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Buddy Reads: Current & Upcoming
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Collins,Suzanne The Hunger Games, - informal buddy read begins 15 May 2024
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One thing I that caught my attention on a reread is the mentions of how Gale is like a brother in just those first few chapters. I think from the very beginning Collins was telling us Gale was not going to be the one for Katniss.
As others have mentioned Katniss wasn't a pleasant person but she was doing what she needed to do to get through the day and keep her family alive.
I forgot how quickly they moved to the Capitol. The author packed a lot about life in District 12 in just a few chapters. Someone else mentioned this, but I am also a bit annoyed that the movie cut the Madge character. I think it mattered the Mockingjay pin came from someone outside Katniss's family.
I'm about halfway through. First, I'm using the audiobook, and I'm not crazy about the narrator. She's relatively OK, but there are times when her inflections irk me.
I looked online for discussion questions, and I found this one that I had some thoughts about: "Why does Peeta join with the Career Tributes in the beginning of the Games? Why do they accept him when they start hunting as a group? Why do groups form in the
beginning when they know only one of them will be able to survive?"
The Games strike me very much like the TV show Survivor, in that people make alliances even though there can be only one ultimate winner. I think Peeta joins the Careers because he knows that, as a group, they have the best chances of lasting through the early days. He can also evaluate their strengths and weaknesses to give himself inside information for later days. They accept him because they think he will lead them to Katniss. And they can figure out what his attributes are.
As I noted earlier, I think the main reason to form alliances early on is to gain insight into competitors' advantages and disadvantages. Also, being in a group is an advantage against single players (not counting Katniss!), allowing the group members a better chance of moving the future rounds.
Here's a link to the DQs I'm looking at: https://galesburglibrary.org/main/wp-...
#District12
Fiona wrote: "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 dea..."I have wanted a "like" button around here for AGES!
I'm listening to this and I'm about a third of the way through. The reader is very good ---for every character except Katniss. :/ I can't help but picture a 40 year old woman when she's doing her parts which is making me struggle to stay in the story. I remember not liking Katniss when I first read it, but I loved Jennifer Lawrence's portrayal in the movie, so I'm finding I like her character a lot more this time around. I also think that this was one of the first books I personally read where the FMC was a little sharp -- that seems to have become much more common over the last 10 years.
Fiona wrote: "I think Goodreads needs a like button for comments because I found myself yet again searching for one after reading your comment, Erin."
A like button would be handy!
The author starts following more logic with this a bit with the end of the book (very end), but not sure if you finished it yet, although this is not a spoiler
Fiona wrote: "About the second scene: I'm at the point of the book where it just happened and [it is really powerful and heartbreaking. I feel very honored to be in district 11 because of Rue, she definitely is my favorite character in the first book. I also think that scene was depicted very beautifully in the movie (hide spoiler)]"
Agreed with both. Well done in the book and the movie, one of the main things I remember at this point from the first film
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Fiona wrote: "I think Goodreads needs a like button for comments because I found myself yet again searching for one after reading your comment, Erin."
A like button would be handy!
The author st..."
I haven't finished it yet and I don't exactly recall from my last read but will get back to it once I'm done, which should be some time today.
I love the relationship between Katniss and Rue. I guess it was obvious that how that would turn out, but I was completely touched by their dynamic. Was anyone else hoping there would be more of their partnership?
I borrowed the books from my high school library when I was a senior. That was maybe 15-16 years ago? I have only read the books once and until last year I had only watch the movies once, but they were put on a new streaming service and I got through all of them. So the story feels fresh in my mind, but reading the specific that Collins wrote in, a lot of her descriptions are striking me for the first time, like the description of Cinna, Katniss' memories of her father and being taught by him, and even the mental health struggles that her mother went through. The line that struck me this time was her mom saying something about now having the medicines as an apothecary and that helping her stay in control. I forget the actual words she used, I'm about 50 pages farther now.
You guy are right, this book goes fast! I remember reading it in one or two days back then, but it really does go quickly even with all the detail scenery descriptions. In my opinion that's the mark of a good writer and a good story!
