The Hunger Games

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

Just finished the first book of the trilogy this week and am about a quarter of the way through the second.

These books are crazy popular, especially now that the first movie is coming out, so I have to believe that someone else in TORC land has read them (although I looked back at least 4 pages and couldn't find a thread about them ).

Any thoughts?

One book in and I'm thoroughly depressed, yet completely riveted. The story is incredibly gripping. I think I yelled at the book at some point during each chapter.

Excited to see where the story is headed though!

[Kaya]

I read the first book quite some time ago already, and the second book is still waiting to be picked up. Not because the end of book 1 didn't leave me craving for more, it's just there's so much out there to read.

I think too that it's an very gripping dystopian tale. Very well written, with unexpected twists. I was often afraid to find out what actually would happen next even, but what did happen was never a let down.

I'm very curious about the movie - I liked the trailer and that they only showed flashes of scenes from the beginning of the book, before the actual action takes place - and I keep my fingers crossed that it'll do the book justice.

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

I found myself wondering, 'What else could happen?' after every major twist and I was never let down. The story does become increasingly more frustrating though!

After the end of the first book I wasn't sure what the other two books could be about, but, well, you'll just have to start the second book to see where it goes. It makes me so angry! But I can't put it down!

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

Finished the books almost 2 weeks ago now. Sad there are no more bites on this thread because the books are AWESOME.

I know it's all relative, but this is the best series I've read since LotR. Harry Potter is almost a tie, but the Hunger Games has squeezed it down to third place on the list.

Who knew there could be so many twists in one story? After each book I thought, 'Well surely things are going to turn around now' and then something else would happen that I didn't see coming. Crazy!

[Aldanor]

I just started reread of the first book. Got it in ebook format at last so I can read it while commuting. I remember I tried to read it two years ago when it had been just translated to Polish. Got it from the library mostly because it had nice cover even if it was for some mysterous reason put on the shelf with children literature. Most probably because of the publisher, they did Harry Potter earlier.
As far as I am now in the book, it's ok. I like main character which is rare thing for me to like in a book. I really hope the movie won't be terrible. There are so many ways to fail a good female character in the movie and it's what I fear most.

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

I love Katniss! She's so human, it's wonderful. She's tough though. It looks like, from what I've seen, they've done a good job with the casting of her part for the film. Can't wait.

[rwhen]

I am still going to download this book to the Nook and give it a go. I just keep forgetting to do it.

When is the movie being made?

[SilverScribe]

The movie has been made rwhen, the question is when will it be released to theatres . . . I've seen a trailer for it on TV and it looks good.

I'm going to see if I can borrow these books from the e-reading program at my library. I'm going over on Friday to peruse their annual Book Sale (books $2, DVD's $1) so I'll look into the e-reading thing as well.

:D:D

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

The movie comes out on March 23rd - tickets are available for purchase on February 22nd. I have an alert set so I get an e-mail when I can buy tickets. :D:D:D:D:D

I can't wait for you all to read them!

[rwhen]

Finally downloaded book one to my Nook this morning. I will start reading about Katniss? now!!!

I will report back again.

[frodolives668]

I love the hunger games. None of the books were as good as the first tho.

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

I beg to differ. This is the first series I've read where I enjoyed each book equally (though in different ways). The first book was incredibly exciting, but the second and third books really developed the plot so well.

I've heard a lot of folks say that they like the first book best, but I just can't choose one.

[rwhen]

Just finished book one. I really liked it, but it takes a bit of getting used to the first person narration. Once I was used to that, I settled right in to read it through in a few days time.

Interesting concept. Now I think about the movie and It would be pretty erm.....violent.

I am just starting book two now.

[AlexSnitzel]

I've read the first one. For some reason the second didn't grip me as much and I only got about 50 pages in....

I loooooove dystopian-type literature.

Looking forward to the movie

but it takes a bit of getting used to the first person narration.

Agreed.

(Perhaps someone knows - I seem to recall an Asian film about children being forced to kill eachother in brutal "games" but I can't remember the name, or my mind might just be inventing this. Anyone know?)

