Well. That's my two cents, really. I'd recommend Hunger Games to anyone who's looking for what I've described-- a fast-paced, gripping novel with a love story people like me (read: romantic, not-a-big-fan-of-over-described-hot-boys) will really enjoy.

Hope you've all had lovely Mondays!

Best Part of Today: Wandering through nature, soaking up every detail.
Currently Craving: Gelato. (I may or may not be heading out to buy some now.)
Music Pick: "Primavera" by Ludovico Einaudi

I'm Reading: "Mansfield Park" by Jane Austen

WIP: Blink re-writes (0 words)