Friday, September 11, 2009

Catching Fire, A Really Fun Read

So Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins arrived finally on Thursday finally, and I was really excited to read it.  Trust me I wasn't disappointed.  While some complained that Collins spent too much time recapping stuff from The Hunger Games, I thought the recapping was just right.  I hadn't reread the first novel since the first time I read it back in April, and I really could use some little reminders of who all the characters were.

While I'm sure (as my mom made sure to emphasizes), I did not get the full effect of the novel having read it in under 5 hours (with time for dinner), I honestly really enjoyed it.  Catching Fire took off right where The Hunger Games ended and continued the story well.  Collins jam packed quite a lot into the novel, and I really wished she had spent more time on the actual competition this year, as I felt like it was a bit to short.  Don't get me wrong, the game was of fine length, I just felt like the writing was too short and not built out as well as I would have liked.

I'm not great at writing a bunch, but I guess I should give a small description of what the topic is about.  If you haven't read the first novel and want to, read only one more paragraph...

So in this world, Panem, there is the Capitol and 12 small, poorer districts.  In order to remind them of an ancient revolt, each year the 12 districts must send 1 boy and 1 girl to compete to their death (in a semi-battle royale style) to their death.  They are prepared and couched by previous winners and participate in the competition, known as The Hunger Games, and the celebrations surrounding it.

(This is where you should stop reading if you have any interest in reading The Hunger Games)

In the 74th year, in District 12 (the poorest district which specializes in coal mining) sported two competitors: Katniss and Peeta.  They were pegged by Peeta and their mentor Haymitch as the star-crossed lovers, knowing one of them will have to die.  Anyways, long story short, Katniss beats the system and they both survive.  In this book they must make the rounds as tradition requires to visit the other districts and the Capitol.  They await to train this year's competitors from District 12 for year's competitions.

Unfortunately, President Snow plagues Katniss with a task: help quell the growing dissent or suffer the loss of her family and loved ones.  To make matters worse, every 25 years, Capitol holds a grand version of the Games, and boy does President Snow have some crazy tricks up his sleeve.

Hope you enjoy the book!

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