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
Maria Jo wrote: "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 [spoiler..."
I also put that twist in the back of my mind and went that makes sense when I read it.
Hunger Games Part 3 Discussion PostI remembered more of the last part of the book than I expected, particularly about (view spoiler)
I think Cinna is my favorite supporting character. He always seems to know exactly what to say to Katniss to get through to her and he seems to have her best interests at heart. He seems to genuinely care for her and she for him. I hope he appears in the last two books.
The ending felt abrupt to me, although I suppose that’s not surprising for the first book in a trilogy. I had been wanting to see what Katniss was going to say to her mother, Prim, and Gale when they first got back home. I really don’t remember the second book at all, except at some point I think we get more insight into Haymitch’s character as I remember understanding and liking him better in the end. I’m looking forward to reading the next book and am considering watching the first movie too!
This is my first time reading the Hunger Games despite having it on my tbr since 2009. This is not a genre I would typically read, so that is most likely why I put it off for so long. I recently went through some of the older books I added on Goodreads and I almost got rid of the series thinking I would never get to them. I am really glad I gave it a shot because I am really enjoying it. Obsessed even as I did some research on each of the districts. I just finished Part 1: "The Tributes" and I was hooked within the first 10 or so pages. I will admit I almost put it down because of some of the mentions of animal death (I am fairly triggered by that) but since most of it seemed to be more survival, I have been able to get past it.
I enjoy the main characters a lot. While I know some people find Katniss to be unlikable, that has not been my experience. Her childhood sounds absolutely awful and having to step up and be the one taking care of her mom and sister has been heartbreaking to read.
I have read reviews that compared this to Survivor the reality show (which I have watched all 46 seasons). I have read in interviews that early watchers of this show thought that people were going to actually die on the island because the promos were misleading. The concept of this book is so conflicting to me as young people are killing one another and the fact that I am enjoying this does concern me. I obviously think it is terrible that the Capitol has deemed this an appropriate response to the Dark Days (uprising of the districts). LIke others have stated (I have skimmed some of the earlier discussion posts as I do not want to be spoiled), I would like more background on how this (the Hunger Games) came to be decided, especially sacrificing children.
Looking forward to Part 2!
Lisa wrote: "Hunger Games Part 3 Discussion PostI remembered more of the last part of the book than I expected, particularly about [spoilers removed]
I think Cinna is my favorite supporting character. He alw..."
Isn't it funny how many of us like Cinna? I'm not even certain why. He's so collected and focused - and very quickly becomes someone Katniss sees as a friend.
It's also so intriguing that he asked for District 12. Was it just because he had a fabulous idea for their outfits, or is he already interested in the District for other reasons?
@Angela Both dystopian fiction and YA are iffy for me, so the fact that I like The Hunger Games and have continued to enjoy it as a reread is a bit unusual. You mentioned genres you avoid - were you referring to either of those?
Finally getting round to starting this - joining in from District 10! I first read this such a long time ago, I'm curious to see how much I remember... my guess is very little lol.I read this in the Italian translation the first time and am going to jump into the audiobook instead for this re-read. It'll be really intriguing seeing how my perception of this book might change by reading it in the original language and after so many years.
I just finished the first chapter, and already I can feel small things I had forgotten (or maybe they didn't pique my interest that much the first time round!). I had completely forgotten how strong the social commentary was right from the start. I'm really enjoying the first-person narrative though and I think that works really well for audiobooks... I find them so much more immersive that way!
In for District 7 - I am listening to the audio version and find the narrator does a good job of pulling me into the story. I remember reading this book years ago on the advise of a librarian. I then saw the movie and now listening to the story. I realize that the movie was well made and follows the book closely.I am up to chapter 14 where the characters still don't know what they are in for. I see Katniss as naive and can't wait to see her transition into the character she becomes.
@Tru- I used to read YA all the time, but within the past three years I have found that I am at a point in my life that it no longer interests me. I will read some YA still, but usually authors that I have rated their YA highly in the past. As far as dystopian goes, it is a genre I rarely read. I also avoid fantasy. Part 2: "The Games"
I am not an action reader at all and I thought this part might be something I slogged through, but I flew through it. I did not like the twist at the very end of that part and I did like that the capitol took it back at the end of Part III. And then it was quickly 'resolved'.
