Rereading old books, avoiding new ones

While attempting to finish The Human Stain (Philip Roth) for my film and literature class, I found my attention veering often. I desired to read a good sci-fi, fantasy, or dystopian novel. The Human Stain wasn’t giving me what I needed from a book. So… I reread both The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. Perhaps I should chide myself for reading old books when I keep buying new ones, but after I finished The Hunger Games the first time, I was sad because it meant I wouldn’t get to read it again for a while.

This rereading made me notice how much less I enjoyed reading Catching Fire than the first time through. The idea for the clockwork Games, and for the reaping to be from previous tributes was pretty ingenious (for the characters — I’m also still interested to know if they had the Quells picked out at the first Hunger Games, or if President Snow really picked this especially). However, this great idea felt poorly executed. I do still love Peeta’s character, though. He is so simple.

Whenever I reread a book, I think of something C.S. Lewis said… “It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.”

While I see this is a nice thought, I don’t think I would get very far, or be able to enjoy very many books if I reread one in between every new book. Especially because of my love for long series. Although do series of the same character count as one book/idea…?

I know many people who have already pondered the whole rereading books thing, but here I am, doing it again. What makes a book worth rereading? What makes you put down one book and decide to experience a story that you have already experienced, when there are so many new books and new stories out there? Also, why can’t my class read The Hunger Games and watch the movie when it comes out? (haha)

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Side note: Since this is already veering from my normal review, I also wanted to mention that my mom started her own blog (so proud!) about the sewing/quilting projects she does on a regular basis. If you feel so inclined, I suggest checking it out: karenskwiltingkorner.wordpress.com

Mockingjay

At first, I was POSITIVE I was not going to like this book anywhere near as much as I did the first two. From the mediocre reviews, the hinting suggestions from friends that it just didn’t live up to others, and my own doubts about how Suzanne Collins was going to be able to end the series, let’s just say I was afraid for this book’s safety. I was positive I was going to give it 3 stars, say, “that was decent” and move on. Well…

I will not forget that the cover of The Hunger Games is WHY I got to experience this superb tale.

At first I WAS disappointed. I was disappointed in Katniss. Couldn’t she pick someone and stick with them? I was disappointed in Haymitch. Couldn’t he sober up and help Katniss when she needed it? I was disappointed in the Capitol. Couldn’t they get over their greed for power and realize that so much life was going to be wasted in the coming months? Let’s just say, I was disappointed.

After the original disappointment wore off, what came next was bitterness. I could feel how Katniss had changed since her time in the games. I felt like I understood her — she said something to the effect of not liking anyone that she didn’t have a lifetime to decide about — I felt so similar to her (is that a bad thing?).

Although this book is much more centered on the political rebellion aspect of the world of Panem, I enjoyed it (almost) no less than the other two in the series. There were parts in the first third of the book that felt jumbled to me, a weird mix of long stretches of introspection with sharp bits of action thrown in. It was jarring, to say the least.

I want to say I have not devoured a series as quickly as I did this one (minus the brief break before I got my hands on the other two books– I decided to treat myself on my birthday) in a long, long time. Some may say this book disappoints as a finishing touch to the series. My bitter/angry/desperately sad tears for the last twenty pages beg to differ.

Again, my call is that if you liked The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, you HAVE to read this book. Even if it doesn’t give you the ending you want, you must. I was initially angry about the wild turn of events, but then I realized it was completely realistic and fitting to each characters’ personality. I think Collins knows her characters very well to finish the way she did. I hope you read and enjoy this series as much as I did. It certainly has my stamp of approval.

One of the many amazing posters for the film.

P.S. I cannot wait for the film version of The Hunger Games!

Catching Fire

At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this as much as I loved The Hunger Games. I was pleasantly surprised that it moved along at just the same quick pace. This is going to be a short review. There’s not a lot I can say about this book besides the fact that I loved it.

Unfortunately, I moved on so quickly to read Mockingjay that I honestly don’t remember a lot besides basic plot and stuff between Katniss and: Peeta, Gale, and Haymitch. The story moves through Katniss’s Victory Tour around all 12 districts, and she is informed that she must quell the possible rebellions. Knowing her skill with speech, she doesn’t do so hot. This leads into the third Quarter Quell — the 75th Hunger Games. I won’t give anything else away, if you haven’t read it already… get to it!

I really enjoyed this book, it was almost as brilliant as the first. It was a quick read, which brought more tension to the Gale/Peeta decision and deepened my liking for Katniss. It also introduced quite a few new interesting faces that brought many new things to the table.

Although it almost ended too quickly for my enjoyment, I was indeed lucky to have started reading the series so late that Mockingjay was out. I do not know what I would have done if I had to wait to finish this series… Anyway, I would absolutely recommend continuing with the series if you liked The Hunger Games.