Wild Things: YA Grown-Up discussion
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The Hunger Games
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AUGUST: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I think that in a way this stunt gave Katniss the oppurtunity to feel a romantic interest. Because she had to pretend it, she had to let herself throw down some barriers and actually feel. It might have taken her a long time to do that if she wasn't forced. When it comes to Gale I think that it really is a brother/sister kind of relationship. It seemed like Collins just threw that romantic possibility in the end just because she wanted to. It didn't seem like it belonged there. At least not yet. I am very curious to see where it goes and how Collins will develop it. Sept. 1st can't get here fast enough! :)
I agree when you say that it seems as if she just "threw that romantic possibility in the end," but if you think about it, it also shows that she's kinda growing up and realizing all the different relationships you can have with people. I just hope she soesn't push it too far and make it feel forced.
We have pretty varied opinions here, which is good. One thing I do agree that the Capitol would be more angered by romance than a friendship, and love has created the enormous public interestin the Capitol for the couple. My problem lies with the romantic angle with Gale which seems forced.
@Jeannie: I loved this thought of yours. "I have always felt that friendship and romance both come out of degrees of love for others."
Very true.
@Heather: Very well said. It did make her open up. The Peeta-Katniss situation is at least believable. I don't know why she would even THINK about Gale that way during the events of this book, if she hadn't in the preceding four years. I think Gale does fancy her though. I conclude that from his idea of living in the woods together.
@Andrea, Veronica: I agree with the romantic possibility being thrown in at the end. Especially bringing Gale into the triangle was uncalled for.
I absolutely love this book! I read it almost a year ago and I've been counting down from 200+ days until Catching Fire!This was a while back, but I think that the romance between Katniss and Peeta is definitely crucial to the plot. Without it, the Gamemakers probably wouldn't have created the "new rule" where they could team up and two people could win. Peeta would probably have been dead, maybe even by Katniss' hands, because at one point (do you remember?) she was talking about how he was awful for teaming up with the Careers. Also, if they never played the romance angle, Katniss and Peeta would have no reason to trick the Capitol at the end, and that is the key event that sets up the plot for Catching Fire.
Heather wrote: "I was amazed at what an interesting character Foxface turned out to be without having a single word of dialog or direct interaction with the main characters."That's a really good point, I don't think I've ever noticed that before!
I completely second Madeleine! Foxface completely flew under my radar. Thank you Heather for pointing that out. It really is interesting!
I kind of agree with you on that V, but the fact that peeta was in love with Katnis gave the story something more to work with as well. if it weren't for the romance angle Katniss and Peeta probably would have died because they didn't have the support they would have needed from their sponsors.I kind of agree with you too Clytan, I'm a bit tired of stories that are too romancy, but this one really wasn't too much of that.
*I completely agree with Heather. I think the love story is needed, not only for survival, but because Katniss just doesn't have a lot of love in her life, and so this is a huge growing experience for her. It softens her — opens her up.
You know how all through the second part of the book, Katniss is kissing Peeta, etc. and keeps thinking of Gale? I was doing the same thing. Gale and I really hit it off at the beginning of the book (you could say), and I kept thinking about him. I love Peeta, but mostly I feel bad for him. ESPECIALLY when he puts himself out there on national television, and then Katniss pushes him, all rude-like. And the very end, of course. Oye... my heart broke for the guy. BUT, I'm more excited to see what happens with Gale in Catching Fire!!! They seem more well-suited to one another—more equals. I guess we'll see.
Now if only my library would hurry up and order it!!!
PS - Is there going to be a third book?
@Heather: Wow, nice point. I didn't even notice that Foxface had no dialog lol. That was the author's genius. She had the most unfair death I thought, too bad I like the smart characters.@sara: yeah its a planned trilogy!
I think the meeting with Gale in Catching Fire is going to be interesting, but so awkward for Katniss.
I feel people who are detached and in a shell like Katniss is, need a lot of love(I don't mean romance here, just love and care). I hope Gale provides some of that.
Oye... more waiting. Why do I get into book series before they're completed?? WHY?
it's terrible isn't it Sara? I've got like 5 I'm waiting on right now!
DragonEyedOnePieceFan wrote: "She wrote the Gregor the Overlander set too, if you like how she writes. I have a problem with how she ends the books so suddenly. I never did like the end of the last Gregor book!"I agree with you about the ending! I am all for a great series, but I think each book in the series should come to its own conclusion. It's fine to leave a few questions and build suspense for a sequel, but I'm not a fan of abrupt endings like this one. That's one thing I think J.K. Rowling did pretty well with the Harry Potter books.
That being said, I'm crazy about this book in about every other way. I think the premise is really amazing. It reminded me of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson, but it is a much more developed idea. I love the way that Suzanne Collins took the United States and turned it into something that is both familiar and foreign. I can relate at some times, and then not at all at other times. It's just an amazing book.
I know this is off topic, but if anyone likes writing, I've got a link to one of my groups that died this past summer and needs some people to post on it again.http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/5...
Beth wrote: "It reminded me of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson..."Wow! Me too! That story seems to be popular with the Enlgish teachers at my school, I've had to do assignments on it twice. And although it's quite morbid it's sort of good...!
