Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Mockingjay
Buddy Reads: Current & Upcoming
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Collins,Suzanne, Mockingjay - informal buddy read begins 15 July 2024
Like a bunch of others here, I’ve been dreading rereading this book because I did not like it at all either of the two times I read it so far. After I liked the first two more than I remembered, I was vaguely optimistic but chapter one is already proving my skepticism true… I’m not enjoying this :/ the first couple of chapters have been everything I remembered disliking about this series. However, given how spotty my memory of the second book was too, I’m actually surprised about how much I remember of what District 13 was like.
Fingers crossed my overall experience with this turns around quickly and it'll surprise me overall (though I already get mad thinking about the ending...)
Part 3Still 4 stars. The beginning part of this book is boring, especially compared to the other 2 books. Katniss trying to live again in 13 is repetitive and with not much action it tends to be a completely different book than the other 2. It really picks up in Part 3 and that part is 5 stars.
Boggs takes the place of Haymitch in this one as being Katniss’s protector and while I miss Hatmitch in this book I love Boggs.
It is sad though, the unnecessary deaths in the end. However realistic it is that not everyone survives a war it is sad to read about certain characters coming to the end of their story. Especially Finnick. Out of everyone he deserved a happy ending.
Part 2To me this part was all about what was done to Peeta and how it affects Katniss’ relationship to virtually everyone. What an evil drug the Capitol used on him. It’s sad to see Katniss fear Peeta. I’m glad that by the end he is working to determine what is real and what is a planted memory.
Gail on the other hand is showing a blood thirst that is hard to stomach. I get it. He saw so many people killed in district 12 including his family. He is all about revenge and doesn’t so any remorse for wanting to take others lives. Katniss shows so much more empathy for what people have endured and their ability to change. She is much more forgiving. Is that because she feels deaths on her hands?
Looking forward to the battle for the capitol.
Mod
I was just thinking that too.
Tigris POV and life would be interesting also
Mod
I had forgotten about those main deaths and perhaps it is because they happen so quickly - blink and you miss it! Not unlike real life I guess rather than in fiction where authors often write much longer, dramatic scenes.
My main criticism of the book is the love triangle. I know it’s YA and that was a “must” of the genre at the time but it always feels a bit contrived that at their ages they can talk about love and forever. Or maybe I’m just too old to remember that I did the same back then 🤭
I wasn’t going to read the prequel but I am now quite keen to read about Snow so I’ve reserved it from the library
Haha Karen I did the exact same thing and borrowed the ebook as soon as I finished this even though I said I wasn’t going to!
Part 3I’m struck with all the deaths and violence in this part of the book. Coin turns out to be no better than Snow. I guess the message is about the corrupting influence of power? I was disappointed that the remaining tributes would even consider having a Hunger Games with the Capitol children. Did they learn nothing from the experience?
To me this was a bittersweet book, so many characters that you liked died but in the end Katniss and Peeta are together and after many years they do what they never would have considered doing by having children which shows they have hope for the future of their world.
I finished - and will put my end thoughts in the next post. But here are my midbook thoughts:What a contrast between Gale and Peeta. I still hate love triangles, and I wish the author had made Gale her brother just...not a love interest. But the path of violence he chose would never have helped Katniss endure and recover from her ordeals. When they discussed mid-book his plans for weapons, taking advantage of sympathy, etc. - well yikes. I had totally forgotten how those weapons were later used, but even without that use, what he was planning was wrong.
It was shocking to see Peeta so confused and violent. And it was wonderful to see Finnick and Anna - their love for each other and the happiness at being together.
Now for my end part comments: so wow, this was so much more violent and bloody than I remembered. Really, really grim. I loved Boggs - what a great secondary character. But really, how could I not like the whole team!? But the thing I wanted to focus on with this comment was the memory book that Katniss and Peeta made - memories of all the people, their sacrifices, and of the good things that had happened since. I really loved that idea. Perhaps we should all make one of those that highlight important parts and people of our lives.
Mod
🤭🤭 yeah I didn’t think I would ever read it.
But this re-read has me intrigued!!
Mod
Yes those memories were lovely and hopefully helped them to heal.
