Book Reviews: Catching Fire, Mockingjay

The Hunger Games introduced us to Katniss Everdeen and the world of Panem. In the second and third books of the series, Suzanne Collins advances the narrative with a lot of action and a fair number of surprises. We learn much more about the world Katniss inhabits - more about Kastniss' life, Panam's history and the current state of things outside of District 12.

Catching Fire brings us back to the Games. Mockingjay takes us further into Panem. As a follow up to a phenomenal first book, The Hunger Games, there was danger these two books might not equal this original. But both deliver and neither disappoints. There is a lot of action, suspense and excitement. Collins has penned a series of page turners which beg to be read. These books hold their own against anything else on the shelves.

Thumbs up!

Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I read this book because Stephen King called it one of the best things he has read recently.   And if Mr. King, one of my all time favorite story tellers gives a book the thumbs up, it is probably worth my time.  I also read it because a movie is being made from it, starring Jennifer Lawrence, the female lead of Winter's Bone (also seen recently in X-Men: First Class). 


Set in some indeterminate future, The Hunger Games take place in a confederation of states called Panem, comprised of the remnants of the former USA.  Each year young people from each district compete in a battle-to-the-death survival challenge called The Hunger Games.  Katniss the female protagonist, is selected by lottery from impoverished District 12,  along with Peeta, a baker's son from the same district.  They two are taken from the poverty of District 12 to the opulent Capitol where they are prepared for the Games.  The preparations and the Games are broadcast across the entire nation.  And the Games commence. 


The Hunger Games is a cross between Survivor and Running Man.  Classified as science fiction as well as 'young adult fiction' Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games transcends both genres.  I can't wait to read the next two books, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.  Recommended if you like dystopian or speculative fiction.

Thumbs up!