Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
Buddy Reads: Current & Upcoming
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Collins,Suzanne The Hunger Games, - informal buddy read begins 15 May 2024
Angie ☯ wrote: "I know that I am in the minority, but I am usually drawn to the "unlikeable" characters. This was and is the case with Katniss. She is bitter about alot of things and untrusting, but I never found ..."I agree with you Angie although I do not remember what my first impression of Katniss was all those years ago. I'm pretty sure I didn't dislike her though. I understand her and to be honest at this stage at least she does remind me a bit of myself. I too prefer nature to bonding with other people lol and building trust is h a r d.
Also, the second scene you described is so powerful!!! I'm so glad it exists and is also part of the movie and also comes up again in a way in book/movie 2!!
I think the kitten incident was just a way of showing that the cat did not like Katniss, and as a result, Katniss was thinking like a provider, and not a cat lover. The cat until proven useful as a mouser was just another mouth to feed, and an ungrateful one at that. At no point did I take it seriously that she wanted to drown the cat. It was hyperbole. In my opinion. Of course if I ran into an actual cat torturer, I would be hard pressed to not turn into a murderer myself.
My orange fluff ball was dumped in a box with seven other kitties in the parking lot of my townhouse complex. I love my kitty, and am thrilled to have him, but if I had seen the person doing the dumping, I would not have been very polite. And the police would have been involved. And a lot of very rude words.
But, all of the kitties got spayed/neutered, and they all got homes. My neighbor and I worked tirelessly to make sure we didn't have to take them to the pound.
Jenny wrote: "I think the kitten incident was just a way of showing that the cat did not like Katniss, and as a result, Katniss was thinking like a provider, and not a cat lover. The cat until proven useful as a..."I actually know someone who did drown a cat in a bucket who was sick and they were putting it out of their misery according to them. So, I did not take it as hyperbole and think she was really going to do it as she said, but she listened to Prim's pleas. I was just like, if you actually had to kill it (to the person I know in real life) - which you can just call the pound and have them do it for free - drowning is not the gentler was to do it, how terrible!
We had an animal torturer about ten years ago in the media around here who was never caught. They were skinning cats alive and leaving in random yards around town. We can only hope something horrible happened to whoever this was.
Holy crap!I don't believe in Hell, but I hope that person does and is going there. After a long jail term. And some torture in prison.
And Jenny, I've seen your cute cat pictures before on your GR Profile! I'm one of those rare people who look at Goodreads profiles often and check out the pictures people put on there. I have three cats myself - Malz, Raven, and Oscar - definitely could never kill a cat - or really any animal. Was raised around them only as pets.
Jenny wrote: "Holy crap!I don't believe in Hell, but I hope that person does and is going there. After a long jail term. And some torture in prison."
Yes, I can't imagine anything worse than torturing animals, people, it's just awful.
But now back to the fun side of the buddy read instead of real life, which in a way can be worse lol
The other weird bit I am curious about is whether anyone has eaten a katniss plant?I remember one time when I was a kid, my mom made dinner using only plants she found in the field near our house. So there were dandelions, and cattails, and a few other things made into soup and salad and some kind of sautéed dish. I did like everything, Of course, I'm sure she used butter and spices to make it all palatable.
I am trying to make this book last for more than a day, but I can't. I will say that the scene that breaks me is (view spoiler) Chapter 18 if you are not there yet.
I just can't. It is that scene that above anything else made me hate the Capitol with a blinding fury.
Jenny wrote: "The other weird bit I am curious about is whether anyone has eaten a katniss plant?I remember one time when I was a kid, my mom made dinner using only plants she found in the field near our house..."
No, I have not heard of them actually. Have seen/heard of cattails
Adding to the drugs/herbs/depression conversation, my child who is on antidepressants just piped up and said, "Guess what most drugs are made from?" And that's not entirely true, but a lot of drugs do have a base that stems from something in nature. One of my other kids pointed out that antidepressants don't cure depression. They help, especially combined with therapy.
It's been awhile since I read the original trilogy. I just read the prequel back in November in time to go see the movie. What always comes to mind when I think about these books is an interview I read with Rick Riordan. He was asked about these books and he was astonished that people didn't realize it's a retelling of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. As someone who hadn't realized that, it did affect the way I see it now.