It was so sad that 20 years later she says she still has nightmares and Peeta has to ‘grip the chair’ sometimes. I wonder what kind of help they were offered (or took - she originally refused treatment) for PTSD
Karen ⊰✿ wrote: "Melissa wrote: "Haha Karen I did the exact same thing and borrowed the ebook as soon as I finished this even though I said I wasn’t going to!"🤭🤭 yeah I didn’t think I would ever read it.
But this..."
If I don’t read it now I probably never will!
Finished part 2I feel like this was jam packed with stuff! You see Gale's thirst for revenge and how it overtakes what justice should/could really look like. And for me, there was where I was really able to let go of Gale as a partner for Katniss; she's not able to condone that kind of bloodshed, for any reason. It's better to arrive at a resolution with grace and diplomacy.
It was interesting to me her description of after the torture and then after the confusion, how Peeta now saw her the same way everyone else does and how that's disheartening to her and embarrassing. I also remember the first time I read through the description of what Peeta went through in the capitol and I was sooo horrified and disheartened. It was probably one of the reasons I gave this book a one star rating way back then - it was too heavy for my unsuspecting heart.
To note - it took 3 weeks for Katniss and Johana Mason to train and catch up to the elite soldiers who've been training for months? Hmmm I don't buy it...
MelanieJoy wrote: "Finished part 2I feel like this was jam packed with stuff! You see Gale's thirst for revenge and how it overtakes what justice should/could really look like. And for me, there was where I was rea..."
About the accelerated training - good comment! I'm wondering now if it is because Coin wanted the ex-tributes in the capital? Or maybe it was their super-powers :)
I finished and once again thoroughly enjoyed it. This was so action packed and emotional. (view spoiler)
I’ve just started — so behind most of you — but the beginning 4 chapters really did move me. I imagined how it would feel to lose everything — how Katniss must have felt in the rubble of her former home. I’m glad she found Buttercup. I hugged my dog when that happened. But I think it’s interesting that even the rebels are squashing peoples’ rights with the tattoos. I am being brought back to this story and I definitely like it.
FinishedThe last 3 chapters plus the epilogue are fast paced, disorienting, heartwrenching and I struggled to keep up. The heaviness of all that happens at the end was why I rated this one star the first time I read it. Now I can't decide if the first person short sentence manic writing style is genius or trying-too-hard, to be frank. There are so many lines in the last part that are highlight worthy.
Katniss' desire to die was highlighted to me. I can now see this time around how it was too much suffering and how it was hard for her that no one would let her die. But it's also super weird that no one visited her in that room for months.
And it's interesting - I think in the decision of Gale or Peeta, Gale made the decision for her by getting a job in 2? Or had she already made the decision realizing that he built the bomb that did the ultimate damage at the capitol?
I guess I'm left with a few unanswered questions but the glaring thing is that through an unimaginable amount of suffering. the survivors somehow managed to find a way forward.
It wrecked me again!
Last note - I think for me the book is more powerful than the movie. The movie is more memorable because I can see the faces of the characters, but the feelings, the sensations the author is trying to evoke, are more prevalent in my mind through the reading experience as opposed to the movie experience. So I guess with those thoughts, I can say Suzanne Collins is genius, the way she took on the roller coaster of that Hunger Games ride.
Mod
Gale seems so twisted by his experiences, but unfortunately too many people seem to follow the path that he and Coin did of ever escalating violence without seeking an off-ramp which makes those who try to moderate responses seem weak in comparison.
Judy wrote: "Like a bunch of others here, I’ve been dreading rereading this book because I did not like it at all either of the two times I read it so far. After I liked the first two more than I remembered, I ..."It wasn't until I started this one that I remembered how sad and gut wrenching it is. I came away from my first couple of reads of this series loving it (and I still do) but I wasn't really prepared to read a heavy read.
I do have to say though going over it again has gotten me to rethink some things in the book. It finally dawned on me that Snow probably knew Katniss really had a fondness for Peeta and only forced her to "prove to him that it was real" to make her more attached to Peeta and therefore more easily controlled by hurting him. It wasnt until Finnick said he could see that she loved him, that I thought that one out.
