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
Preeti wrote: "Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland were amongst my favourites."yes, they were very good. I also liked Stanley Tucci, Toby Jones and Lenny Kravitz. :)
I have just finished part 2 of this which has a lot going on. Thoroughly enjoying the reread of this, we see more of Katniss’ strength of character and her loyalty to protect those she takes under her wing. Although I’ve watched the film, may have to rewatch it to compare, the fact that we hear Katniss’ thoughts gives more depth to the story.
I've just finished my re-read -- and re-watch as its leaving Netflix soon which is strange timing to me. It was still just as riveting and jam packed as the first time I read it. I think I will read the next two rather than listen as the reader just didn't do it for me. I think my view on Haymitch changed a lot during this re read. That may have been helped by how much I loved Woody Harrelson playing him in the movies, but I found him much more sympathetic this time around. I always figured he drank because of his time in the arena, but realized this time that it was probably from bringing year after year of tributes to be killed as well, if not more. I would love to see his story at some point.
Melindam wrote: I liked Haymitch and it doesn't hurt that he was played by Woody Harrelson in the movie version. :)On the other hand, I did not like the actor playing Peeta and unfortunately that affected his book-character for me as well."
I had the same thought about Peeta when I saw the movie the first time, and then I happened to see an interview with the cast, and everyone loved working with him. Everyone. Apparently, he is a genuinely nice guy. It made me like the casting more. Usually I avoid finding out about an actor's real life in case my favorite character is being played by a raving a-hole.
And, every time I see Woody in a movie I want to rewatch season one of True Detective.
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* wrote: "Christine wrote: "I am at the beginning part of the book and it is a reread from years ago for me. I laughed when Katniss straight out says there is no romantic feelings between her and Gale and sh..."I can see as I go further in that Katniss may have an inkling of her feelings for Gale that aren't entirely platonic. She mentions wishing he was there (but not actually there) to share moments with. You can sense the potential for a friendship turning into something more.
Stacey wrote: "Spoilers for HG and "The Lottery" below: This is at least my fourth read/listen to Hunger Games but its been quite a few years since my last go round. One thing that I couldn't shake at the begin..."
I was just going to make a post about this! I also read The Lottery in school for AP English, and I think that was the story that made me fall in love with the short story genre. It was so unique compared to other things I had read in the past.
As I read the Hunger Games, I am constantly reminded of The Lottery as well as The Long Walk and The Running Man by Stephen King (originally released as Richard Backman).
Has anyone else found themselves reflecting on those stories while reading The Hunger Games?
Christina wrote: "I finished tonight and I realized I actually wouldn't mind a novella or short story collection about career tributes, their families' and their districts' point of views and how they actually feel ..."I like that they were using it as a tactic, but I also think I would have enjoyed it more with the angst of a love triangle. I am also old LOL.
I would like to mention that I am loving this reread! I don't think I would have picked up this book again if it wasn't for this challenge. I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
I just finished Part 2. I was dreading what happened to Rue, but it didn't hit me as hard this time. I guess it was because I already knew it was coming. I really enjoyed the part where Rue explains how things work in District 11. I said in my last post that I would love to learn more about the other districts and this just clarified it.
Also, the rule change about there being two winners if they are from the same District really annoyed me. It sounds so much like a trap and Katniss doesn't seem to consider it could be a trap. I know she just lost Rue, but she seemed to consider everything else so far. Maybe she is just acting on impulse right now and actually thinks it through later. I don't remember, but I will find out soon.
Melindam wrote: "I liked Haymitch and it doesn't hurt that he was played by Woody Harrelson in the movie version. :)On the other hand, I did not like the actor playing Peeta and unfortunately that affected his book-character for me as well.
Normally I can compartmentalise movie/book characters, but because I saw movie clips (not the actual movie, though) everywhere before I read the book, my mind already attached their looks to the characters and I could not dissociate here."
I also thought the actor playing Peeta was miscast, and because I liked his character so much when I read the books, I didn't even bother watching past the first movie. Maybe I will try the rest of them after the rereads.
Reading THG again now, being a tad less idealistic than I was when I first read it, I understand Katniss more intrinsically - her fierce ruthlessness in protecting those around her.