I am not familiar with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, so if this is true, it definitely is a fact I would not have recognized.
Laura wrote: "Adding to the drugs/herbs/depression conversation, my child who is on antidepressants just piped up and said, "Guess what most drugs are made from?" And that's not entirely true, but a lot of drugs do have a base that stems from something in nature.One of my other kids pointed out that antidepressants don't cure depression. They help, especially combined with therapy.."
Your kids make great and true points!
I just could not recall an herb used for depression much. Hormones, heart, urinary tract, immune system, neurological (nervous conditions balance/cleansers maybe?), even blood thinners, big on prostrate and liver --- but just because I'm not recalling anything standing out, doesn't mean it's not out there and used widely for that. And of course the "mushrooms" mentioned above :D
I had never heard of the Katniss plant but would love to go out and try to find one. An article I read said that October is a good time of year to harvest. I have always thought it would be fun to take a foraging class but have yet to do so.
Anyway, I am on Chapter 8 and agree with Jenny it will be hard to drag this one out. Greatly enjoying the re-read.I do keep noticing something I do find unrealistic, though. I don't think this warrants a spoiler tag, but later when Katniss keeps getting large meals, breakfast - lunch - dinner, she of course mentions mentally this is excellent food she's not used to, that it's a huge amount of food, and that she keeps eating large portions, extra helpings, and stuffing herself. Really though if you are only used to small amounts of food long-term, you have a smaller stomach and would not be able to keep eating excessively at three meals a day like the author is having her doing. Enough hunger on a regular basis your body doesn't even give signals off of being hungry until you start eating half the time. I just read where she ate excessively yet again and thought about it.
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I am not familiar with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, so if this is true, it definitely is a fact I would not have recognized."I am familiar with that myth. In fact one of my favorite books is
which is a retelling of that story. I can totally see what Riordan was talking about now that it has been said out loud. King Minos of Crete was the power in the region, and youths from Athens were sent to Crete every year to participate in the bull dancing, and to be fed to the minotaur. So yeah. I can see it. Now I feel stupid.
Yup on the food thing. But, that doesn't stop me from over indulging at a brilliant restaurant or something like a Thanksgiving feast. I will pay dearly later of course, but somehow, I alway make room for desert even when it almost hurts to have another bite.
Jenny wrote: "Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I am not familiar with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, so if this is true, it definitely is a fact I would not have recognized."I am familiar with that myt..."
I felt stupid when he pointed it out, too!
Hm, I can see the connection now that you described it. I would think that would apply to a lot of stories, especially if it involves feeding the system, government, or one person in power in some way. The youths in Athens sent yearly really ties it in. Not surprised Riordan would recognize it since he specializes in mythology stories.
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!
Laura wrote: "Jenny wrote: "Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "I am not familiar with the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, so if this is true, it definitely is a fact I would not have recognized."I am familiar..."
Teehee.
If Collins had at any point mentioned doric columns or mosaics with dolphins or bulls on them, then I might have noticed. Maybe.
Jenny wrote: "Yup on the food thing. But, that doesn't stop me from over indulging at a brilliant restaurant or something like a Thanksgiving feast. I will pay dearly later of course, but somehow, I alway make r..."Sure, we can all overstuff and over-indulge, but if you starve or become malnourished for a long period of time, I am not buying she could keep downing multiple plates of food, especially with not getting sick afterwards. The author is pretty much having her do it multiple times a day. That's the most unrealistic thing about the story to me so far. Her system would NOT be cooperating - edited, would be bathroom for an hour I'd think!!
Oh no. I agree. I was just pointing out how stupid we all can be when there is good food involved.
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Jenny wrote: "I think the kitten incident was just a way of showing that the cat did not like Katniss, and as a result, Katniss was thinking like a provider, and not a cat lover. The cat until prov..."OMG….SICK…SICK!
RachelG. wrote: "I had never heard of the Katniss plant but would love to go out and try to find one. An article I read said that October is a good time of year to harvest. I have always thought it would be fun to ..."A foraging class could be very fun. Right now, I am glad I am in Arizona and not in Wisconsin, where my sister who is a big live in nature girl, has been talking about finding recipes for cicada soup and the like.