I'm just through Part 1 and like a lot of us had forgotten most of this story...although it's coming back. The placing of that rose...creepy. I can't recall if it was really Snow that left it there. Now having read the prequal I've a better appreciation for Snow's draw to Katniss. I'll definitely recommend it particularly if you are looking forward to the next installment.
District 13 is once again giving me the absolute creeps...very controlling. It's a lesson in what happens to a civilization when pushed to survive. Like many of you, I've some melancholy reading this story and our current state of affairs with Israel, Ukraine and even here in the U.S. People can be so cruel to each other. Why can't we just find a way to get along!!
It's interesting how the dynamic with Gale has changed so drastically. Gale is a mirror to those who have lead a sheltered existence. We are a sum of our experiences and this series is certainly a lesson to all of us that we all come from different angles.
Finished part 2I keep thinking about Snow…wondering if all these attacks aren’t motivated for his hate for Katniss…he seems deranged…sending more roses.
I had forgotten the torture Peeta endured…all to bring Katniss to her knees. Snow really does fear her…I guess rightfully so.
District 13 is ready for practically anything…a well oiled machine. Coin’s jealousy/hate for Katniss is scary that she would go to any length for power is so sad. I can’t remember, but I hope she doesn’t take Gale with her.
Now for the dreaded Part 3… I remember thinking the book was doing ok up to this part…will see if my mind is changed at all…
Finished part 2I also forgot the stuff with Peeta. Maybe I blocked it out. This was disturbing and dark — darker than I remember. Oddly, I do like it. I think one of the reasons Snow (and Coin) hate Katniss is that she just has to be herself and people follow her. Both Snow & Coin’s hunger for power leave them blind to humanity and instead they force people to follow them.
I still think “the revolution” is so ironic because they went from one shitty, power hungry leader to another. Coin doesn’t want people to be free any more than Snow does.
Coin really is a terrible person. These poor people go to her district for freedom and end up at her mercy. She just hides it a little better. The rigidity of District 13 makes it so apparent that they are being oppressed. It reminds me a little bit of the Capitol, except their food and things that they are given are more extravagant.
I really liked how Collins ended the series. She made their battle to some sense of normalcy seem real. They didn't just get poofed into HEA.I liked that she didn't change the characters much, therefore making it seem so real. Haymitch still drinks too much. Katniss is still terrified of having a family. But they all make it work.
I still hate that some of my favorite characters were killed off, but I guess that's a part of the Hunger Games.
My soon to be 13 year old girl is making her way through Catching Fire. I'm letting her go at her own slow pace and not being super encouraging at getting her to finish because I know Mockingjay is next and after reading it again I hope she doesn't get to them until she's older. Seems a little hypocritical as I was reading Gone With the Wind and my mom's Harlequin novels when I was younger than her. I saw her with Pride and Prejudice last night and sighed a little bit in relief knowing that she put down this series for a bit.
I finished this and I really enjoyed re-visiting this series. I definitely liked The Mockingjay as I like the politics of it all. Snow & Coin were both shitty people and it’s interesting how people get their heads screwed up in the name of a “righteous” cause. This book was dark and depressing but I’m pretty sure I’d be depressed if I lived there. Thank to whomever made me read this again! Cheers!
I just finished as well. I did improve my rating from previous to 3 stars although I'd give the entire series 4. I didn't care for the dark nature and children being slaughtered in this book. While the author has privilege, I still feel that with a YA targeted audience it should not have had that scene.
I paid more attention this time around...I give special note to the writing at the start of chapter 25. Real or not real? I am on fire. The balls of flame that erupted from the parachutes shot over the barricades, through the snowy air, and landed in the crowd. I was just turning away when one caught me, ran its tongue up the back of my body, and transformed me into something new. A creature as unquenchable as the sun.
I really liked these lines. The author clearly put a great deal of thought in to the writing...it shifted how I thought about the ending of this book.
I do look forward to reading the final installment.
Like with the second book, I read this book so fast that I didn't get to posting even one comment before I was done. So it was a really quick and pleasant read. This was my second time reading the book and I remembered exactly nothing so it felt like reading it for the first time again.