I also liked that we got to know a bit more about some of the other tributes, like Rue. Not sure how I feel about the romance of it all (and I usually love romance)!
I finished the book about 20 minutes ago and I really liked it a lot! I had a busy weekend, otherwise I would have read this in one day. I am looking forward to the second one as well as reading this thread as I had been trying to avoid spoiling myself. Katniss is the definition of 'not like other girls' and usually I roll my eyes at this character type, but it worked for me. I liked getting flashbacks to earlier times in her life as well as seeing how her relationship with both Gale and Peeta evolved. I enjoy stories with social commentary and really felt immersed in this world.
I am not sure if this is a spoiler free discussion or not, so I am trying to limit saying too much.
Finally able to start this book....so looking forward....a few weeks ago I watched The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes and thought it was quite good....
I still need to read the Songbirds book. Maybe I'll get to it this summer. I haven't watched it either.
I just really got into it tonight. I first read it before the movie came out, but I can’t remember how I cast the characters (I always picture the book I’m reading like an immersive movie). This readthrough, I find I’m HEAVILY influenced by the movies when it comes to casting. Another thing I find the movie has influenced is my feelings toward Madge. I honestly can’t say she was missed. I can’t see how she really impacts the story. We’ll see what other things the movie changed (besides that weird (view spoiler) part)
Read the first 3 chapters. What I find interesting is that as I read I am flipping back to the movie and how the character from the movies are how I imagined the characters to be. I forgot about the mothers grief and really feel that Katniss dealing with her mom and Prim during that time helped shaped her. The one scene that stood out when i first read the book and also when I saw the movie was when Peeta gave Katniss the loaves of bread during the rain storm.
I will break my comments down by parts:Part One
I just finished part one and I was surprised by how much I remembered as I haven't read this in a really long time. Once again I found myself getting emotional at the reaping when Katniss volunteers' as tribute. Of all the ridiculous luck for a child with one paper to get called. My heart broke again when Rue was called. I remember being put off by these books because of the whole premise of kids killing kids for entertainment. I can't imagine being in that kind of position, nevermind a 12 year old. So terrible. My favorite parts are with Cinna. Using fashion to make District 12 standout and be noticed instead of the previous half-assedness made me smile so much. The other smile moment was when Katniss shot the apple with the arrow to make the gamemakers pay attention to her. Such a badass.
Part Two
The start of the "games" ugh these poor kids. I have a hard time rooting for any to die but the careers are so egotical so I wasn't the least bit sad when their food supply went up and gone! Rue baby Rue what a sweet innocent girl. Reminds me a ton a child deprived of love. The excitement she felt when Katniss wanted to form an alliance. Ugh the emotions. Her death gets me every dam time. How cruel Panem, and the world in general, is and how scary humans can become when they have nothing to lose.
Part Three
Katniss is so resourceful. The way she is able to track down Peeta, try to heal him, and figure out this whole love thing all while trying to survive... I cannot imagine being in such a position. I always wonder how people are still able to love in such dire situations and bring kids into that kind of world. Just seems so cruel considering they would have to suffer trying to survive at home and possibly face death in the hunger games. I don't blame Katniss for being so unsure about Peeta. I definitely see the potential relationship on my second read. I also love how they made the Capital look stupid with the threat of a double suicide. I wonder what they would have done if they actually allowed it to happen.
I finished Part 1....I was amazed by how much I was remembering....some favorite parts when Katniss was showing her skill set and shot the apple and pinned it to the wall....also vividly remember from the movie Katniss interview and when she spun in her dress....Fave secondary characters are Cinna and Haymitch
Just finished Part 1 and... wow! I was surprised at how much I remembered about this. I had forgotten some of the smaller details, and so I've been really enjoying revisiting them - especially the flashback scenes. I find they're really helping me to understand Katniss and why she might be so guarded: her life was awful! I'm also surprised by how many scenes I visualised as the film version! For the interview scene especially, my memory of it was so vivid I could almost see her spinning her dress. I never saw the other three films (not sure why!), so I wonder how that will change my perception of the rest of the trilogy.
Also jumping on the Cinna love train - he's my favourite secondary character so far!