Ah Cinna... Casting Lenny Kravitz was a stroke of genius. Easily my favourite character both in the book and on screen! 😁
Sammy wrote: "Ah Cinna... Casting Lenny Kravitz was a stroke of genius. Easily my favourite character both in the book and on screen! 😁"Yes, I adore Cinna!
Melindam wrote: "I have not been into this Dystopia kind of fiction, but it seems like it was a conscious decision on Collins part to make Katniss as unlikeable as possible, maybe to bring home the fact even more w..."This is a good thought! I remember not liking her very much at all, and not really understanding what drove her. This discussion about her background and her constant battle against starvation and receiving little love outside her family (except for her exchanges at the Hob and with Gale) really helps the second time around. I also remember her saying that she felt nothing romantic for Gale, which is I remember not being team Gale.
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I think this was the best casting decision of the movies
Finished a little while ago. The book was just OK for me, not my typical genre. I was drawn into the plot and wanted to see how the plot played out. I would have liked one more scene at the end: Katniss and Peeta being received in their village. Who was there? Who they saw in the audience right away? Who didn’t show up? How did she react to seeing Gale? I guess maybe I’ll see that in book 2.
I've never read the books or seen the movies, so I definitely a HG virgin. I'm just getting started with the audiobook, and so far so good. I've just gotten to the point where Katniss has volunteered as a tribute (all these terms that have been thrown around that are now making more sense!) I'm hopeful the book will keep my interest, as I'm not a big fan of YA or dystopian themes. But the author is pretty good at describing the scene and mood and right now I'm invested in what happens next.
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) and serves as a powerful catalyst for (view 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.
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 their innocence,..."
Agreed on the clear connection of Rue - and actually then started a character transformation to me with Katniss. I started liking her more about mid-book as she seemed to have more emotions come out. I also really liked Thresh
Yes Fiona, Thresh was a top favorite for me for various reasons.
Judith wrote: "I only made it about 5 chapters in before I fell asleep. I needed to read the BOM section first :)One thing I that caught my attention on a reread is the mentions of how Gale is like a brother in..."
When I first read the books (several years ago now) I completely thought Katniss and Gale were going to be in the games together and that they'd fall in love. On rereads since: I don't think Katniss thinks about either of the boys romantically at all.
I'm doing my re-read at quite a slow pace. I'm also listening to the audiobook. I do enjoy Tatiana Maslany as an actress but I don't know if I like her as an audiobook narrator. I've definitely have heard worse. Katniss honestly frustrates me on how little she understands how other people view her. She is completely clueless about how both Gale and Peeta feel along with just thinking the only reason anyone helps her is because of Prim but doesn't realize that others like her as well.
Otherwise, I think the book is pretty well paced and I'm enjoying the reread.
I was pleasantly surprised by this one. I have seen the movies, but hadn't read the books.Before starting I was expecting silly translated YA, but is was actually quite good.
The initial fast pace pulls you in, giving a lot of information without feeling overwhelming.
Just like most, I’m not a big fan of Katniss. Despite growing up way too fast, she is very naive and I just can’t help it, it bothers me. Later on it gets better, but then she does something, and the feeling is back.
It is a powerful story which sets a great base for what is to come. I am a series reader so waiting a month for the next one is difficult.. I personally prefer a bit more of a closed ending, so I’m happy it’s just a month and not, well, years.
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 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.
I am a bit curious to hear Tatiana Maslany as a narrator. The edition I have on audio is narrated by Carolyn McCormick. I do not love her version, which is why I chose to read the actual book this time around. I keep seeing her as the psychologist in old Law and Order episodes.
Sammy wrote: "Ah Cinna... Casting Lenny Kravitz was a stroke of genius. Easily my favourite character both in the book and on screen! 😁"Yes, a stand-out character. I could see him while I was reading. Effie was well-portrayed by Elizabeth Banks, too.
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Feels like she's in survival mode after her dad's death and hasn't shut down as much as her mum, but is on the same path.