Just finished my re-read and it honestly felt like a totally different book this time around.Would really like to hear more about Haymitch, who has obviously turned to drink to cope with the effects of the Hunger Games. He survived them once but had to do so every year whilst he watches children die in a game made to entertain the Capital. Be interested to re about about how he survived.
Yes, it would be interesting (and heart-breaking, I guess) to read Haymitch's story.
I also just finished my re-read and I don't really know how to comment on it as none of the ending was a surprise to me and happened how I remembered it. Collins definitely knew where to end it because I really want to begin the next one right away, but I have other books to read first.I also would like to know more about Haymitch.
I would like to know more about Haymitch also. What happened when he was in the games, did that lead him to drink or was it a combination of that and things he endured before/after he went into the arena?
I would really like to know how old Haymitch was when he won. And also, we know from book 2 that (view spoiler)
I'd gladly join the Haymitch train - I'd love to see a story about him. As I (and others) said, he's a lot more sympathetic once you know more of his story. I didn't love Peeta's casting either, although it's cool to read that the cast really liked him! And he did look strong. Haha plus it's really hard for any mortal to compete with a Hemsworth.
I'm about 2/3 through now. I am liking Katniss more than I did at the start, and I really like how she interacts with Rue. I also really liked learning about district 11 - and even thought District 12 sounded really rough, it was sure a lot better than 11!
I finished this a couple of days ago and it is still a 5* read for me. Again there were parts I’ld forgotten especially towards the end. I would love to read Haymitch’s story. I do believe that his drinking is a result of his own experience in the games and him having to relieve them as a mentor every year. Can’t wait to read the next one, going to finish the other BOM’s first though.
Here from The Capitol! I just started reading the book this weekend. I read it years and years ago — maybe even before I joined Goodreads — and I watched the movie when it came out. I’m only at the very beginning due to a busy weekend, but I remember the tension and am enjoying the early parts of the book. Looking forward to getting more immersed!
I do like Katniss' friendship with Gale - and I really like Peeta's character in the book with his long-time love of Katniss. I just want everyone to be happy and get overly worried about those book characters :)I had forgotten a lot of stuff about the end - I remembered the berries, but I didn't remember Peeta's leg, and Cato's grisly end - pretty horrific!
Just squeezing in here to also say I would have loved a prequel book about Haymitch's history. The way he ends up acting in the first book - always drunk, doesn't think anybody is worth a shot from District 12, probably a loooot of PTSD - until he sees the potential in Katniss, really makes me want to understand what happened to him. It must have been a horrible experience for him as well, so I don't want to really glorify that part, but I would have liked to hear about his past, maybe even before he entered the Games. I am listening to the audiobook and just had the part with Rue, and the narrator sang the song that Katniss sang to Rue, which just gave me the chills! This part always gets me but this is the first time I'm not singing the song in my head whilst reading, but actually hearing it out loud. In the movies the build up to Rue's death doesn't hurt as much imo, because we don't get to hear Katniss' side of things as much as in the books. Here we really go through the friendship-allieship development with her and also build up the protectiveness of this little girl alongside the protagonist.
Suzanne wrote: "I do like Katniss' friendship with Gale - and I really like Peeta's character in the book with his long-time love of Katniss. I just want everyone to be happy and get overly worried about those book characters :)"I'm with you! Maybe because I watched The Walking Dead between my first reading and this one, something that sticks out for me is the whole idea that they are more than just pieces in the Capitol's game - Peeta's insistence on staying himself throughout the brutality of the game - that surviving with his humanity intact is more important than merely surviving. I remember thinking a lot about this while watching TWD too - where is that line you can't cross to survive? Or do you need to do anything you need to do to survive, and try for redemption later?
I forgot how much I loved Cinna and the scenes getting them ready and strategizing. I also forget how likable Peeta was. This really is a good book and a fast read. It deserves its success.I’m also very interested in Haymitch and his backstory. What made him this way? I bet he was a great guy tgat got screwed by the games…
i liked how katniss shows the judges whose the boss when it came to show them their strengths
Dale wrote: "i liked how katniss shows the judges whose the boss when it came to show them their strengths"Yes, this was another of my favorite moments.
Her actions say, "I'll show you what it's like to disrespect me or treat me like I'm nothing when I'm going out here to risk my life."
It may not have seemed initially smart, but it was brave, and it worked in her favor.
