Mockingjay (The Hunger Games, #3) Mockingjay discussion


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is there actuallya nyone out there who actually liked this book?

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claire doherty I don't understand why people hate it so much? please tell me.


Nikita I liked it. Ending was quick and the deaths made me sad but overall I liked it.


Kelly Brigid ♡ It was okay. Could've been better, but it wasn't bad.


message 4: by Marisa (last edited Jul 21, 2014 09:24AM) (new) - rated it 3 stars

Marisa Ferreira I agree with Demosthenes.

I liked it but I was expecting more.


Cecilia Chione Loved it the most out of the Trilogy, favorite book of all time! I could never dislike it. I LOVE MOCKINGJAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


message 6: by Cecilia (last edited Jul 21, 2014 09:33AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Cecilia Chione claire wrote: "I don't understand why people hate it so much? please tell me." Because they are not readers who enjoy alot of thought and explanation. they want action but in these books you are gona get a lot of thought from Katniss and not alot of Action! Yes it drags on but that is good because then the story will last longer. their is also a lot of explanation that is really important that has to be there because if it werent their the story would not make sense. I Guess if you dont enjoy mockingjay then you are not a real fan! I LOVE MOCKINGJAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!


message 7: by Mared (last edited Jul 21, 2014 09:31AM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

Mared Owen I thought it was pretty good myself! Even though it was my least favourite book out of the whole series (with Catching Fire being my favorite). When I read it, I think I thought it was a bit boring at times? To be honest, I really need to re-read the whole series!


harlie I thought Mockingjay was the best novel of the whole trilogy. I don't know what everyone's beef with it is. I guess it could be that (view spoiler) or that there aren't any games, but it was a brilliant novel. It was very different from the first two novels, but that's what made it so wonderful. (view spoiler) And it's other little things like that which made the story what it was. The ending could have been a little longer, but then we were given an epilogue that helped bring the last chapter to life. Overall, I think it was well structured, well written, and mistreated.


message 9: by Jazmin (last edited Jul 21, 2014 10:41AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Jazmin I think the end was pretty good. I rather Katniss and Peeta before Katniss and Gale. The only thing I did not liked about the book were the (SPOILERS!!!!!) were the deaths (I`m taliking about Finnick and Prim) I dont thikn their deaths were necessary. Beside that was a great novel


Julia It was my favorite book of the trilogy, and people always think I'm crazy when I tell them so! I'm thinking that I might be becoming a sucker for tragedy, though -- Allegiant was my favorite book of the Divergent series, too!


message 11: by Lina (new) - rated it 5 stars

Lina I think it was a good book and a good ending (I cried) and I think that some people were just upset that the ending wasn't what that wanted. This isn't a fan fiction where everyone lives happily ever after, it's Panem!


Jeske Cecilia wrote: "claire wrote: "I don't understand why people hate it so much? please tell me." Because they are not readers who enjoy alot of thought and explanation. they want action but in these books you are go..."


No it's because I found Katniss too stubborn and I was disappointed that her main roll in this war was being a movie star. :P But that's my opinion.


message 13: by Molly (new) - added it

Molly I Love Mockingjay!!! I might be a bit bias but... I dont know... I am a MASSIVE Hunger games Fan!!!


mandinmandin I liked Mockingjay more than the first two books :)


Cecilia Chione I dont like it when people say it is not action packed enough, that ticks me off. They dont how to enjoy a properly written book.


Cecilia Chione Amanda L wrote: "I liked Mockingjay more than the first two books :)"

Molly wrote: "I Love Mockingjay!!! I might be a bit bias but... I dont know... I am a MASSIVE Hunger games Fan!!!"

Same with me!!!!!


message 17: by . (new) - rated it 5 stars

. I loved it. Usually when people tell me they didn't, they either don't really give me a reason or they give a really bad one lol.


OddModicum Rachel I loved it. Loved the whole series, actually. I went into it expecting a sweet rather trite YA series that was entertaining but nothing special, really, and was blown away by the depth of the characters and the political undertones.


chloe I loved all the books, including this one. Of course I was very upset about some of the deaths, but overall a great end to the trilogy. Now I'm anxiously awaiting the Mockingjay movies! :)


message 20: by Cate (new) - rated it 5 stars

Cate Phillips I truly loved the series. Peeta and Katniss having kids could not have been better for me. I realize all the deaths were saddening, but I believe they all needed to happens I we would focus on the main characters trying to move on with life and the struggle, instead of just being happy forever. Honestly, I loved every minute and can't wait for the movie,


message 21: by Sonia (new) - added it

Sonia I think it was not that terrible, honestly. Aside from all the useless (in my opinion) deaths and the epilogue it was pretty nice!


message 22: by . (new) - rated it 5 stars

. Sonia wrote: "I think it was not that terrible, honestly. Aside from all the useless (in my opinion) deaths and the epilogue it was pretty nice!"