It's getting really hard to pace myself through this though - I'll need to set myself some more chores, just so that I can keep listening while keeping up the pretence that I'm being productive lol.
I just found out that a new Hunger Games book will be out in March. The 50th games. So Haymitch’s story!
Laura wrote: "I just found out that a new Hunger Games book will be out in March. The 50th games. So Haymitch’s story!"I am SOOOOOOOO excited about this!! When they announced the last prequel I was hoping it was Haymitch so I'm glad to finally get it!
I've seen some discussion on TikTok about wondering if it'll be Haymitch's POV or not since the articles haven't mentioned him at all (obviously he'll feature heavily though) so I'm interested to see an actual blurb about it! I can't imagine it being anyone other than Haymitch's POV though.
Kaley wrote: "Laura wrote: "I just found out that a new Hunger Games book will be out in March. The 50th games. So Haymitch’s story!"I am SOOOOOOOO excited about this!! When they announced the last prequel I w..."
I just saw they announced the movie too?!?!
Kaley wrote: "Kaley wrote: "Laura wrote: "I just found out that a new Hunger Games book will be out in March. The 50th games. So Haymitch’s story!"I am SOOOOOOOO excited about this!! When they announced the la..."
The movie already?! Wow!
Laura wrote: "I just found out that a new Hunger Games book will be out in March. The 50th games. So Haymitch’s story!"My daughter told me today. I thought it was a weird coincidence that it was something we were talking about here. It makes me so happy.
Joining from Distric 9!!! These will be a reread for me BUT with Songbirds fresh in my mind i'm excited to see how I will feel about revisiting these stories!
Here from District 2! This is a re-read for me, but it's been a very long time.
I just finished Part 1, and I have enjoyed it thus far. I think this first section of the book does a good job in showing the disparity between the districts and the capital. The abject poverty of district 12 is contrasted well with the extravagance the tributes are exposed to once they begin their preparations for the games.
I really like Rue, I don't remember what happens to her (I mean, I assume she dies because it's the hunger games). I am looking forward to getting to know some of the other characters.
I've seen several people in here discussing the movie, I've never seen it, but I might give it a watch when I am finished with the book.
Gale earns my love every time!! He is such a good guy and when she begs him not to let her family starve and he says I wont I just cant! Tears!!!
Oh Rue! Even though you know its coming its still devestating! She was such a pure sole and you can really feel the hurt Katniss felt when she sings you goodbye, :(
I'm about a third of the way into this and I'm loving it even much as the first time. It's been longer than I thought since I've read it. The beginning during the reaping still gets to me. Listening to Katniss call Prim "little duck" is so heartbreaking. I love the team surrounding Katniss and Peeta (Cinna is my favorite and Effie is great) I can't help comparing Haymitch in the book to Haymitch in the movie and realize I like movie Haymitch so much better.
I still love when Katniss shoots the arrow through the apple in the pig's mouth LOL
Roe wrote: "Oh Roo! Even though you know its coming its still devestating! She was such a pure sole and you can really feel the hurt Katniss felt when she sings you goodbye, :("Rue was my favorite character even over Katniss, though we can’t help but love her too.
It’s my 3rd time reading (watched twice). Still love it as much as #1. And of course the book is better than the movie, but the movie is pretty cool too!
Thats a wrap! Super impressed how true to the book the movie is now that i have a fresh take on the book. You can literally play the movie images in your head as you read it. It also hits differently once you have read Songbirds and Snakes. I will say of all the ways to die tracker jackers and eaten by human zombie dog things are prob up there with my top two worst ways to die lol
Roe wrote: "Thats a wrap! Super impressed how true to the book the movie is now that i have a fresh take on the book. You can literally play the movie images in your head as you read it. It also hits different..."I agree the movie and book were close together , which also makes sense of why the movies are so long and it took 4 instead of 3 books.
I think I need to re-read Songbirds too... completely forgot the context!
While reading Part 2, all I can think of is that my favorite part in this entire book is Katniss and Rue's 'friendship'. The way Katniss protected her as if she was her own little sister and the way Rue depended on her was so touching. Even my third time reading I cried when Rue died and when District 11 sent Katniss the bread. I believe this is really where Katniss began the rebellion. It had nothing to do with Peeta and everything to do with Rue.