Preeti wrote: "Katniss is a character I found most heartbreaking. When I think of how young she was when she had to take over running her family and keeping her mother and sister supplied with food and shelter, I can understand why she became the person she was.."I totally agree. One of the quotes that stuck out for me this time was "A kind Peeta Mellark is far more dangerous to me than an unkind one. Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there." She's had to become really adept at hardening her heart to keep her family alive, to keep from succumbing to desolation. Sometimes people who do this are even more brittle than people who wear their emotions on their sleeves, like Peeta. Caring equals hurting to Katniss - why she doesn't sing either, as it brings back memories of her father.
Reading this time, I braced myself for Rue's death, but then got teary as I read through District 11's gift of warm bread, originally meant for Rue, but sent now to Katniss. Again, a quiet but powerful affirmation that they, and the tributes, are human - or more importantly, have humanity, and aren't submitting that to the game's inherent cruelty.
Some thoughts from the first few chapters:-I forgot how grumpy Gale is from the beginning. I didn't like his attitude toward Madge because even though she was much safer than him, she was not safe. No one is safe. As Katniss said, it's not Madge's fault. It's not fair, but he's taking it out on the wrong person. This could just be my general dislike of Gale shining through though :-P
- I completely forgot Peeta had siblings! And that siblings in this case don't usually volunteer for each other. But then again, I guess not all siblings are close. I can't imagine not volunteering for my sister (as the older sister) but then again I thankfully have never been faced with such a situation.
- About the Mockingjay pin -- (spoilers for full series): (view spoiler)
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* 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 ..."
I feel like I saw somewhere that the interview said the other areas had fallen into the ocean . . .
Silje wrote: "I just started reading today. I've read the books before, like 10 years ago if not more. I'm curious to see what I think of them now when I'm older and have watched the movies several times.The f..."
I felt this way myself with my re-read. I just want to add that I think she had to become this way because her mother was a mess and refused to act like a mother. If Katniss didn't hunt, they wouldn't eat. Every bit of her energy was on survival for herself and her family. Things were that grim.
I enjoy the Hunger Games movies and I think they are among the very best book to film adapations ever made. However, I like Katniss so much more in the books even when she is doing the same things in the film. I think its due mostly to those few sweet moments where we get to see her as a real person, underneath that hard survival shell she must wear. The Rue thing is probably what most people remember as her moment that best shows this but I really felt it in the book when Thresh dies (after letting Katniss live for her kindness to Rue), Katness thinks to herself "But no one will understand my sorrow at Thresh's murder. Murder? Thankfully I didn't say it outloud, thats not going to win me in points in the arena." She is sorrowful because she thinks in the real world, they could have been friends. She is able to see him as a person even though the Games promotes him as big and scary. But she can't let any sign of those emotions out because that would mean showing the truth of what the Games really are. She has to literally play the game.
Finished my re-read a couple of days ago and I gave it 4 stars. I feel like this series does quite a bit of "tell not show" in certain parts. I know it is YA but I don't think Suzanne Collins always trusts the reader to make certain conclusions on there own but instead has Katniss explain everything all the time. That being said I do think it is an enjoyable book. It's also currently one of the best YA dystopian novels that we have.
I finished the book and one thing I absolutely forgot about (because it wasn't like this in the movie adaptation) was the dead tributes' reappearance as the mutants. Absolutely horrifying remembering this part of the books. And my heart breaks again for Peeta, because you can just tell that for him everything was real and his feelings for Katniss weren't a show, but for her everything was a calculated move and now that the games are over she believes she doesn't have to pretend anymore (for a short while until she realizes the danger she's in for rebelling anyways) and when Peeta realizes that it was all an act ... my heart just broke. But I'm really glad I did this re-read! I actually now just started with the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes as I didn't want to start with Catching Fire right away and I've not read the prequel yet (only seen the movie).
Something I really appreciate in comparing the book and the movie is how the games are portrayed in the movie. I love how they are in the book, but I remember being worried about how they would tell certain information to the audience because we were only in Katniss’d head. So I love how they handle the info dumping in the movie with tracker jackets and all that. That said, the book really is so much more grotesque! The tracker jacker scene in the movie is unsettling… But the description in the book it’s really disgusting lol.
