Catching Fire (The Second Book of the Hunger Games)
by Suzanne CollinsFiction - Young Adult
2009 Scholastic Press
Finished 7/6/09
Rating: 2.5/5 (Average)
**SPOILER ALERT -- If you haven't read Book One (The Hunger Games), the following product description has a major spoiler.**
Product Description
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. 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 was so excited when an ARC of this sequel arrived at work. I could hardly wait for my turn to get a chance to read it. As you might recall, I thought The Hunger Games was a terrifically fun, addictive read and I couldn't wait to see what was in store for Katniss, Peeta and Gale. Unfortunately, I struggled with this book, frustrated with Collins' need to spend an overwhelming amount of time on the back story. It took well over 200 pages (of a 400 page book) to finally capture my interest. I typically give a book at least 50-100 pages before I'll toss it aside, but I stuck with it (as I did Stephenie Meyers' New Moon), hoping to discover a great story beneath all the excessive padding. I'll admit, once a certain situation was revealed, I was hooked and, once again, completely addicted to the read. And, the ending left me longing for more. However, I have my doubts about reading the third and final installment. I haven't read Meyers' Eclipse
or Breaking Dawn
and I'm certainly not losing any sleep wondering what happened with Bella and Edward and Jacob.
lol I am a bit worried about this book, too. I didn't love the first one like everyone else, so I don't know if I will read it or not... Especially considering you compared it to Stephenie Meyer!
ReplyDeleteInteresting that it took a while to capture you. Nevertheless, I'm on the waiting list at 2 libraries for it and am looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI did not read your post, other than to see 2.5!!! YIKES!!! I'm so sad to see that. I can't wait to read it and hope I'm not disappointed, too.
ReplyDeleteKailana - Hmmm, if you didn't love The Hunger Games, I'd doubt you'd like this. I wound up enjoying that last third or so, but only because of how it related to the first in the series. Sometimes I wonder if I'm really a YA fan.
ReplyDeleteSuziQ - I'll be anxious to hear what you think. My co-workers seemed to enjoy it, so maybe I'm in the minority.
Joy - Yeah, I know, I know. But, you and I don't always agree on the books we read, so maybe you'll love it.
I'm bringing this one on vacation with me, so hopefully it will keep my interest! Thanks for your review.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, were you able to print off those bookmarks? Just wondering...
Steph - I hope you enjoy it better than I did!
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delay about the bookmarks. I'm still catching up after our vacation. Haven't even uploaded all the pics I took! I saw the beautiful bookmark, but haven't had a chance to print it. I think it's great and will work just fine. I'll let ya know. Thank you again, so much!!
We're heading out of town (again!) tomorrow, but I'll write in the coming week. Have a great vacation!
I was really looking forward to this book since the first was so good. I'll probably still get it. I didn't like New Moon as much as Eclipse and Breaking Dawn so maybe that is how this series will work for me. (fingers crossed)
ReplyDeleteLes,
ReplyDeleteI'm reading the first one, The Hunger Games - so I can't read your post! But I am actually enjoying this book much more than I thought I would. At least so far anyway....
Linda in VA
Framed - I think you should still get it. I may have been too critical or simply not in the mood for another YA read. I keep hearing that Eclipse and Breaking Dawn are better than New Moon, so maybe I'll give them a chance after all.
ReplyDeleteLinda - As always, it's so good to hear from you! I'm glad you're enjoying The Hunger Games. It's quite the entertaining read, isn't it? Let me know if you ever get to Catching Fire, ok? Take care!