Hunger Games Thoughts

This is a spoiler-free zone for ALL the Hunger Games novels. Please be considerate.


As you may know, the final book of The Hunger Games trilogy was released today. For many, it was a much anticipated event and are probably reading the book as we speak. Others, however, are not quite sure what the hype's about. Today, I wanted to know how did you learn about The Hunger Games series. If you have not read it, why not? I know many are skeptical the novels will live up to the hype, but are there more reasons? I would really like to know. :)

I'll also share my story. I discovered The Hunger Games from teenreads.com. The site had a promotion where the first (I forget the number) got an ARC of The Hunger Games. Once he or she reviewed it, each person would receive a signed hardcover of the novel! Truthfully at first, I was skeptical. I received the ARC, and it was pitched as "a book that will change your life." This was before the book was even released, so I think my thoughts were only natural. However, then, I read the book and loved it! I sent my review, and for weeks I didn't receive a hardcover. I was not upset, I mean I got an ARC of the novel, what more could I ask for? But then the novel came in the mail, and to this day, it is one of my most prized books.

So share your thoughts on the trilogy! :D

Comeback

Hi everyone! I'd like to use this as an introductory post of sorts. I have been in the blogging world for two years. Lately, I feel like I have failed myself as a blogger. I do not update as much as I should. I barely post reviews. Even without my slumps, I haven't reviewed all the books I have read. Also, I have not given my readers a clear idea of who I am. So, I decided I need to changed! All this week, I will have reviews, posts about myself, and a big contest at the end! More so, I will continue to maintain my blog to the way I want it too. :)

To begin, I will introduce myself. My name is Krista, and I am 18 years old. I live in Georgia, United States, and I just started college in Atlanta. I have always been an avid reader. Two years ago, I wandered upon some book blogs and thought, why not? Well, two years later, here I am? Aside from reading, I like food, photos, movies, and music (who doesn't like music?). Below is a picture of myself:

Yay for built-in webcams on macbooks!

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

WARNING: This post contains spoilers for anyone who has not read The Hunger Games. Proceed with caution.

Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games, along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Katniss should be celebrating the wealth she has brought her entire family and district, but she can not. The terror she encountered in the Games still haunts her. The Capital also wants her dead. By pulling out the poisonous berries, Katniss defied the Capital, and no one defies the Capital. Soon, there are rumors of rebellion within several of Panem's districts--a rebellion that Katniss unknowingly created. Even worse, this is the 75th annual Hunger Games. Every 25 years, the Capital creates an even more vicious version of the Games. And this year's game is the unthinkable...

I read The Hunger Games two years ago, when the novel was first released. I loved it, and anxiously waited for Catching Fire. Yet, I did not pre-order the book, and by the time it was released I had started school. I wanted to focus on my schoolwork and the ~60 books I own, yet have not read. When summer rolled around, I knew I had to read Catching Fire. I ordered the book along with pre-ordering Mockingjay. I started reading Catching Fire the afternoon I received it in the mail. I read 340 pages that day, a record for me. The next morning I finished the rest of the book. If the speed at which I read this book does not tell you how much I enjoyed it, I do not know what will.

The characters in this book are top-notch. Readers see more of their favorites from The Hunger Games, along with a few new characters. Collins does not reveal much about the new characters, but I think they will play a larger role in Mockingjay. Also, Collins is a great storyteller. Most of the chapters end with cliffhangers, so readers will continue to flip pages wanting to learn more. I did not necessarily like the direction this novel took about halfway through (if you want to know what exactly I mean by that, look in the comments), but it had no effect on how I felt about the novel overall.

If you have not read Catching Fire yet, READ IT. With the release of Mockingjay in a week, there is no better time than now. Also, if you have read Catching Fire, feel free to discuss your thoughts on it and/or predictions on Mockingjay in the comments.

P.S. I am Team Gale. :-P

Related Links
The Hunger Games Site
Suzanne Collin's Site
Amazon
Powell's

I purchased this book.

WARNING: Comments may contain spoilers for The Hunger Games trilogy.

In My Mailbox Aug. 9-14

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi of The Story Siren.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
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 read The Hunger Games when it was first released and loved it! For some reason, last year, I did not buy Catching Fire. Instead I waited until last week to order it, along with a pre-order of Mockingjay. Catching Fire came in the mail on Friday afternoon, and I finished it Saturday morning. So good!

Life update

So, in a week, I am going to college! Between reading Catching Fire (as much as I loved The Hunger Games, you would think I would have read it already) and preparing for the week, I've been preparing for college. Or rather, I should be. Mostly, I am just procrastinating.

Recently, I got chosen to be a CSN Preferred Blogger (yay!), and all their bedroom furniture sets reminded me even more how much I'm going to miss my bed. Seriously, I don't think a lofted bed could be quite as nice.

Youtube Connection 12

Youtube Connection is a Thursday feature where I will post a video (or more) that is somehow related to a book.

This week's Youtube Connection is different in that it's the first time that I have not read the featured book. In doing this, I think I can help create buzz for more books, so I hope you enjoy the change. Anyway, this week's video is the book trailer for Love in the Present Tense by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I previously reviewed Becoming Chloe, which I liked. Enjoy!

Questions!

I feel like my readers (you!) don't really have a good idea of who I am, which is mostly my fault. As I prepare for my major comeback (of sorts), I thought I would give you opportunities to get to know me! I plan on having a week where I put up information about me, my blog, and book reviews. Oh and also CONTESTS. :D BUT first, today, I want you to ask me all the questions you have for me. You can use the form below, e-mail me, or comment. I'll answer all of them in a post on "The Week," as long as they are appropriate. I don't know when the actual week will be, but I'm leaning towards Aug. 23-30. I think that will be the soonest I will be able to.

Oh, and asking my questions MAY get you bonus entries on a future giveaway. *hint* *hint*

Ask away!