It is also super interesting to be back in just Katniss’s point of view for things like the fire attack during the games. Because it seems so random in the book (even though she mentions there must be some sort of machine throwing fireballs) it still seems random whereas the movie makes it seem very intentional.
Hunger Games Part 1 Discussion PostI read the original three Hunger Games books when they originally came out, but I don’t believe I ever saw the movies. If I did see one of the movies it would only have been the first one. I don’t remember much as far as details for the series, but I remember I liked the first book best and that there was a love triangle (I believe I remember the outcome of the love triangle in book three, but I’m not 100% certain). Note - I have only read through the first 125 comments in the discussion post as I’m trying to avoid spoilers as I re-read the books.
I’m liking the fast-paced start of the book. I remembered the details from the first few chapters fairly well, but the scene that Erin mentions with Buttercup the cat also surprised me. But then I thought about it and figured it demonstrated that she would have what it takes to be ruthless, if needed, later in the book.
I agree with Angie that I am liking and rooting for Katniss. I can see the flaws in her character that everyone is mentioning, but I guess the fact that she volunteered to go in her sister’s place and that she endured and figured out a way to keep her family alive has allowed me to overlook those. And I was a bit surprised that many people found her unlikable.
As for depression herbs – St. John’s Wort may be what Suzanne Collins was alluding to in that part. Although I agree it’s efficacy is questionable. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/st-j...
Finally, I also was surprised by how much Katniss was eating and thought she should have been puking while preparing to be sent into the games!
I finished the book and was happy I read it. I really liked Katniss and wasn’t bothered by her personality quirks, although I agree about the eating! I mean, stuffing your face before you go out to battle? Not sure on that. I did love the scenes with Rue and I loved Cinna and Haymitch. I never really got behind the Team Peeta bandwagon. I think he’s a great person but I don’t see him with Katniss. At all.
Looking forward to the next one! Thanks for making me revisit this!c
I finished part 2. Rue's part finally came but it hit me less than when I watched the movie. I liked her character and what she meant for Katniss at the games. It's interesting to see how Katniss is using strategy along with skills to win a game where they are quite an underdog. I wonder what the point was for Capitol to announce that 2 people can win from the same district?! Maybe I will uncover it once I read on.. I remember it being a trap to be reverted by the end or something like that. I felt Katniss and Peeta had some sort of plot armour in some scenes but overall quite a compelling read still.
I kind of hate how the movies have put Jennifer Lawrence's face whenever I think of Katniss. I would have assumed her a bit different. Thankfully, I forgotten about Peeta from the movies
I read a long time ago that the author followed a specific writing method, which was the book in three parts with nine chapters each. I read it is supposed to divide your book easier into the beginning, the middle, and the end… And while I totally understand the end of part 2 being what it is … a turning point in the Games… I have to admit that going back and looking at the end of part one, it doesn’t seem like a good spot for “the middle” to me. In my brain, the middle of the book would be the very beginning of the Games. It’s very close to that point in time but it’s just slightly off and it bothers me. I mean, the end of chapter 9 is kind of a cliffhanger I guess, but not really where I consider the middle to start.
I finished it tonight and I loved it to be honest! More than I thought I would. I am quite intrigued by the coming parts now. The ending took a love triangle turn (which I don't mind). I quite liked Peeta and his innocence - the character grew on me, but initially did not feel much. I mean it was a huge assumption on Katniss's part to think he was also faking/acting/playing love angle when he put his life in danger for her.
The berries scene at the end feel a bit rushed to me, but I overall like the conclusion.
I read the book 7 years ago and have watched the movie. When Is tarted the audiobook, I recognized the narrators voice, Carolyn McCormick. She read the first 10 books of James Patterson's Women's Murder Club series which I really enjoyed so I'm looking forward to listening to the book. It's amazing how much of the story is coming back to me.
I'm 20% in. I'm on Team District 13 which according to the book, does not exist because it was destroyed. (view spoiler)The Hunger Games are certainly a cruel method of "entertainment" for the Capitol.
I liked the story of Peeta Mellark, who once saved Katniss from starvation when they were children. I'm sure will develop from this.
How much help will Haymitch be as their mentor? He won the Hunger 24 years earlier an since become a paunchy, alcohol-loving, middle-aged man - good casting of Woody Harrelson here!
I think I will need to watch the movie again after re-reading the book.