It is a very good book to movie! They held true to many of the details that made this book as great as it is. I've finished and it's still as haunting as the first time. Even though I remembered the final battle at the Cornucopia, it was more gruesome than I thought reading about Cato's death. I guess I remembered it happening faster. I don't know why Katniss wouldn't have tried to kill him sooner, especially knowing how badly Peeta was.
I'm excited to read the next 2 books and think I'll watch the movies again when the challenge is over. (Can't give up any reading time during it! LOL)
Is there a thread for the Catching Fire Buddy read yet? Or are we just continuing in this thread?
Just finished part 2. I keep thinking about how much I would have loved this book if I had read it as a teenager, not that it's not enjoyable now. It's just that I probably would have been super into it back then, haha.One part I found funny was Katniss kind of mocking Glimmer's name. I'm like, girl, your name is Katniss...glass houses and stones and all.
I really enjoyed when Katniss and Rue team up, I like their dynamic and it's, of course, very sad when Rue dies.
Well, on to part 3.
Finished Part 2 just now and oh, my poor heart. Of course I knew it was coming, but (view spoiler) had me sobbing all over again. Katniss singing in the audio version was incredibly touching and added to my heartbreak. Seeing the two of them team up is probably one of my favourite parts. I completely agree with what was said in a previous comment about this being the start of Katniss's rebellion: I could feel the shift in her by this point and the way her hatred for the Capitol and the injustice of the whole system really starts coming together into something more, a call to action of sorts.
Now if only I didn't have to go be productive and could just keep listening till the end...
It has been a long time since I've read this and it's funny how many details I've forgotten! I forgot the whole thing about Katniss's mother originally coming from a wealthier background, as well as Peeta and the bread and then how that and seeing the dandelion inspired her to survive, and then how feeling like she owes him to an extent because of that during the games.
I'm also laughing at how Collins was forced to write a love triangle where one of the characters the first thing described abour him is that he could be Katniss's brother!
I'm impressed with how Collins is able to fit in the world building and character background while also getting right to the plot.
Just finished and overall it's an enjoyable read. I remember enjoying it on my first read while back, and I am happy to see it holds up still. I am not the biggest YA fan, but this one did a good job of keeping me interested.I did feel really bad for Peeta, seeing as how he really cares for Katniss, but she's putting on a show to get them supplies. I also feel bad for her having to do that just to keep them alive. I guess I feel more bad about them having to fight and kill a bunch of other kids though, haha.
I have read the other two books as well, but I remember even less about them than this one. I do remember not liking them as much, so I guess I will see if that changes on the re-read.
Let the games begin. The whole training and imagery presented leading up to the games was beautifully translated to the screen. I forget how powerful the inner thoughts of the characters are to setting up the story and letting us know what is going on.
I'm really excited for a reread of this series, as it has been a while. I bought Book 4 many years ago, but never picked it up to read. I feared that I had forgotten too much of the plot to read it. This reread will definitely help to put the pieces back together. It is also especially exciting with the news of a new book coming out this year. Knowing that this new book will be Haymitch's story is great! I have just gotten to the part where we really begin to see what the games has done to Haymitch over the years.
Oh my many scenes stand out for me. Rue and the wildflowers, Peeta in the mud, the final berries, the tracker's nest. I had forgotten about Peeta's father infatuation with Katniss mother. I had also forgotten about the creatures at the end, what their origins were.
I so enjoyed this re read. Looking forward to the next one.
I've read 8 chapters tonight. I am utterly addicted, I love this. Vague rambling about the difference between book vs. film characters: I sooo much prefer book!Katniss, with her terrible instincts about people's intentions. I think book! Peeta is way more interesting too, he's very disarming in an interesting way. Maybe I just need to rewatch the movie, but I feel like Katniss in particular gets flattened a little into just being Good and Generous and Kind to all the right people--in the book, with her ignoring Rue while Peeta takes note, like that is such a huge difference in characterisation and makes her way, way more interesting to me. I liked film!Katniss, but not this much.
I'm nearing the end of this now and I love it so much. One more chapter to go. The changes from the movie are interesting; I don't remember that there's even the idea they could've survived together in the movie, but maybe my memory is wonky. I think I preferred that version though, where it's all Katniss' idea at the end, though she does still get that moment with the berries of course. The muttations, I struggled to imagine them but...listening to Cato be mauled all night into the dawn was horrifying. Just incredibly upsetting, good work Suzanne Collins, you got me pretty good there. Also, omg, KATNISS he's obviously in love with you, shhh.