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It’s rare to find a book with two such appealing romantic heroes as Peeta and Gale. Do you know how the romantic triangle will turn out in Book Three?
Yes, I do. [Sorry, readers, that’s about all she would say!:]
I agree with you, Sara, I was wondering how Gale was interpreting things that he was seeing. Sometimes while I was reading I would wonder about how Gale, her sister, her mother, etc would react to something, like Rue's flowers (or would they even show that?), or the kiss, or whatever.
Jennifer W wrote: "I agree with you, Sara, I was wondering how Gale was interpreting things that he was seeing. Sometimes while I was reading I would wonder about how Gale, her sister, her mother, etc would react to something, like Rue's flowers (or would they even show that?), or the kiss, or whatever. "EXACTLY! Every time Katniss and Peeta kissed, I was like, "Ohhh... *cringe* Gale's watching that at home...."
Me too! Poor guy. He probably wishes he'd put the moves on her before she left.
I think I'm team Peeta. I think Katniss and Peeta do compliment each other. I see Peeta as being perhaps more open and sensitive than Katniss, whereas Katniss is the strong, guarded one. But at the same time, I don't know if I can judge that because we didn't get enough of Gale.Can I also say I'm really impressed with the dicussions this month, comparing it with other groups' group read discussions it's very lively and active and utterly fascinating.
I'm leaning more toward Gale, but, as you said, we didn't really see much of him. But it is obvious that he has feelings for her, and it just had to hurt him to watch all of that on tv. Do you think Katniss realizes how badly he's probably been hurt? Or will she be surprised by the way their relationship has changed (I'm assuming it has to)?
When I finished the book I was completely team Peeta. He was perfect for her, but it might have been just during the games. Now that the book has kind of settled in my mind, I keep going back to Gale. Even though I don't know much about him, I'm starting to think that maybe it could have been hurtful to him to see Kat and Peeta like that. What I hope Collins gives us in "Catching Fire" is Gale's emotions during that time. Whether subtely or if he finally tells Katniss. I'm still not a hundred percent sure he has those kind of feelings for Katniss, but it makes sense.
JG wrote: "I'm leaning more toward Gale, but, as you said, we didn't really see much of him. But it is obvious that he has feelings for her, and it just had to hurt him to watch all of that on tv. Do you think Katniss realizes how badly he's probably been hurt? Or will she be surprised by the way their relationship has changed (I'm assuming it has to)? "It was REALLY obvious that Gale has feelings for her, and she was TOTALLY oblivious. And I think Katniss realizes now that she could have feelings for HIM... but I don't know if she knows that he has feelings for her.... I think she'll be surprised.
WHEN WILL TUESDAY GET HERE??????
I wonder if they even showed Katniss burying Rue in those flowers? It was live TV and there wasn't much else going on in the arena at that time, but when they saw that would they have cut to another camera? Also, I don't see how the flowers would have been rebellious to the capitol. Was it just that the players weren't supposed to be friends, or was it that the act of kindness she showed toward someone who wouldn't be able to help her later make it seem like the capitol was doing a bad thing with these hunger games? What do you think?
I think the players were seen as objects, not human beings. They were something you bet on winning or loosing. So acts like covering Rue in flowers, would show that they had feelings and that would may be portray the capitol as the oppressors. Capitol wants to be seen as a government providing entertainment for the masses, not as the scumbags they really are.Well, which camp to be in, Gale or Peeta? I think its unfair to decide after reading just one book and not seeing enough of both in their normal lives. Anyway, there always exists the possibility of one dying along the way, may be book 3. Who knows which path the author would take...
Clytan wrote: "@Heather: Wow, nice point. I didn't even notice that Foxface had no dialog lol. That was the author's genius. She had the most unfair death I thought, too bad I like the smart characters.@sara: y..."
Don't you think that the uncensored, totally open love that Peeta put out there for Katniss has already opened that door for her to be open to the other types of love that surround her in her life? Even K's early observations about the little kindnesses that the villagers were showing her in her tradings with them seemed to be setting up the breaking down of her defensive walls. Once someone reaches out to you, you kind of want more and more. Maybe that is where Collins is going with this. Once you know love, it's hard to go back to a closed off existence!
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Jennifer W wrote: "I agree Jeannie. I think I remember (I could be wrong) when Peeta's name is drawn, Katniss already is thinking, no, not him, anyone but him, because he's already been so good to her. Or maybe it wa..."No you're right, she was remembering the bread incident.
I would just like to comment and say, Catching Fire is out today!! I can't wait to read about what develops between the characters and what happens with the capitol. I'm excited to get inside Katniss' head again!
I have been very excited for this book. I'm a little worried, because all three reviews I have read say it doesn't come close to living up to the first. I'll wait and see for myself. Gladly!
I already said I loved this book, but I just wanted to ask if anyone else has listened to the audiobook? My husband loves to make fun of the way Peeta says Katniss... anytime I mention wanting to read Catching Fire he starts saying, "Katniss, Katniss..." with a scratchy voice. Hehe just thought I would share that.