Especially the beginning reminded me a lot of Divergent.
Ashley wrote: "Laura wrote: "I’m only in chapter 3, but something is bugging me. They keep referring to Peeta as a traitor. But he never even knew the rebellion was out there. He didn’t know the plan. Can you be ..."After reading all 3 books again, I still can't say that I like Peeta and I know that I'm pretty much alone in this haha
But I do agree that it was awful how he was being treated, both by the Capitol and by the others later on. (view spoiler)
Part 1Just confirms how self-centred Katniss is, flouting rules she doesn't agree with & putting others at risk by doing so. It's still all me, me, me.
District 13 were lucky to survive at all so I don't think their rules are there without reason: the careful sharing of food, particularly, would have been paramount to their survival so I can understand why breaking that rule would be a capital offense. Not to mention they've lived underground for 75 years. But no, Katniss knows best & so the life of one person is more valuable than whole populations.
Whether you agree with Gale or not, at least he has thought beyond the end of his nose, unlike Katniss.
The punishment meted out to the Capitol puppies is a bit harsh through our eyes but they don't live in our world. I'm sure they had rules to follow in the Capitol, they may be poor specimens but they aren't stupid, . The entire population of the Capitol has watched the other districts send their children in to be slaughtered for 75 years now, turning a blind eye makes them complicit.
It puts me in mind of, “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part, and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing." John Stuart Mill.
Kaley wrote: "Through chapter 14–I need to focus on something other than Gale but I find that venting about him is what I feel the need to comment on the most. He just was talking to Katniss about how she is o..."
I totally agree with you here. I don't like at all that Gale was like "she's mine and nobody can have her" all the time when that wasn't even the case. Like leave poor Katniss alone, she has other problems than dealing with a lovesick friend who will throw a tantrum whenever she shows affection towards someone else.
lol just saw this..
I just finished part 1.Like I said for book 2, I seem to remember Katniss moping around a lot more. Maybe it felt longer when I was physically reading the book.
I understand District 13 needing to be strict on rations especially in times of shortages and everyone playing a role to ensure survival. And I understand people from the outside who aren't used to living like that may struggle, especially those from the Captiol who are so used to luxury. But coming in and fighting the rules straight off the bat? If I were Katniss, I'd be happy to have small tasks that made me feel like I'm doing my bit.
I am dreading what is going to come.
Finished part 1. I love that Haymitch and Katniss had their confrontation where they both clearly blame each other and themselves and mostly themselves and are taking it out on each other.
I really feel for Finnick. His interactions with Katniss are still great.
One thing I appreciate about these books is that how Katniss really isn't the typical action heroine, and I love how this book shows how reluctant she is at it and how frustrated both sides have been at her inability to play along!
I feel so bad for Peeta.
Part 2Note to self: remember that this is a YA tale.
I do like Joanna, Gale & Haymitch, they keep everyone else's feet on the ground & provide some light relief.
Good old Katniss is happy to drop Peeta now she has him back & he's not working properly. Yep, it doesn't suit her to have a broken fake lover, better go & kiss Gale, or at least let him kiss me.
I know I should lighten up because this is a story about teenagers for teenagers. I hate love triangles & Katniss just gives me the pip, poor delicate little flower that she is. But she gets her way again & is on the way to the Capitol where she has every intention of deserting once more.
This book is a bit of a grind, the ending is pretty anticlimactic & the epilogue a tad nauseating, especially as I still don't feel an emotional connection between K & P.In general, though, I'd say this series is a good action thriller, unbelievable & improbable at times, but fast-paced & adventurous. It is a YA tale, however, & has that bloody awful love triangle trope that plagues the YA world, not that I think there was much love involved. Lots of violence & shared trauma, friendship & support, even, but not love.
I think it was a great mistake to remove Finnick, who was one of the more interesting characters along with Gale & Haymitch - people who can laugh at, & think outside, themselves. Plus they got all the best lines. Katniss & Peeta are rather pathetic by comparison.
I found the muttations the most horrible thing in this book, and I hated them being called mutts, because I love a good mutt, the scruffier the better.