I will try many different odd foods, but I just do not want to eat bugs. I know that will be the protein in the future, but I am ok with that not being a big thing in my lifetime.
Rachel, congrats on getting through that part relatively intact. I cried like the world was ending on the first reading, and it still gets to me.
I figure that the time to be sad is over and now I am just hoping to see some rage and sticking it to the man type behavior ahead.
This book is so fast. I remember reading the whole thing in one night first time. This time too I just started and have already reached their train journey to capitol.I sort of forgot how cold Katniss was in this one. I like that. It brought up her survival instincts and family dynamics well. (view spoiler)
One thing struck me. The population of district is just 8000. Even with an age pyramid with broad base, there would be ~10% of reaping age so around 800 kids. That's a really small number and they literally would have known anyone getting reaped. Somehow the impact of it is hitting me this time.
I love the introduction of the mockingjays, they sound wonderful if a bit eerie - imagine if they started up when you were alone in the forest, or thought you were...The scene with the tracker jackers is pretty cool, except for those great, big oozy lumps - icky! As for Peeta's part in this, you could tell he was thinking way ahead from the beginning, he's certainly good at the long game.
I like Katniss & Rue joining forces, & (view spoiler).
Even knowing the twists that were coming, the book was just as enjoyable to me. So glad to start off Book Games with this book!!Another favorite scene was (view spoiler)
And, done.I still love this book. I don't particularly want to wait to start the next one, but I will. Darn it.
Well, I couldn't resist and just spent some hours on the porch finishing this one up. Now to wait a month, aghRachel, I had forgotten that creepy twist with the mutations. It does make you wonder
Rachel, your question about Katniss' hearing. Yes they did.
So, the first time I read The Hunger Games, I think I was 12, and now, around four years later, I think I am able to appreciate and understand the parallels better than I did before. Also, I think it is so interesting the writing itself is extremely accessible while the topics and themes presently executed are quite harsh. I think I have now read 150 pages, and how much the capital looks like the West and America is absolutely terrifying. For some reason, this citation: 'Who cares? It's all a big show. It'll how you're perceived' p(135) really resonates, as I feel it fits very well into social media.
I was going to wait a few days to start this but I needed something easier to read this morning so here I go. It's been over 10 years since I last read this (it was required reading in my 11th grade English class in 2012/13) and that must've been at least the third time I read the book, the first two (or more??) were for fun by myself (notable since this was in the part of my teenage years where I pretty much wasn't reading (books) at all).
I also haven't seen the movie in about as long so this will be a fun experience. I never loved loved this series but the first one was my favorite by far.
I just finished chapter 1 and it's wild how I remember almost everything from there – but I guess I did read it multiple times, and I've always loved the opening. The way she builds the drama to (view spoiler)... chills! Actually teared up a little! (I AM way weepier than I was as a teen... and way more likely to get upset about gore, too.)
(Also fun fact: all the other English classes in my year read Atonement or some Shakespeare or other "real literature" and my teacher was like "lol we'll YA this". I didn't like her much but I respect that move hahaha)
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "What happened to the rest of the world? Did they just die off?? Or maybe they are there and just not affected by Hunger Games and under different control of someone else."As someone not from the US, that has been the #1 thing that has always bothered me. What about the rest of the world???? How does this happen??????? I think the first time I read this book I missed the part where it says "the place that was once called North America" in literally chapter 1 and it took me a long time to realize this was actually sort of set in the real world, let alone the US.
But yeah. To this day I'd like an answer to the what about the rest of the world question lol
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I've made it through chapter 1 and it's slower to read than I remember from when it came out (my 1st reread). Might be why I remember it as one of the more satisfying YA reads of the time.
I can see myself a bit in Katniss' interactions with Gale. They've formed a bond but she thinks it's friendship and if she's like me she's oblivious to the flirting and special treatment thinking it's just part of being good friends. It'll take someone hitting her metaphorically over the head with the information that he's interested for it to sink in.
I'm also reading this parallel to Chain-Gang All-Stars which is an interesting coincidence in how they do overlap in content, with both books having oppressive regimes making a spectacle of human violence in arenas – though it's the private sector/prison-industrial complex in CGAS while it's organized by the government in this.