I agree with Sophie that she is definitely in survival mode. While mum went into complete numbness. I feel like Katniss immediately went into keep going and no time to breakdown mode. A very ineffective way of mourning, but very understandable given the circumstances. I have to admit I tend to forget she is still a child. She does remind me a bit of 16 year old me, having to adult while not being one.
second thoughts from first timerthe whole culture shock of arriving in the Capitol felt a bit flat for me
quite a bit of set-up of the Katniss is special and different and not going to play by their rules
although I can see why that might be attractive to target readership
some interesting characters introduced
very slick and manipulative Caesar Flickerman, this character felt just right
proxy Dad I feel in Cinna (compared with Haymitch Abernathy!)
and then proxy little sister in Rue
for me, this is the storyline that really develops Katniss, her relationship to Rue
(view spoiler)
gives us a glimpse of a bit more complexity and humanity to Katniss
Still chugging through part 1. There have now been a few scenes and things I didn't remember at all, but the moment we got into the private session with the gamemakers, I had a really clear vision of the pig/apple thing - so fun to realize what stuck with me and what didn't. I've never been a big Peeta fan, but I think I appreciate him more now that I'm older and know and understand more than I did as a teen. Very curious to see whether I'll end up liking him a lot by the end of the series (and maybe even get on board with them as a couple, which I've never been able to before).
ETA now that I've just finished part 1: I still HATE that Peeta (view spoiler)
I watched The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes last week and enjoyed it tremendously. I wanted to reread The Hunger Games series after watching it so this has worked out perfectly. This is my 4th read according to Goodreads but I know I have read it many more times than that. There were a few years in between when I wasn't tracking my reads in addition to which I went into a major reading slump.
I am definitely finding my reading more interesting after having read and watched Ballad. It is fascinating how well Suzanne Collins has linked the trilogy with the historical aspects of Ballad.
Finished the book yesterday and really enjoyed it! It definitely felt shorter/quicker than when I first read it. One thing about the end that quite confused me: (view spoiler)
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When Katniss was eating one of her first fancy dinners and she starts clocking what she'd have to do to make the same meal in District 12. The amount of time it would take for her to just get all the ingredients, most of the much lower quality substitutes, was several days worth of time. It's not something people talk much about or factor in when discussing the cost of poverty.
Also the scene with her prep team made me laugh a bit. It reminded me of the makeover scene in Miss Congeniality a bit. And it reminded me of a line from a book a read a couple months ago that was along the lines of "when people stop making such a fuss about it, nudity is actually pretty boring".
And I'll never not love the arrow in the apple scene. Iconic.
Judith wrote: "One of the things that I didn't appreciate Collins getting at in my first read all those years ago is the how expensive/the additional costs of being poor...."Here's the wonderful boot analogy from the inimitable Terry Pratchett, the key to the socio-economic success of the rich & titled of Ankh-Morpork.
“The reason that the rich were so rich, Vimes reasoned, was because they managed to spend less money.
Take boots, for example. He earned thirty-eight dollars a month plus allowances. A really good pair of leather boots cost fifty dollars. But an affordable pair of boots, which were sort of OK for a season or two and then leaked like hell when the cardboard gave out, cost about ten dollars. Those were the kind of boots Vimes always bought, and wore until the soles were so thin that he could tell where he was in Ankh-Morpork on a foggy night by the feel of the cobbles.
But the thing was that good boots lasted for years and years. A man who could afford fifty dollars had a pair of boots that'd still be keeping his feet dry in ten years' time, while the poor man who could only afford cheap boots would have spent a hundred dollars on boots in the same time and would still have wet feet.
This was the Captain Samuel Vimes 'Boots' theory of socioeconomic unfairness.”
Methinks Collins was aware of Pratchett's 'Vimes boots theory of socioeconomic unfairness'! 😁
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Same, that's another great bit of commentary on the situation
I'm a little behind as I was concentrating on getting a couple of long audios out of the way, and just finished part 1.The main reason I rated this 3 stars in the past (I've read it twice before. Once a year or two after it came out and again in 2019), is mostly because of how dense Collins has made Katniss. She literally doesn't read any situation right. Ever.
