I've had the books on my shelves at school since last spring, and from time to time someone would check them out and tell me I should read them. But I didn't. In fact, it wasn't until a week or two ago, when the build-up to the movie was at fever pitch that I really even gave it a second thought. So, I picked up book one, The Hunger Games, and preceded to read it in slightly less than 24-hours. Let's just say that despite the gore level a little beyond my comfort zone (I'm kind of a wimp), I love it! I've finished Catching Fire since and am almost done with Mockingjay. I can't get enough. And I managed to start a bit of a family reading thing, because my dad and my SIL have both read the whole series as well. (My SIL may have even read them aloud to my niece.)
They are well-written, vivid, with just enough twists and turns to make you want to keep reading. Of course, most of you probably know this because I feel like the last person alive to discover how good they are. The only thing that has me annoyed is that everyone is trying to make this a story about a love triangle, when that not really the point. To do that takes away from the real story, one of Katniss Everdeen, a literary character worth looking up to. (And we could use a few more of those!)
Have you read the books? Is there some other series you absolutely love? (I will say that P just might be for one of my other favoritesm Percy Jackson!) Let me hear all about it in the comments.
Wishing you a great Easter weekend!
I read them all as did my girls, my sister, niece, and even my 81 year old mom. I can't remember the last time I read a book that I couldn't put down.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest and I saw the movie yesterday and its a pretty good adaptation. They filmed it in that jerky camera way which was kind of annoying and unnecessary. The casting was really good but Gale should be less pretty and Peeta should be taller : ) I liked the movie overall but of course they are never as good as the books!
I haven't seen the movie yet, and am kind of questioning if I will do so before it's out on DVD. I'm weird about stuff like that, what can I say?
DeleteBut I will say I don't have a problem with Liam Hemsworth being too handsome! ;)
I made the mistake of reading the series on our honeymoon last year.. Definitely NOT the most romantic thing I could have done, but the absorption of it was a great break after the wedding stress!
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen the movie yet. A lot of my friends have complained that it did not get into the power/class/race struggles as much as the books. Looking forward to it anyway :)
Happy A-Z'ing!
~AJ @ frodofrog.blogspot.com
Yeah, when I think of The Hunger Games, I don't think of romantic vacation! Too funny! But I totally get what you are saying!
DeleteNot being able to hit on all of the same points really is the problem with the book to movie transfer. But from what I have read and heard, at least they get it right on other counts!
Funnily enough, there are still tons of classics that I haven't read. (And I was an English Lit major in college! Scandalous, right?) Whenever I tell someone I'm reading, let's say, "Oliver Twist" for the first time, I always get funny looks. "You mean, you didn't read that in 7th grade like the rest of the world?" No, sorry. I was busy watching "Happy Days."
ReplyDeleteCute blog. Just hopping by on A-Z. Good luck!
I'm terrible when it comes to the classics too! My parents always encouraged reading, but it wasn't usually the classics I was interested in. (If you don't count me making my mother read The Three Musketeers to me in second grade so I could join The Hundred Book Club at school. Misguided attempt to say the least!)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
I avoided these books because of the violence, and then caught an excerpt by accident on someone's blog. That led to devouring all three within 24 hours. I've since reread them all several times. :)
ReplyDeleteThe movie...meh. After the depth and intensity of the book, the movie kind of felt like a camping trip gone wrong. Liam Hemsworth is hot!
I read these books a long time ago and am so glad that the movie came out. Team Gale for sure.
ReplyDeletelittle piece of aloha
I'm actually reading the first one at this VERY moment. I mean, I took a small break to walk my dog and then eat lunch (which is why I saw your blog). It's good. I just read 1984, and I think this book has some very similar tones and feel. (Yes. I got an English degree. And I'm a huge book snob, so that I'm reading these is the result of LOTS of peer pressure.) I love the story, the overall theme, and the fact that people are reading something with actual things to teach. (Better than some sparkling vampires.) Anyway, you can rest assured in that you're farther along than I am!
ReplyDeleteI haven't read them, but they in my TBR pile. I hadn't read the Game of Thrones books either and after watching season one on HBOGO, I had to grab the books -- which are, of course, 12zillion pages long each.
ReplyDeleteI do appreciate the recommendation though! Think they may have to move up the pile :)
It's pretty popular at school, but for me there are plenty books that don't get the spotlight they deserve.
ReplyDeleteLoved them. You might like Kristin Cashore's Trilogy - The first one is Graceling, then Fire, the newest is Bitterblue. They're fantasy but not high fantasy and the first two have awesome strong heroines - I gobbled them up.
ReplyDeleteLoved these books when I read them, was especially pleased with the movie, too! I gobble up YA and Middle Grade to share with my students - one day maybe I'll get back to books written for my age group, too. :)
ReplyDeleteOh good, I wasn't the last person to read the series! lol I had heard mixed reviews about The Hunger Games, but one of my blogging friends pushed me to read it, so I did. Couldn't put it down. Saw the movie, loved it too. And that very week I bought the next two books and promptly devoured them. I would definitely recommend Harry Potter when you have free time, but I'm totally with you on that whole sparkly vampire thing. bleh. :o)
ReplyDeleteI think it's fascinating how a book gains the type of popularity where a mere suggestion means someone wants to read it. No doubt it's because people are also hearing about it everywhere, a movie is made, and people don't like to feel left out. I'm glad a book like The Hunger Games has the IT factor now because it's deserving.
ReplyDeleteHarry Potter is a great enjoyable series, I would recommend it highly!
Good luck with the A to Z challenge!