Based on the previous comment, I just casually mentioned that Haymitch would have been in the 50th games, which would have been a ‘special’ one. And my kids just reminded me of all kinds of things about Haymitch’s games. And it’s so much worse than I remembered.
Hunger Games Part 2 Discussion PostI’m continuing to enjoy the book just as much as I did the first time. The only thing I remembered from this section of the book before re-reading it was the conclusion of Rue’s storyline. It’s clear to me now how much of a turning point this was for Katniss – (view spoiler)
I had forgotten that Peeta (view spoiler); it seems obvious to me that he was doing it to protect Katniss (either to tip her off that they were near or to distract the career tributes and give her a chance to get away). It is definitely within her character that she can’t see this, but I did kind of want to hit her over the head at this point.
I had also forgotten the ending of this section (view spoiler)
I just started re-reading, and having read before and watched the movies, I can sense some of the foreshadowing in what is coming. I didn't read all the previous posts, so apologies if someone has mentioned this before, but I can see Peeta's actions toward Katniss are genuine, and reflect his feelings toward her. Really, his actions toward everyone are genuine. He reminds me a lot of my husband, who also wears his heart on his sleeve. Also, having seen the movie, I can't help but read Katniss's spoken words in the voice of Jennifer Lawrence. I don't remember how I felt about Peeta's casting, but I think Jennifer Lawrence played Katniss very well.
Finished – I did not enjoy the audiobook as much as the regular book, maybe I didn’t pay as much attention when listening. The re-read certainly replays how much violence how much violence is in this book. Katniss is a sharp and intelligent heroine with just the right amount of emotion who gives in to absolutely nothing and no one. I admire her love for her sister and her strength and unwillingness to give up. She's spent so long in survival mode that it's hard for her to have normal relationships with people and she constantly questions everyone's motives.
I earlier said that Haymitch was not going to be much help as a mentor but … even when you win the games there's still no escaping them. And besides his own horrors he had to face in the games and other things the Capitol did to him, every year he had to watch as two more kids got killed, for which he most likely feels responsible. I never really gave much thought before to how he coped with all that.
May the odds be ever in your favor.
I'm currently hanging out in District 11. I reread this book this past week and forgot how much that I actually liked it. I have had the opportunity in the past to meet Jennifer Lawerence in the past and I read this book long before I met her. It was fun hearing her voice as I read the book. I really enjoyed the character of Katniss. I've always been her fan. I think I now need to watch the movie again to see how closely the book matches with the movie because it's been so long.
Bernadette wrote: "I earlier said that Haymitch was not going to be much help as a mentor but … even when you win the games there's still no escaping them. And besides his own horrors he had to face in the games and other things the Capitol did to him, every year he had to watch as two more kids got killed, for which he most likely feels responsible. I never really gave much thought before to how he coped with all that.."Haymitch is so interesting to me. Because at first he comes off so uncaring but I truly do think it is because he has cared too much for too long, watched kids he has to mentor get killed for I think the last 23 years or so (if I remember correctly Haymitch was in the 50th games?) so he just comes off as super detached to try to protect himself mentally/emotionally. (Also why he is a drunk -- self-medicating from all that trauma.)
Bernadette wrote: "May the odds be ever in your favor.."
Ugh, half of my work team just got laid off this morning, maybe over half, so no kidding! I was spared for now!
Glad you enjoyed the re-read but sorry on the audio. I like audio for certain books but am very picky on women narrators, so have just been reading this one e-book wise.
Laura wrote: "My kids reminded me that the twist for the 50th was [spoilers removed]. Heartbreaking."I forgot about that twist with Haymitch and the girl he loved! That helps explain why (view spoiler)
I finally had time to read and zipped through the rest of the book, staying up way past my bed time to finish last night! Even mostly remembering what happens, the story was suspenseful and I couldn't go to sleep without finishing the book! I remembered the scene where (view spoiler), but I got a little confused with the announcement in the arena that there could be (view spoiler). Overall, I really enjoyed reading this, and I can't wait to read Catching Fire in a couple of weeks!
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 agree, whoever did the casting for this series needs to get an award for doing such an excellent job. Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland were amongst my favourites.
Funnily enough, my least favourite actors were the ones playing Katniss and Peeta. I have loved their other projects but I was slightly disappointed with their performances here.