I live with two autistic people, who are notorious for struggling with reading people/situations and motivations, and even they have considerably more success with such things than Katniss does.
I wouldn't mind so much if it was a legitimate part of her character and something that is addressed properly, but as it is very obviously just a very clumsy way for the author to draw situations out, create tension, and make her do things that don't make sense, it really irks me.
I find this kind of thing crops up a LOT in YA fiction, and also in contemporary romances. Probably the reason these are my least favourite genres!
Sammy wrote: "I'm a little behind as I was concentrating on getting a couple of long audios out of the way, and just finished part 1.The main reason I rated this 3 stars in the past (I've read it twice before...."
Yep, I agree.
Sammy wrote: "LOL! Great minds think alike 😆"SNAP, eh. 😀
Catsalive wrote: "Sammy wrote: "LOL! Great minds think alike 😆"SNAP, eh. 😀"
In this group it'd be silly to expect otherwise really, considering how many DW fans we have 😆
Judith wrote: "One of the things that I didn't appreciate Collins getting at in my first read all those years ago is the how expensive/the additional costs of being poor.When Katniss was eating one of her first..."
Yep same here! That did not register to me at all when I originally read it - or at least it didn't stand out to me the way it did now. I'm in generally really appreciating how she's weaving her commentary into how Katniss experiences the world, very well done imo!
Judith wrote: "One of the things that I didn't appreciate Collins getting at in my first read all those years ago is the how expensive/the additional costs of being poor.When Katniss was eating one of her first..."
That struck me, too. It made me remember how privileged I am to have leisure time because my food needs are easily met.
Sammy wrote: "I'm a little behind as I was concentrating on getting a couple of long audios out of the way, and just finished part 1.The main reason I rated this 3 stars in the past (I've read it twice before...."
That's an interesting observation. I took her lack of receptiveness to others as a result of having an emotionally drawn off mother and her near absence of human interactions beyond a handful of people. But I guess your point becomes all the more valid once she starts interacting with Peeta and others and never reads them in time.
Finished Book 1 - What's interesting to me is the overall feel that the Capitol is truly in control, outside of the berries scene. It makes the events sequence in the following books all the more real and drastic.
The ending was heartbreaking for me. In literature you don't usually see the girl breaking the boy's heart (or at least I don't), and you could truly feel Peter's heart breaking and closing up through the writing. And I think Katniss musings on it were mostly valid, except remember Katniss you feel only platonic things towards Gale? Like why is it even a question? Is it just because he's too close? Or because you DO recognize that Gale has feelings for you? But yeah, now I'm on pins and needles for the second book!
For some reason I thought this series was for younger kids so I didn't read it until my early late 40s. Then I consumed them in a weekend. I remember thinking (and am still thinking) "you know this is coming, why aren't you providing training to all kids in your district!!"
Jax wrote: "For some reason I thought this series was for younger kids so I didn't read it until my early late 40s. Then I consumed them in a weekend. I remember thinking (and am still thinking) "you know this..."It does mention in the book that it is forbidden to do so. The wealthier districts do so anyway (presumably by bribing peacekeepers to turn a blind eye), but the poorer districts have no choice but to go along.
Gale being dragged away, “Katniss, remember I…”. And her thinking she’ll never know what he wanted her to remember. I wonder what he wanted to say? 😂😂And just a few minutes later her (view spoiler)
As far as the location, I’ve watched too many movies/shows. Especially Stargate. Isn’t there a whole back-up military command center in Colorado Springs? I think that’s where the Aliens in Independence Day 2 take out the president. I always just assumed this was why that area survived better than others.
Laura wrote: "Gale being dragged away, “Katniss, remember I…”. And her thinking she’ll never know what he wanted her to remember. I wonder what he wanted to say? 😂😂And just a few minutes later her [spoilers re..."
yes, NORAD operates from Colorado springs 😊
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)
In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if numbers have declined over time in that district, because starvation interferes with women's cycles, so I would guess it'd not be unusual for many of the poorer ones to not be able to have kids.