Looooooollll, the deaths were not "useless". That's war for you.


message 23: by Channah (last edited Jul 27, 2014 03:06PM) (new) - rated it 2 stars

Channah I don't really remember the book except that I was really excited (no idea why) and then it was terrible.
At this point I honestly don't remember much about the entire series (it just wasn't memorable for me) but I do remember hating the writing, finding the plot hard to follow, and thinking the ending was stupid.
I guess it works for some people and not others. If you guys liked it, good for you. :)


OddModicum Rachel I was really surprised by some of the stuff you guys hated in Mockingjay, so I wrote out my ideas of why some of these things had to be the way Collins wrote em, or the book would have been a much poorer end to the series in my review. I dont' know if any of you will agree, or not, but its here if anyone is interested, and then there's a section for your thoughts. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


message 25: by NL (new) - rated it 2 stars

NL Hated it.


message 26: by Channah (last edited Jul 27, 2014 03:27PM) (new) - rated it 2 stars

Channah Interesting. I can see your point; I just didn't like the book. It's not that I can say "I hated x plot point", I just disliked the book in general.
Honestly, I didn't really like Catching Fire either. I kind of wish the first one had been a standalone.


Ingvild I really liked it. It wasn't a bad book; it was well written and I think the story was good. But, I have to admit that The Hunger Games and Catching Fire was even better.

Some claim that Collins rushed to get the book finished, but I don't know. I enjoyed it! :D


OddModicum Rachel I can well imagine the HUGE pressure she must have been under to finish, esp after the first ones were such hits... that makes sense, actually. I also don't know how soon after THG was published that it sold to a production company... that's a huge source of pressure there. I've seen authors literally have breakdowns trying to work with film adaptations of their books. lol


message 29: by SJ (new) - rated it 5 stars

SJ I loved Mockingjay, possibly it was my favorite of thew 3.

I can see why it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I find myself loving most what they hated.

A lot of people think Katniss is too removed, too much of a bystander. But the book is one that is critical of war in general - she couldn't be all gung-ho like Gale. The book walks this interesting line, where it concedes that revolt is necessary, but at the same time is critical of war itself.

I would have preferred a bit more info about the post-war world/how things changed and settled but that's all.


OddModicum Rachel Me too... that's pretty much exactly how I feel. Would have loved a bit more follow up... but other than that, it felt finished to me. I can't quite believe a YA series affected me so strongly, but am so glad I read this one. Aaaand now I'm a YA junkie. lol


Chaya I did NOT like Mockingjay. :P. Sucked.


Chaya Don't have anything against people who like it, though.


message 33: by Izzy (new) - rated it 5 stars

Izzy I liked Mockingjay, except it was mostly fight, fight, fight and not like the others there wasn't much time for emotional connections to any of the deaths. It was okay.


Cassondra I did not like Mockingjay because of the emotional trauma that we as readers experience through the mind of Katniss. She is narrating in first person and she has PTSD and because of this perspective, we are also experiencing such emotions. While this shows good writing, it is not something I want to deal with. I read to enjoy myself and be entertained, not to cause myself to have emotions that are negative and hurtful.

That said, there are other issues with Mockingjay (the ending was somewhat predictable, for example), but nothing that would make me so vehemently dislike the book as what I described above. I felt the same way about the Maze Runner series. I dislike the bent that current young adult fiction has regarding dystopian novels. It is not that I hate dystopian fiction. The Giver is one of my favorite books, and there are other dystopian or science fiction novels that I love a lot! But all of the dystopian novels that I enjoy have a redemptive ending. There is something in there to make the pain that is evident in the books worthwhile or there is some type of hope for the future. Even the Divergent series was that way even with Allegiant's ending (which I won't spoil here).

Anyway, this is a rather thoughtful analysis of why I didn't like Mockingjay. For those who enjoyed it, great. You continue to enjoy it. I will read other things. :) Peace!


Cecilia Chione The emotional connection with Katniss taught me not to let life destroy me. It taught me to be happy and don't let people hurt you. Life is to short to take things to seriously. And this book taught me that Drama is all stupid. Be yourself. I know this is sorta off subject, but like I said the emotional connection teaches a lesson. It's important and I think everybody should read it Evan if they don't like.


message 36: by OddModicum Rachel (last edited Aug 11, 2014 05:24PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

OddModicum Rachel lol Now see, Cassondra... that was some very well thought out rationale for why the book wasn't for you. I liked it, you didn't... we both had our reasons, and thank goodness we don't live in a world where there's only one 'flavor' of entertainment that everyone has to endure. ;) I can so get behind that sort of commentary... even if (and in a way because of) I disagree on most of your points. I love that you thought about it, and put some thought into it. I was getting a little irritated (not in this thread, mind you... just floating around goodreads) of people just saying 'I didn't like it because people died'. lol Well. Goodluck with life, then. ;) Anyway, great commentary.

