Mockingjay (Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Series: 3rd in Hunger Games

Pages: 390

Published: August 2010 by Scholastic

ISBN: 9780439023511

Source: personal copy

 

Description: Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss. The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost. 

I Give This ...

 I was really looking forward to this one (as was just about everyone else).  While, I wasn't disappointed really, I think it fell short of what it could have been.  But, an author can't please everyone.  And, above else the author most follow how they think the story should go.  I do think I will have to reread this one because there was just so much to digest.

There are people who think Katniss acted out of character.  I don't think she did.  She just broadened her goal.  Instead of saving herself, she choose to save everyone.  She knew she had to be the face everyone saw even though she knew she was being used (and I do think she knew it even if she was trying to deny it).    I can't imagine the weight she carried on her shoulders.  

I was heartbroken with what happened to Peeta.  It's so hard to read when he's so different than they previous two books.  Some things he did and said actually made me wince.  It's no wonder Katniss had such a hard time with everything.  Gale, I'm still not sure on.  I think we get a better look at his character in this time of open war.  I still admire him for all he has done for Katniss.

I wasn't surprised that I disliked district 13 almost as much as I disliked the Capitol.  I think they did what they had to do to survive on their own, but I don't think they should have traded one form of total control government for another.  None of President Snow's actions surprised me.  But, I was surprised at President Coin.  Especially at what was proposed for the leaders of the fallen Capitol.

I did feel the middle was slow and dragged a little.  And then the ending was rushed.  It all happened so fast.  I don't really think Katniss was forced to make a choice between Gale and Peeta, but had to accept how she would feel about certain events and her own power of forgiveness.  My biggest thing I had to accept was this story doesn't really have a happy ending.  But then again... why should it.  It reminded me of a quote

"I wanted a perfect ending. Now I've learned, the hard way, that some poems don't rhyme, and some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity." - Gilda Radner

 

Hunger (Horsemen of the Apocalypse, #1) by Jackie Morse Kessler

Title: Hunger

Author: Jackie Morse Kessler

Series: 1st in Horseman of the Apocalypse series

Published: October 10, 2010 by Harcourt Graphia

Pages: 180

ISBN: 9780547341248

Source: ARC from We Love YA Tours

Description: Lisabeth Lewis is no stranger to starvation. Her life revolves around counting calories, constant exercise, denying herself even the strongest cravings. Lisa is in a constant battle with hunger for control over her body. When, in a moment of desperation, she almost gives up that control completely, she is visited by a wisecracking messenger who turns out to be Death. He offers Lisa a rare opportunity: to become one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse—Famine. As Famine, Lisa travels the world on her black steed, visiting parts of the world where hunger is a painful part of everyday life. She’s horrified to see her own power destroy crops and turn food to dust. But when she finds a way to harness her power as Famine and use it for nourishment rather than deprivation, Lisa finally gains the courage to face her own problem. 

I Give This ...

 

I have to admit this book was completely original.   I loved how the author has taken a biblical reference and made it into something modern.  All 4 of the horseman are included in this book, but we only get a real look at Famine (although Death plays a pretty good role as well).  By the end of the book I truly wondered if Death choose Lizabeth as Famine because she was anorexic.  It was a way to help her see past her problem and see people who were really hunger.  I think it helped put her eating disorder in perspective.  I liked how the supernatural played into this story.  Horses that no one can see, traveling huge distance in the blink of an eye, and the awesome power to create hunger.  I thought it was impressive that Lizabeth managed to find away to use her power for good.  In turn I thought this created an awesome showdown with War.   I was impressed with how the author handled the delicate issue of an easting disorder.  It showed Lizabeth vulnerable.  I liked how the author was able to show that even those who you think are total control of themselves are likely putting on a show.  And sometimes, the ones who care about you the most are saying something you don't want to hear.

So, why the 3 butterflies?   There's two main reasons.  First, I really think the book could have been longer.  At under 200 pages, I just wasn't satisfied.  I know everything ties up nicely, but I wanted more.  I think the author could have expanded on some things.  Second, I hate nitpicking, but when something still stands out in my mind 2 weeks after I read the book, I have to mention it.  I dislike talk about bodily functions.   There's a passage describing Lizabeth's struggle to have bowel movement.  Now maybe this is a real problem with eating disorders, but I just didn't like the way the author presented it.  And, it didn't add to the story.  There's also a part with a very detailed description of Lizabeth's friend and her bulimia.  While, I do think this helped show something important to Lizabeth, it was just really hard to read (I think this might be partly due to my own aversion to throw-up).

I will be continuing this series though.  The author has something to offer her and I want to see were the series goes!

 

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

   

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins         
Published:  Sept. 1, 2009 by Scholastic Press
Pages: Hardcover 391
ISBN: 0439023491

 Description: Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta.  But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

I Give This Book 4.5 Stars!

I had high hopes for Catching Fire, and it did not disappoint. But, I did not feel it was as exciting and fast paced as The Hunger Games. I still love Katniss and her courage and strength. She is a wonderful lead character and shows much more development that a lot of stories out there. I am more team Peeta than I was after The Hunger Games.  He is amazingly self sacrificing.  But, I would love to have more knowledge of Gale.  He seems much more important to the story than the author indicates.  I was still instantly pulled into the story which is what I was hoping for. I was not expecting the turn of events that took place at the hands of the capital.  Although, I should not have been surprised given the knowledge of how cruel the capital can be.  The theories about district 13 were especially intriguing!  The ending confused me a little and I had to reread to make sure I understood what happened. It left a great cliffhanger to this story that has me eagerly awaiting book 3!