The final two books in The Hunger Games deserve to be paid some respect here. A full review, however, would risk far too many spoilers. So here I offer just a few thoughts on the series as a whole:
As a writer, it strikes me what a fantastic embodiment of the writing process the Hunger Games themselves are. Plot starting to drag? The writer need only imagine him/herself as the Head Gamemaker and come up with some new and exciting way to torment the characters. Hunger, thirst, enemies masquerading as allies, genetically-mutated creatures programmed with a penchant for limb-ripping - these are plot devices. Exceptionally imaginative and effective, in this case, but devices nonetheless. At risk of beating the reader into retreat with relentless tension and unvarying pace? Float a silver parachute with a timely life-saving gift or a secluded cave in which to sleep hidden from the hunters who walk on two legs. When the fickle Muse finds better things to do than show up for work--again--channeling Plutarch Heavensbee is one more trick in the toolbox of the savvy Suspense writer.
Mockingjay, the third book in The Hunger Games trilogy, transcends its YA genre is more than just its appeal. The stakes are higher and the emotional range deeper than the reach of the average American teenager. Nothing is tied up in pretty bow, and the complicated nature of the plot mimics real life in a manner elusive to most mainstream fiction, let alone that written for the adolescent set. Parents need not worry this pushes the book beyond the realm of what's appropriate for young readers, however. Collins accomplishes this with a subtlety that ensures the stickier aspects of the story fly over the heads of readers not ready to process the gray areas that exist in love, life, and war.
The Hunger Games series is a must-read for all bibliophiles seeking to be kept up at night, and all writers seeking to rob their readers of sleep. Collins has easily earned a spot next to Rowlings and Meyer as YA authors that have changed the YA game forever.
Yes! I thoroughly loved this series, though The Hunger Games was my favorite, and Mockingjay was my least favorite. I loved the first person, crisp, frank style of the narrative, and have wanted to write some things in that style as well.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed at how quickly I went through the books. A good indicator for me is when I can't put the book down, and this series did exactly that.
Looking forward to the movie coming out in March. Hope they do a good job with it.