I do get what you mean about that redemptive hopeful quality at the end, though. That's one of the reasons I like Dean Koontz work. There's horrors going on... but there's a poignant ray of hope. BTW, have you read Penryn & the End of Days series by Susan Ee? I think you might like it. Angelfall

And Cecelia... that's a pretty amazing thing to take away from a book or series of books. I think that sort of emotional epiphany is what every good writer strives for in their work.


hannah renee. I loved Mockingjay with a passion. It was raw and was so turbulent. I myself am a very feeling person... I like any kind of feeling in any book and the more deep it is the more I like it. (One reason I didn't like TFIOS at all; THAT is a different kind of deep... :P I think I love to rant about that lol)


hannah renee. I loved Mockingjay with a passion. It was raw and was so turbulent. I myself am a very feeling person... I like any kind of feeling in any book and the more deep it is the more I like it. (One reason I didn't like TFIOS at all; THAT is a different kind of deep... :P I think I love to rant about that lol)


Cecilia Chione Hannah I agree with everything you wrote.


hannah renee. Haha well thanks! I do feel very strongly about it. I think people are kind of small-minded about not liking Mockingjay.


message 41: by OddModicum Rachel (last edited Aug 11, 2014 08:03PM) (new) - rated it 5 stars

OddModicum Rachel Hannah wrote: "I loved Mockingjay with a passion. It was raw and was so turbulent. I myself am a very feeling person... I like any kind of feeling in any book and the more deep it is the more I like it. (One reas..."

TFIOS? Trying to figger that one out, and failing miserably. lol Yeah, being 'emotionally evocative' is the single biggest quality I look for in books, as well. Happy... sad... I'm thrilled either way... just want it to make me feel something. ;) aha! Got it! The Fault In Our Stars, right? Still haven't read that dang book... bumping it up to top of pile.


Ashlyn I enjoyed it although I did think the ending was a little bit lame for how much action was in The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. But I think Suzanne Collins did pretty well overall making the story interesting. And I really enjoyed that it was a quick read that kept me interested the whole time.


message 43: by Indy (new) - rated it 1 star

Indy I didn't like the book, but I know two people who do.


message 44: by [deleted user] (new)

I liked all 3 books, including mocking-jay, even if it was (just a little) sad.

It wasn't that sad though.


Chaya Cassondra wrote: "I did not like Mockingjay because of the emotional trauma that we as readers experience through the mind of Katniss. She is narrating in first person and she has PTSD and because of this perspectiv..."

I totally agree with that. :) including the very last part.


Scott Emigh I thought it was easily the strongest volume in the series.


BubblesTheMonkey I really liked the first half, but really hated the last half.


Cecilia Chione Mockingjay made me the great person I am today. It is an amazing book. It taught me many lessons about life, Government, trust, love, and more. It is truly an awesome story.


Michael Sussman Here's why I gave the book two stars:

I thoroughly enjoyed HUNGER GAMES and thought CATCHING FIRE was a good sequel, but I really didn't care for this one. Sure, there were some exciting scenes and clever twists, but I found much of the writing tedious and I was eager for the story to end. I thought it was over the top, reminding me of a Hollywood summer blockbuster. The ending was particularly disappointing. SC handled the love triangle so brilliantly throughout the series, and then--in my opinion--it just fizzles.

Given that so many kids are "reading up" these days, I am also concerned about the level of violence and cruelty in this last installment, and the nihilistic outlook. My son, who is 12, was introduced to the series last year when his school librarian read HUNGER GAMES to his fifth grade class. He went on to devour the second book on his own. He started this third one before I had a chance to read it, but now that I have, I've asked him to wait until he's older to read it. I thought he'd put up a fight, given how much he'd liked the first two volumes, but I think he was relieved. The unrelenting violence and dysphoric mood are too overwhelming for a child of his age.

I've always felt that it's vital that children's and YA literature explore dark themes, but whether this is helpful or potentially harmful to readers depends on how authors present their material. As Roald Dahl said: “Fairy tales have always got to have something a bit scary for children - as long as you make them laugh as well.”

The HG trilogy is a fairy tale for teens. In my opinion, the first two volumes worked well because Collins balanced the scary material with humor, romance, and a sense of hopefulness and triumph over dark forces. For me, she failed to achieve this balance in MOCKINGJAY, leaving the reader with only bleak despair.


hannah renee. Michael wrote: "Here's why I gave the book two stars:

I thoroughly enjoyed HUNGER GAMES and thought CATCHING FIRE was a good sequel, but I really didn't care for this one. Sure, there were some exciting scenes an..."


I fail to see how it only left us with bleak despair. She ends up happy with Peeta. With children and a life without the Capitol. Sure, she and Peeta both were never the same and suffered different sorts of PTSD but they were happy.


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