Ashley’s Comments (group member since Apr 27, 2022)

Ashley’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Thank you for clarifying Lisa! I was attending my daughter's High School Graduation tonight!

@Nous! I have added your book to the Main Team Sheet, but let me know here once you've made your 2 more posts in the discussion thread, so I can add that for the Participation Points! :) I'm glad you enjoyed your first read of the book!

Part 3 Reflections... just couldn't help myself and had to finish!

Things I Forgot!!
- I was utterly taken aback when I read the detail of their intention to surgically alter her breasts after the end of the game! Wow! That's just... wild.
- And the nightmarish transformations of the Fallen Tributes into those Wolf-Mutt monstrosities, it's harrowing to revisit. Yikes!

To sum up, I really liked this book when I first read it and that is still the case. It is a timeless YA dystopian novel and it's just works! The defiance in Katniss's actions, her refusal to conform to the Capitol's expectations, speaks volumes about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of oppression.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Ashley wrote: "Part 2 thoughts...

My thoughts always gravitate towards Rue in this part of the book. There's an undeniable resonance between her character and that of Prim. The parallels between t..."

I also thought this was such a great scene. It's emotional, and carries the rebellion plot further!

Part 2 thoughts...

My thoughts always gravitate towards Rue in this part of the book. There's an undeniable resonance between her character and that of Prim. The parallels between their innocence, vulnerability, and the cruelty of their circumstances are striking and clearly intentional (view spoiler)[considering the series ending (hide spoiler)] and serves as a powerful catalyst for (view spoiler)[the rebellion to come (hide spoiler)]. This so clearly highlights the injustices of the Capitol.

I remember very clearly from my previous read of this book feeling such agony over this and it is not any less awful now.

Don't forget about the Informal Buddy Read Bonus for The Hunger Games! (May 15th to June 15th) There is a fairly lively discussion going on if anyone is interested! I plan to read Part 2 today and I'm really enjoying the re-read!

Also, just a reminder - Captains are the only ones who can edit the main Team Sheet. Please use the Tracker to log your read books!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

Brittany wrote: "Anouschka wrote: "Brittany, after the start date I'm afraid"

Welp I'm out a lot of books, oh well. I try not to sign up for those if I can help it because I have to keep track of so many other things"

The good news is that you can use any book started after the games began... meaning if you started a book today, but didn't finish it until Round 3, we can use it in Round 3. :)

District 6 reporting to let everyone know that Chris is my vote. Goodness.

Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Ashley wrote: "* The complex dynamic between Peeta and Katniss is something I definitely forgot/didn't remember correctly. Katniss's struggle to comprehend Peeta's genuine caring behavior underscor..."

After a second thought, I think you make a good point about her father!

Ok, I decide to break this up into the 3 parts of the book.

Reflecting on Part 1, several themes and character dynamics stand out..

* The relationship between Gale and Katniss offers a nuanced exploration of unrequited love. Revisiting their dynamic reveals Katniss's lack of romantic interest in Gale, contrasting sharply with his more evident feelings for her. I didn't remember this, which is probably due to the movies. While it's subtly portrayed in the book, it appears differently in the movies, where their relationship is often depicted with more romantic undertones.

* The reaping scene still gets to me! Knowing the outcome intensifies the emotional impact, (view spoiler)[particularly when Prim's name is called (hide spoiler)], immediately stirring a sense of heartache. I remember this moment being such a heartbreaking part for me once we realize (view spoiler)[ what transpires at the end of the series (hide spoiler)].

* The complex dynamic between Peeta and Katniss is something I definitely forgot/didn't remember correctly. Katniss's struggle to comprehend Peeta's genuine caring behavior underscores her profound lack of understanding of interpersonal relationships, particularly those rooted in love and compassion. Having primarily been the provider of care rather than its recipient, this makes some sense, even if it is frustrating. This also circles back to her lack of understanding of Gale's feelings towards her.

Overall, I am so excited to be revisiting this book. I was wary, and worried that I might not feel as positive towards it, but that has not been the case!

Laura..devouring books like crumpets wrote: "have we started?"

Yes!

Happy Book Games Everyone!

I'm also starting with The Hunger Games! I'm excited about this reread!

Andy wrote: "another question - should we be able to edit District 6 Team Sheet to add book details?"

Andy, the tracking sheet is the only sheet that Team Members can edit: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...

The Main Sheets are Captains only. :)

Brittany wrote: "Do start dates count with this one? I can never remember"

Yes, you must start the book after the beginning of the challenge!

Also, Goodreads needs to chill out with it's book recommendations. This is NOT the vibe:

RECOMMENDATIONS
Because you are currently reading finished A Dog's Purpose...

ABSOLUTELY NOT! I read that for a challenge task and only because I thought "I've seen the movie more than once, I definitely won't cry AGAIN." .... spoiler alert! I CRIED. AGAIN!

I've got one unfinished book left that's been 70+% finished for at least a week. I'm going to finish it TONIGHT.... maybe... hopefully.

In my attempt to get out of my reading slump, I have impulse purchased the Mistborn Trilogy. I think I'll read them during the challenge. I've heard such good things!



Round 1 starts in 3 Days : 12 Hours : 28 Minutes!!

Laura..devouring books like crumpets wrote: "so we just read what we want?"

Well, for the most part, YES! We will place books into one of the 4 categories (Weapons, Shelter, Food, Defense). It is up to you to decide where your books fit.

Refer to the Offical Rules for some examples, but as a general rule, if you can make the case your book belongs in XX category, then it belongs in XX category!!

Laura..devouring books like crumpets wrote: "1 week!!!! I have never played this one before.... I loved the food one this group did that was my favourite challenge restaurant rocks.... in this group....

I have played wheel and towers before..."

Hi Laura! As far as "tasks" are concerned, it's my understanding that there aren't any for the main rounds. Now, I'm sure our lovely mods Gamekeepers have LOTS of EXCITING tasks in store for us in the minis, but those won't be available until they deem us ready!

The only book I've ever read set in Alabama is To Kill a Mockingbird... I'm not sure it does much to recommend you visit... eek!

Also - I've been in a MASSIVE reading slump this month, so far. I think it must be UNO hangover. I'm trying to relax and save up for the challenge! I'm actually really excited about The Hunger Games re-read!