Catching Fire (The Hunger Games, #2) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Nov 19, 2012 Chaitra rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: adventure, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, part-of-a-series, child-or-teenage-protagonist, young-adult, made-into-a-movie

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. So, I didn't hate it. See? 3 stars. It was readable, there was action, it wasn't boring. And I know I rail against Katniss a lot, but I know she's an antisocial, selfish bitch. I like her that way. But mostly, it's because I adore Peeta, and if the book was nothing but "Peeta", I would still give it a star. But, I needed this to be better. I feel cheated by the nonsensical plot twist midway through because Collins had no idea how to fill up this book.

Qualm #1. Quarter Quell. Such a cop-out. I d So, I didn't hate it. See? 3 stars. It was readable, there was action, it wasn't boring. And I know I rail against Katniss a lot, but I know she's an antisocial, selfish bitch. I like her that way. But mostly, it's because I adore Peeta, and if the book was nothing but "Peeta", I would still give it a star. But, I needed this to be better. I feel cheated by the nonsensical plot twist midway through because Collins had no idea how to fill up this book.

Qualm #1. Quarter Quell. Such a cop-out. I don't see why any despotic ruler would decide to do something as silly as that, when most of his subjects are revolting. Take your most beloved victors, and dump them back in the arena when you've expressly promised them a free life. Why would anyone think this is a sane idea? I know, Capitol's not revolting, so let's give them a chance to be unhappy too! And why the hell is the idiot choosing Katniss' wedding dresses even when he knows she's not doing a good enough job to subdue anyone? Maybe you should stop putting Katniss in the spotlight so much if you think she's trying to start a rebellion.

Qualm #2. Katniss. Yeah, I know. Guilty, I still like her - but I'm starting to suspect this is less because of the character in Catching Fire and more because I love Jennifer Lawrence to bits. She brings the humanity to this girl, not Collins. Did she learn nothing from her ordeal in the Hunger Games? She's supposed to tamp down her attitude, but all she does is acquire a bigger chip on her shoulder. I understand she's meant to be portrayed as a strong being or whatever, but she's so horribly inconsistent. Why is she getting nightmares? And if she's so scared why can't she put in some effort? Why does she not develop a talent? Why does she leech on Cinna? Her sole effort seems to be kissing Peeta every chance she gets and declaring that she loves Gale. Also, for someone who scorns all things Capitol, she seems to be a little too in love with herself this time around. My dress makes me look like flames dancing at dusk on a windy day! It looks like I'm burning, but in a good way! Everyone is so jealous! Get over yourself, girl.

Qualm #3. The Twilight Effect. The bullshit love triangle. I'll admit it, I adore Peeta. He's a cutie, and even though it's pretty much the Katniss Everdeen Show, at least he gets some earnest lover lines to speak. But, we're told that Katniss is in love with the equivalent of a cardboard cutout. Great. Now Katniss has no taste too. Nah, she's just clever. She's hedging her bets by playing both fields. She kisses Gale once or twice and declares her undying love for him to keep him interested while guiltily making room for Peeta in her bed. (But, but, nothing happened! This is a PG 13 book remember? *Someone gets hacked to pieces in the background*) Whatever.

Qualm #3b. The Saving Peeta Thing. Yes, yes, Katniss, I know you've resolved to save Peeta this time around. But you can do that without going on and on and on about it. I wondered what Prim would say if she saw me doing this or that. But it doesn't matter, because Peeta will be the one to go back this time. I would have dearly liked to skin my own rabbit and eat it, but Peeta will have to eat it for me. I really would have not minded kissing Gale one last time, but I guess Peeta will have to do that for me when he goes home instead of me. And so on and so forth. You know, if you mention a thing too much, you're trying to convince yourself about a lost cause.

Qualm #4. Finnick & Johanna. The new guys who were supposed to be great according to positive reviews of this book. Even negative reviews are united in support of Finnick. I hardly saw Johanna, other than when she attacks Katniss. Whatever bit was there, grated. We already have one tartar in Katniss, thank you. Finnick was there, but, I don't see that he had any depth to him. Rue was a good side character. I felt horrible after her death in Book 1. If Finnick got offed, I wouldn't bat an eyelid. He supposedly has a vulnerable side, but it felt tacked on.

There are more qualms. But I'd be. Quoting. The entire book. That's another qualm right there. But, but, but, it was readable, it had action and it was not boring. Bottom line: I'm just another sucker. I'm ready for Mockingjay. ...more

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