Book Review: The Hunger Games Trilogy

Good vs. Evil.  Star-crossed lovers.  Daring plot twists.  Beautiful, outlandish descriptions of fashion.  Brutal physical and psychological torture.  Dazzling escapes.  The power of sacrifice.  Enduring love. What more could you ask for in a series? 

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, along with the other two novels in the series, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, tell the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year-old girl reaped from her village in District 12 (set in futuristic North America) to participate in a brutal, televised contest called "The Hunger Games".  The Capitol, or the seat of power in the futuristic "Panem", led by evil dictator President Snow, holds the games annually, pitting children in a brutal fight against one another and Capitol-created "mutations".  The winner of the Hunger Games is the last person left alive.

Katniss is surrounded by a colorful cast of characters-- Peeta, the sweet and kind boy who is also reaped from District 12 and becomes Katniss's ally and friend in the arena; Gale, Katniss's dark and brooding childhood friend and hunting partner; Prim, her innocent and captivating younger sister; Cinna, her flamboyant stylist from the Capitol; and Haymitch, her often drunk yet steadfastly loyal mentor in the arena.  And the list goes on.

Collins creates a stark and terrifying vision of a future in which corruption, greed, and money rule.  A future in which children are sacrificed to preserve governmental power.  It is both a cautionary tale about the atrocities of war and a hopeful story of the power of one individual (namely, an ordinary girl!)  to launch a revolution.

Collins does not attempt to sugercoat the horrors of war.  Her tale is full of brutality, torture, impossible decisions, grief, loss and despair.  And yet it is the underlying current of hope even in the darkest hour that keeps the pages turning.

I literally could not put these books down.  I admit that at the beginning, I was skeptical.  I am not a fan of science fiction and it took me a while to understand the dynamics of Panem, the Capitol, District 12, and the arena.   Yet once immersed in the world, I couldn't let go.  It was a series that I wanted to read slowly, to savor, but instead quickly devoured, leaving me hungry for more.  Unfortunately, for that I will need to wait until the movie comes out on March 23rd, 2012.

The books are marketed as "Young Adult".  Personally, I do not think I would recommend the series to my sixth grade students.  Although many of them have read (and enjoyed) the books, I think that the mature themes and graphic violence are less than appropriate for a younger audience.  In fact, one of the more disturbing scenes even gave me nightmares.  If you are a parent, I would strongly recommend that you read the series before your children do, and determine whether they are ready for the mature content.

So, if you need a good beach book for those sweltering August days, or an exciting series to keep you up late at night, go pick up a copy of Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games.  And, in the words of Effie Trinket, "Happy Hunger Games!  And may the odds be ever in your favor!"

Love,
Kara

In one of the stars, I shall be living

"In one of the stars I shall be living.  In one of them I shall be laughing.  And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night."  -- The Little Prince

Nine years ago today, I lost the brightest star in my sky.  I remember that first lonely night, sitting in my dark living room and looking out onto the empty street, crying the deepest tears I had ever felt, whispering to myself, over and over again, "I don't have a mother."  

What I didn't know then, and I do know now, is that the pain gets softer around the edges.  I think about her every day, but the memory does not always cause the sharp pains in my stomach or the lump in my throat.  Sometimes, I can think about her and laugh.  Other times, I wonder what she would think about decisions and milestones in my life.  Mostly, I feel her presence with me whatever I'm doing, wherever I am.  What I didn't know the night she died, and I do know now, is that I most certainly DO have a mother, and always will have one. 

Today, the sadness is there.  The missed opportunities, the things left unsaid, the future she didn't get to see.  The memories are there; the darkened nursing home, the screams of pain, the words, "She's gone."  But I know that is not what she would want us to remember.  So here, on this night of reflections, are the things my mother taught me, the lessons I gained, and what will remain with me forever:

Always take the time to wish on a star.
You are precious, you are special, you are important, you are loved.
Family first.
Laugh loudly and without apology.
Always wear sunscreen.
The people who have died are always with us.
Always keep hope.
Never go to bed angry.
Never leave the house angry.
Never tell Dad how much things really cost.
Always be the first to smile. 
Listen to others.
Be generous with your spirit, your love, and your time.
Give hugs and don't let go.
Read because you love it.
Dogs are the best source of unconditional love; be sure to love them back.
The best gifts are not the most expensive, but the most thoughtful.
There is nothing to be afraid of.
Tomorrow will always feel better.
Believe in something.
You have unlimited potential and I believe in you. 
People are inherently good. 

So Mom, tonight I remember all the positive things that you imparted in your too-brief time with us.  You were loved by so many and are missed by all who knew you and loved you, especially me.  I hope that you are proud of me and you are in my heart today and always. 

Love,
Kara