Michael wrote: "Jenny wrote: "I tend to think that it was Madge providing something from the capital to the Everdeen family on the sly. I have a question that has been bugging me since I first read this.
Why is ..."
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Sammy wrote: "There are many different types of depression or other conditions affecting mood, and I guess it would first of all depend on what is causing it.
If the root cause were some underlying..."
Let's hope there won't be Panem next year 😨
Michael wrote: "Being from the States - it's way too easy to see correlations to our current socioeconomic climate - but I'm curious how our international tributes feel when reading The Hunger Games. Do you see ti..."I'm from Germany and I don't really see this (or something similar) happening here in the near future - but to be very honest, it wouldn't surprise me all that much if it would happen in the States.
All up, it's a pretty good story, fast-paced & easy to read, & I enjoy a good dystopia tale. I doubt I enjoyed it as much as the first reading but it was still entertaining despite my dislike of Katniss.I find the time in the cave a bit dull, & the whole pretend to be in love scenario is tedious, but there are some great action scenes, & some really awful ones - that last one with Cato & the muttations is fairly horrible.
The Capitol & Gamesmakers really come up with some devilish ideas. I have to wonder how they thought switching back to one winner would go down with viewers & sponsors, wouldn't have been a popular move in most quarters I'd have thought, although a few would have loved it. That part felt a bit contrived, just so Katniss could cock a snook at the establishment at the last moment, thus fanning the embers of rebellion, (view spoiler).
Sophie wrote: "So on the depression and herbs note - there have been some studies suggesting that compounds in magic mushrooms can help with depressive symptoms. If that's the type of thing she's found, herbs mig..."Maybe those magic mushrooms are what they need to get by in district 12. Orrr maybe everyone there is on magic mushrooms and that's why all of this is happening?
Ashley wrote: "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 ex..."
I remember from first reading the books and also watching the movies that I really rooted for Gale and Katniss. When Peeta (view spoiler)
Christina wrote: "Angie ☯ wrote: "I know that I am in the minority, but I am usually drawn to the "unlikeable" characters. This was and is the case with Katniss. She is bitter about alot of things and untrusting, bu..."About the second scene: I'm at the point of the book where it just happened and (view spoiler)
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Jenny wrote: "Yup on the food thing. But, that doesn't stop me from over indulging at a brilliant restaurant or something like a Thanksgiving feast. I will pay dearly later of course, but somehow, ..."I think Goodreads needs a like button for comments because I found myself yet again searching for one after reading your comment, Erin
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 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."I do agree with that, only I do think she was a recipient when her father was still alive. Every time he is mentioned, it screams of how much he cared for her.
But he'd been gone 4 years, and she has a complicated relationship with her mother, so the time in between has done a lot to make her wary of people.
I've reread the first couple of chapters now, and feeling the pressure to come up with something to comment about, lol. Surely I'm not the only one? ;)With it being a reread, I was impressed with how well the author introduced the world and got so much essential background in quickly without it ever feeling like an infodump. The Mayor's speech was an excellent way to give us the history of how the Hunger Games came to be. I was no doubt too caught up in the story to notice the author's skill first time around.
Someone already mentioned the population of District 12 being only 8,000, and how you'd always personally know the tributes. I was marvelling at how small at was - even a small town is probably 20,000 people. Are the other Districts this small? Where are all the people? The disasters happened long in the past, surely there's been enough generations since then for the numbers to go up again. I don't know the current population of the US but it must be in the middle hundred millions at least. If there was some policy prohibiting children it would make sense- but in spite of the poverty and hunger we hear about families having too many mouths to feed. It's a puzzle.
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (other topics)The Hunger Games (other topics)
Catching Fire (other topics)
The Hunger Games (other topics)
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Carolyn McCormick (other topics)Lauren Groff (other topics)
Suzanne Collins (other topics)
I think I would have done so too in Katniss' position, but it wouldn't have been a conscious decision (which I don't think it was for her either). If we're talking reality and my/our lives right now, I would not volunteer for my younger brother who's almost 24. He's so lean but knows so much about so many things and he's strong and determined; I actually do think he'd have a shot at winning (whereas I would probably get myself killed on purpose because it'd be inevitable anyway).