I finally got to this one!I realized after starting the book, that I don't remember anything up to when we see that Peeta is alive in the capital. It was much more evident to me this time that something sinister is going on with/in D13.
You know, if I were being manipulated like Katniss, I'd be a little bitch to everyone too! Even Gale is trying to manipulate her in a lower key way.
I love the interactions between Haymitch and Katniss. They are mad at themselves, mostly feel responsible for the things that have happened, and are taking it out on each other! Haymitch's response to Katniss's attempt to be the voice of the rebellion - priceless and spot on! ("And that, my friends, is how a revolution dies.") And so funny! Then his threats with the earpiece after she takes it out and goes off on her own, is even funnier to me! Probably because he waits until later and comes at her with it.
Peeta has been had the short end of the stick this entire trilogy! The capture by the capital and the changing of his memories is really brutal. I thought until this reading that there wasn't a plan to remove Katniss and Peeta from the arena, but it seems there was and Katniss was supposed to keep him with her and she let him go off to do something. (Can't really blame Katniss for this, since she didn't know there was a rescue planned at all.) I can't help but think it would have gone a lot better if she and Peeta had known the plan from the beginning.
I didn't remember Finnick's story! So very sad!!! I was glad that he and Annie were reunited.
Finished part 2. I actually like this book and it really grew on me with rereads but it's harder to read than the other books.
Poor Peeta. He's been through so much, his family died, he'd been tortured and manipulated, he's never known if the girl he loves is being real or fake with him, and now he's had his mind manipulated.
I love that Johanna and Katniss got to bond a bit while trying to get back in shape. I'm glad that Finnick and Annie got to get married and
This story is a tragic one and the final book is by far the saddest. I think the book wraps up the tragedy in the best possible way. A different ending would have felt forced, because there was nothing happy in the story. But, it ends with the tragic deaths that a war but with a glimmer of hope. (view spoiler)I enjoyed the reread of the series and like others am looking forward to Haymitch's story. Like Jenny, though, I expect it to be more brutal than this one!
Rereading this many yrs later I can see a difference in my approach to these books. The little details that I grazed over the first time around i catch the second time, arguably thats with any reread if the book is good though. lol I just couldn't be Catniss. I know I would be too stubborn to follow orders and the Virgo in me would not handle someone I carred about being dangeled in my face well.
Sharing my comments for both Part 2 and Part 3 now even though I finished the book a couple of days ago as I couldn't post before.Part 2
Again, like many I have to reiterate how little I remembered about this book, and while I had some small memory of the beginning and the end, this middle section was a complete blank. It felt a lot slower than previous ones, and at times slightly repetitive, with not too much being added in terms of plot nor characterisation, but I did like how it allowed us to feel Katniss's frustration.
I had forgotten how brutal Peeta's treatment at the hands of the Capitol was, and the references to the tortures he experienced but also those he witnessed. It was truly heartwrenching to think about. And while I get why his friends would be somewhat scared of him after the highjacking, I agree with others that he should have received slightly more sympathy given that it was after all not his fault.
Aside from the dreaded love triangle trope that plagues many otherwise great YA books, I think Katniss's behaviour has been my main source of frustration. I get that she's very young and has been through hell already, but I just didn't see that much in terms of her development. She is emotionally immature when the trilogy starts and stays essentially the same throughout the three books - and the way she behaves with Peeta shows this perfectly.
Part 3Having finished this I can confirm my initial recollection: while this is undoubtedly a good book and a fitting conclusion to the series, it's the weakest book for me. The pacing is really uneven, with some chapters just dragging on, nothing happening and very few new elements being introduced, and then suddenly everything happens in the final few chapters.
I also felt as though this should have been far more impactful emotionally, given the cost of the war, but somehow it felt… dulled? (view spoiler)
Even though it feels slightly too rushed, I did like the conclusion and the way that's built up to. And as with the other books, the worldbuilding and the social commentary were excellent - even if slightly too close to reality for comfort. (view spoiler)
I had never been tempted by reading the prequel previously, but after this re-read y'all might have convinced me to give it a try!