Finished! There was so much I had forgotten and a lot that probably went over my head when I read it 6 years ago. As a teen I didn't really understand Peetas character in general and also Katniss confusion and struggle after the game. Now I do. Same with all the themes of social criticism. I just guess, I was a bit too young when I first read it.
I know I'm late to the game, but I decided to jump on this Buddy Read since I'm pretty sure I can finish it before the deadline.I have read this series so many times. I think the last time I read this one, I read it out loud to my kids. I did the voices and they loved this one so much. I ended up deciding that they weren't old enough to listen to Catching Fire, so we ended that tradition there.
Are they old enough now? It might be a fun summer project that y'all could read it together. I always find it interesting to pick up series again a few years later and see what jumps out or what sticks from the first time that I've read it, especially series like this one that I read when they first came out.
Finished! My, my what a ride the last part was! I have to say, I remembered the first half of the book so much better than the final bits. I'd completely forgotten about the creatures at the end, so that was a nice new horror to imagine - Cato's death was so unsettling I'm somewhat surprised I'd completely forgotten about it.I'm pretty sure a lot of stuff went over my head when I last read this 9 (!) years ago: the social justice element just seemed so evident, as did the aftermath of the games. I definitely felt I was a lot more lenient towards Haymitch this time around. Speaking of, I am really curious about his book being announced these last few days! I thought about it again when Katniss and Peeta wonder about how he won the games, and I thought we'll actually get to see that soon! Excellent timing, I guess hahaha
I don't feel as though I remember the other two books quite as well, so I'll be curious to jump on the next one!
I think they are old enough now. I'm trying to decide if I'm going to read it aloud or just get them to read the book this summer for fun. Currently in my reading Katniss is in the games now. What really stands out to me this time is when her style team look at Katniss and say "You almost look human now." It really hits home that for this group of people to fall in line and find the Hunger Games entertainment, they have to look at the kids as less than human. Kinda coincides with Gale's supposition that killing in the arena is not much different with killing animals.
It's interesting reading this now after having just finished The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Having hated that sooooo much this almost seems like a lark in comparison. I read it years ago but never finished the series. The premise just isn't a favorite of mine. I really don't love the concept in general. But after torturing myself to finish the prequel I'm actually kind of enjoying this so far.
The details! Like the boy who tried to eat people, gah. I also love how this book is exciting but Katniss spends so much time thinking about the practical survival stuff too. I love the partnership between Rue and Katniss, and how Katniss can be so gruff and everything but is so sweet with younger children, though of course what then happens to her is so sad. Them talking about how things are different in the districts are so fascinating, especially with Katniss realizing that maybe being the forgotten district has its benefits.
The beginning of this story the short choppy sentences were noticeable to me but then once the action started those sentences worked so well. I feel for Haymitch, not only having to deal with the ptsd of his games but also having to see tribute after tribute from his district die each year and to have to do it 100% on his own. I don't blame him for drinking, and I'd be so curious to get these games from his perspective as he's drawn into it more. Actually, I think that's what's so rewarding about these books on rereads. Everyone's a bit more complicated than they perhaps first seem. Even Effie, she's portrayed as ditzy and unintentionally cruel but then she has her softer side. Katniss is taught to view the other tributes as her enemies but then really sees how everyone's a victim and especially with what they did to the previous tributes at the end.
I also feel bad for Peeta, having genuine feelings for Katniss that he then yes plays up for the cameras but then to have it play out but in a more fake way.
I had forgotten that they'd (view spoiler)
This was so much fun to read again! Now I need to rewatch the movie.
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)
Under the circumstances, I'm surprised all he does is self-medicate with alcohol. I wonder what the suicide rate for non-'professional' tributes would be? Surely PTSD would be incredibly common for the winners, and it seems highly unlikely their distress would even be recognised by a state that would create/promulgate the Games in the first place.
The longer I think about it, the more odd and unnecessary I find the (view spoiler)[ Wolf-Mutt monsters begin created from losing tributes. (hide spoiler)]