[rwhen]

Hey Alex, I don't know or recall which Asian film you are trying to remember.

I finished book two and now in to book three.

I have to agree that book one held my interest more, though I enjoyed book two and so far book three.

I will report back when I am finished. This is a series I read way too fast and will have to read it again much slower. I wanted to see "what was going to happen".

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

Alex: Google is a wonderful thing

So nice to see others checking out the books!

I feel like the second book simply falls prey to the classic middle book syndrome. I feel the same way about Catching Fire as I do about The Two Towers. A little tougher to meddle through than the others, but critical to the overall story.

[portia]

I am not normally interested in dystopian stories and, for some reason, this one repels me.

Maybe someday.

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

I sure hope so!

It's not for everybody though.

[GoodSam]

I just read the first book. I hated it, couldn't put it down and can't wait for the movie. I have to read the other two.

Did I mention I hated it?

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

You might've.

It really sucks you in and leaves you hanging! It's thoroughly depressing and makes me mad.

[GoodSam]

I was surprised to see someone else found it as angering as I did. I threw the book down and yelled at it a couple of times. I hate stories where decent people get manipulated into doing terrible things.

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

Yes! But I had to keep reading! The story truly is fascinating though, as maddening as it is.

[GoodSam]

I totally agree. I was obsessed, and I need the other two books.

[Niphredil33]

These books are real page-turners, and I admire them for that. You sail through 475 pages at a rate of knots.

I've read the first and have started the second.

I'm not madly keen on Katniss, but I'm rooting for her, because we experience the story through her and almost "become" her, in a way. And I certainly think her anger is very human.

I like the character of Peeta.

I do wonder exactly what age these books are aimed at, though. Older teens, I presume?

I was a little reminded of "Noughts and Crosses," but I found that a bit like a depressing soap-opera and I think "The Hunger Games" is a lot better. It reminds me even more of 1984 (understandably enough), probably the most terrifying novel I have ever read.

[Evenstar_of_Imladris]

I'm somewhat ashamed to admit I have never read 1984, though I was an English major in college.

I loved Katniss' character. She didn't make the decisions I necessarily would have, but she's incredibly human. She's not heroic and doesn't always save the day. She's so realistic.

[rwhen]

GoodSam. I think that most of us experienced what you did. The subject of the book(s) is enough to make you want to punch some holes in the walls, but yet it is so compelling that you can't put it down.

I did finish all three books and will re-read them as I flew right through the set. I still like book one the best, but I think that is because we are introduced to the whole mess in book one. But two and three equally have intrigue enough to keep one turning the pages in rue and awe.

Thanks again Imi for turning us on to these books. Me in particular.

[GoodSam]

Niphredil,

I believe these books are aimed at teens and young adults. There were some aspects that reminded me of Ender's Game.

Rwhen,

Punch walls? Wow! I thought I was the only one here with a ridiculous temper!

[frodolives668]

I just read the first book. I hated it, couldn't put it down and can't wait for the movie. I have to read the other two.

Did I mention I hated it?

It's one of those books that you read just to torture yourself. While reading the first book I felt like a spectater at a car accident.

[GoodSam]

I just read the first book. I hated it, couldn't put it down and can't wait for the movie. I have to read the other two.

Did I mention I hated it?

It's one of those books that you read just to torture yourself. While reading the first book I felt like a spectater at a car accident.

That is a nice simile Frodo.

[SilverScribe]

I just read the first book. I hated it, couldn't put it down and can't wait for the movie. I have to read the other two.

Well, now that's as good a recommendation as there is.

I really have to get my Library e-book software downloaded and installed this weekend and "borrow" these books. I saw the boxed set in the bookstore today and while tempted, just could not bring myself to slam down $60 for the set when the first paperback is only $9.99 . . .

I''m actually re-reading the first book of Chris Evans' The Iron Elves, since I bought the second one a few months back but now can't remember where the first one left off.

I hate it when that happens, but it seems most of the "series" type authors I read have the same effect.

:D:D