Finished! Reading this series again has shown that to adult me, Haymitch and Finnick are the most interesting characters. Finnick's end makes me sad, and yet something about how it's written is so confusing that I somehow always seem to miss the exact moment.
I've disliked Gale for most of the past 2 books and yet somehow this time the way his story ended just felt more pathetic. I think it says a lot about people who have a righteous anger who let it twist them into thinking that anything they do is justified, and when there were consequences to those he had no idea what to do with that. Same with Coin essentially being the same as Snow, Katniss having to work all that out and figuring out what is and isn't real. I wonder if Haymitch hadn't made an ill-timed joke what their conversation would have been like.
The real tragedy that doesnt get enough screen time is Finnick! How devestating! Heart breaks for him especially since Peeta's situation over shadows it so much.In other news love Haymitch this round! He is unstoppable when he has his sheet together!!
I will never be a fan of the ending. Forever team Gale I will remain! I appreciate that they touched on of her hesitency to have kids, I would have had the same issue, and didnt dive right in. That to me would have made the ending very unbelievable.
Kaley wrote: "If Gale has no haters, I’m dead. I don’t know how I didn’t notice from the first minute I read this book how truly awful he is. I was NEVER Team Gale and only disliked him after later events in t..."
This is so true! He's terrible and incredibly self centered. This is the first time I've read these books but I watched the movies way back when and I remember rooting for Gale.
Ashley wrote: "One of the things that is standing out to me so far in this re-read is [spoilers removed]Laura wrote: "Is it age and experience, or is it Woody Harrelson?"
I also agree with Cat that Haymitch has..."
I agree with everyone too. Haymitch is my favorite character. I love his relationship with Katniss. Since the first book they have had a kind of understanding and that has been really fun to watch grow and change over the trilogy. He's like that relative many of us have who is kind of a train wreck in their own life but you know they'd do anything for you.
Laura wrote: "Jenny wrote: "The other comment that is very prevalent is everyone's love for Haymitch. And, there is a Haymitch book on the horizon. I just want all of you to prepare yourself for what is likely t..."Joanna's story would be amazing! We got to know some of the tributes stories or at least a glimpse into them. Joanna's personality is so strong but her story has not been told and I know there has to be a good one in there. That is a spin off I would happily read.
I just finished part 2. There was a lot in this part that I didn't remember. Especially with Joanna. I hate the way Katniss is treating both Gale and Peeta. Love triangles are generally annoying anyway, but I don't know how either of them are still interested in her after the way she has been acting towards them. I know Peeta is still confused after having his memories messed with, but Gale knows he's not going to win. He even said it himself.
I kinda want him to win...
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Wool Omnibus (other topics)The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (other topics)
Mockingjay (other topics)
Mockingjay (other topics)
Divergent (other topics)
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I remember virtually nothing of this book from my first read, so in many ways it's feeling as though I'm reading this for the second first time lol. It's a lot darker and much more grim than I recalled, hitting hard right from the first chapter and Katniss's visit to D12. I'm doing this one on audio as well, sticking with Tatiana Maslany as the narrator and she's just as good here as in the previous books!
I think on my first read I was so soaked up in the story and trying to rush to the end to see what would happen that I ended up missing a lot of small details which are really making me appreciate this more this time round. Yes, for now it feels slower than the first one especially, but for me Collins does a great job in setting the scene again now we're meeting D13 for the first time. Seeing all the similarities between them and the Capitol is definitely striking and gives a lot to think about, especially around the age-old discussion of ends vs means… so striking, even when Katniss and Gale have their discussion on the prep team and Capitol citizens.
I'm appreciating it a lot more, and yet it's making me deeply uncomfortable… not that children killing each other in an arena was super fun and light, but there's something about how much closer to a possible reality this scenario feels (with wars and climate disaster and glimpses of things actually happening around the world right now) that makes it somewhat harder to bear.
I'm really liking getting to know some of the characters better, especially Finnick, and I love how mature Prim can be and how her relationship with Katniss is evolving. I also agree with what others have said re Haymitch: I really feel as though I can understand him a bit better now and can definitely be more lenient towards him. Still not a fan of Gale - I deeply dislike him and how manipulative and controlling he tries to be!