Now I only have to wait for like 6 months more before one of the libraries in my inter-librery loan group buys it! *LOL*
Got my copy of Catching Fire from Amazon, past first 20 pages. It's slow but I guess all books ar elike that. I have a four day weekend. Prolly pluck down and finish it. I hope it answers lots of questions and goes the way I want it too.
I'll get the Catching Fire audiobook soon... hopefully. I hope we discuss that book too here after everyone has read it or may be make it a group read...
Well, I wanted to finally read Inkdeath this labor day weekend, but I'm having a garage sale all 4 days for a fundraiser. I do need the money for my tuition though, cause if I can't pay that I can't go to Japan for school next year. I hope you enjoy catching fire Michael, because I can't read it until my library gets it!
I want to read Catching Fire sooooooo baaaaaad! It's not up on our library website yet. They don't post a new book until it arrives at the library and begins the "cataloging" phase.... So I've been checking every day twice a day for THAT and a couple of other books..... Eeeeek!
I loved the book and couldn't put it down. The worst thing is Catching Fire won't be released until next month here in Aus!! How cruel!!Anyway, I know it's a bit late in the discussion, but I have one question.
I found reading the Hunger Games really easy, and I'm wondering if it was because the book was written really well and flew beautifully or because the book was written with an easy-to-follow structure and vocaburary possibly for the younger generation.
What do you think?
I finally got The Hunger Games from my library, then read it all yesterday. Wow. I honestly wasn't expecting to like it, but phew!...words fail me! It's been a while since I've become so utterly absorbed in a book, to the exclusion of everything else. So many times I'd find I had butterflies in my stomach and be (figuratively anyway) on the edge of my seat!Shoko, I think the author's style of writing was very plain and almost matter of fact. She didn't go in for fancy metaphors or long, detailed descriptions, and that definitely makes the pace faster, and leaves the reader no time to become bored or distracted... it was also written in the present tense - I don't know if that makes a difference at all, but the only other books I can think of that I've read written in the present tense (A Great and Terrible Beauty and Bloody Jack) I flew through as well...coincidence? Maybe.
I like books with better vocabularies. If there are a few words I don't know, is there a better way to learn them than by using them?Now some books really are too much as far as the vocab and descriptions. Have any of you read The Sea Wolf by Jack London? Oh My Goodness, that man can babble.
I too think that the book was complex yet very concisely written. There is always the temptation for the writer to expand and be more descriptive, but believe me Collins is a great writer and hence it makes you feel like your breezing through. Although she does manage to put images in your mind and make the characters sound real with minimal effort.
Nice to see the discussion still alive for this book after the month is over!
Heather wrote: "The poor boy has just been battered emotionally about the whole book."I couldn't agree more. I always find myself feeling so bad for him. He's totally my favorite character, in both books.
Sara ♥ wrote: "It's not up on our library website yet. They don't post a new book until it arrives at the library and begins the "cataloging" phase."Mine's the same way. I know they've ordered it, but there's not a sign of it in the catalog yet. Why can't they put it in as soon as they order it so I can go ahead and get on the hold list?
JG wrote: "Sara ♥ wrote: "It's not up on our library website yet. They don't post a new book until it arrives at the library and begins the "cataloging" phase."Mine's the same way. I know they've ordered it, but there's not a sign of it in the catalog yet. Why can't they put it in as soon as they order it so I can go ahead and get on the hold list?"
I'm kinda glad they haven't added it to the catalog yet, because I JUST read Hunger Games, and by now, I'd probably be 4000th in line for Catching Fire.... My new hobby is stalking the library website... ;)
I know what you mean about Peeta. He was being toyed with. But if it was bad for him, how must Katniss feel now that she knows that he was telling the truth about liking her? How do you think she fealt about having to lead him on?
Everybody needs to go and read Catching Fire, it's soooooooooo good. I won't say anything more, because I don't want to give anything away!
I just requested Catching Fire from the library. I'm 2nd on the list, so I should have it soon. I'm excited to read it!
If you visit Stephanie Meyer's Website. She had talk about this book. I am going to have to check it out looks like it is good.
Our stinking library doesn't have Catching Fire listed yet... which means they haven't gotten it in yet... I've been stalking their website... checking at least twice a day... I don't want to end up 43rd in line for the two copies they get... :{
Same here.Then waiting got too much, and I bought it one day and finished it that night. It was totally worth it!
shoko wrote: "Same here.Then waiting got too much, and I bought it one day and finished it that night. It was totally worth it!"
Oh man... Don't tempt me! I have ZERO MONEY right now... and a credit card burning a hole in my pocket... Just say no, Sara! Just say no!
Hi Sara!I went through that same agonizing decision-making stage.
I don't have a job at the moment (so no money), but I just thought it would be worth it even if I ended up not eating for a day ;) and let me tell you, it was worth it!
Wild Things: YA Grown-Up
Books mentioned in this topic
Catching Fire (other topics)Bloody Jack (other topics)
A Great and Terrible Beauty (other topics)
Catching Fire (other topics)
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I really love when a book is good enough to stand on it's plot w/out a love story, because it makes the love story it has seem like icing on the cake.
The Poison Study was like that for me as well as the Gemma Doyle series.