"Catching Fire (Hunger Games #2)" by Suzanne Collins

[Adrianna, Owner of Cafe Libri]

Members of Lunch Cafe Libri, , Yahoo Cafe Libri and Shelfari Cafe Libri wanted a side-read of Catching Fire for January, 2011. This thread is for discussions pertaining to that novel. Members can also discuss this book at the Cafe Libri Shelfari Discussion Thread.

[Ronyell]

This is great Adrianna! Once I get the chance to read Catching Fire, then I'll talk more about this book!

[Adrianna, Owner of Cafe Libri]

Sounds good. Take your time. I've been a slow reader these days! :-P

[Ronyell]

Me too!!

[Adrianna, Owner of Cafe Libri]

I'm about up to chapter 7. I have some comments about the book, but I left it at home since I was going to be visiting the family for a week. I'm not sure if I want to comment on how far I've read unless I have a copy of the book with me.

Anyone else reading?

**Slight Spoiler**

One thing I am appreciating about the second book is that Gale is more of a character. It was difficult to want him and Katniss to be together in The Hunger Games because he was a flat character...completely nonexistent. Now there is a bit of drama and a love triangle forming. It's difficult to choose who Katniss should love and be with. I'm excited to see how their friendships/relationships develop.

[Adrianna, Owner of Cafe Libri]

Cross post from Yahoo Cafe Libri (SPOILERS FROM BOOK 1 & CHAPTER 7 OF BOOK TWO):

*****SPOILERS*****

Hi Nicky,

The definition on Wikipedia describes a flat character as follows:

"Flat characters are two-dimensional in that they are relatively uncomplicated
and often have very little details or background information."

Gale is relatively uncomplicated with very little details in the first book. I
don't have the book on me right now, but I swear the most he's mentioned after
Katniss is at the Hunger Games is about how he's going to be jealous by all the
making out she was doing with Peeta. I don't remember too many memories that are
mentioned in book 1, and since I'm only on chapter 7 or so of book 2, I can't
comment on his character or Katniss' memories too much. I did like the detail
about their first kiss in book 2, though. :)

Peeta's character, on the other hand, was really dynamic and round. The memories
that Katniss shared about him, such as the bread he gave her when she was
starving, had a much deeper impact than anything that was shared or mentioned
about Gale back home. The same worked in reverse, like Peeta's memories of
Katniss when she was young and sang in the classroom. These were poignant
moments and showed some really deep character development.

I'm sure Gale's character will have his shining moment in book 2 since book 1
built up a love triangle for us.

Great comments and points that you shared! I agree with you about Peeta's affect
on Katniss in book 1.

~Serena~

--- In cafelibri@yahoogroups.com, "Nicky Lin" wrote:
>
>
> I don't think I would call gale a flat character in the first book, but do
understand how Peata (sp?) is more likable character as the first book unfolds.
But I think gale's character unfolds through Katness' memories and feelings. In
my own journey through these books I came to appreciate how much both boys would
sacrifice for her. But I think that I always rooted for Peata..and I loved the
way that his presence allowed her to really "feel" for the first time since her
dad died. He made her allow herself to be human again, and it took something as
inhumane as the games to bring them together so this could happen.

[Catherine]

End of Chapter 18 -- No spoilers, here's my latest status update:
I'm on page 339 of 504 of Catching Fire: Hot and cold but desire to find out what happens outweighs my inability to get into this. Have been putting off reading this for a few days as I might want to read straight through to the end once I get back into the suspense.

My daughter read this straight through but I've put it aside twice now, and don't seem to have impetus to pick it up before finishing some other books....

[Adrianna, Owner of Cafe Libri]

Thanks for sharing your update with us. I left the book at home on accident, so I can't get back to reading until we are back in town on Tuesday, January 4. :-P

[Amanda R]

I'm on Chapter 8 and loving it. For some reason, I was rooting for Gale in the first book even though he was barely in it. I tend to like those kinds - the secondary characters. I always wish for more.

I feel for Katniss and how she seemed to have a happier, freer life before the games. Now, even though she's living a life of comfort, she's more unhappy than ever. It kind of gives more perspective on just why Haymitch is like he is. I'm excited to read more - see if the uprisings go somewhere!

[Adrianna, Owner of Cafe Libri]

Great to have you along with our secondary read of the book. I've taken a bit of a break on it, but I definitely understand Haymitch's character better in Book 2. The after affects of the games are horrendous!

I am rooting more for Gale in book 2. It was difficult for me to appreciate him in book 1 because he was too much of a background character for my tastes. I would have preferred to learn more about the others kids in the arena, especially Rue. I suspect we might learn more about the people who fought in the games thanks to Katniss visiting the different districts in Panem.

I'll try to read more over this weekend, so I can comment on the book more. :)