SPOILER ALERT: There’s not much in the way of spoilers here, but if you want to skip to the end and just leave a comment to enter to win a copy of Hunger Games, please feel free!
I don’t review YA books (and Hunger Games is definitely young adult), but I wanted to talk a bit about this amazing book (series), as we hover on the precipice of the release of Mockingjay (the third book in the series, after Catching Fire).
The NYTimes might be shocked to discover adults are reading kidlit like mad, but I wasn’t at all surprised to find several of my mom-friends at two separate reunions were Hunger Games devotees.
Hunger Games is a tightly-written, fantastically crafted, high-voltage book. It’s about children ages 12+ that are sent to fight each other to the death, as tributes to the central government that controls their impoverished lives. Not only is the idea itself rich with conflict that’s inappropriate for ages 8-12, but the actual violence is pretty severe (speared bodies, poisonous gas dissolving flesh, and other horrors). The violence could be more graphic, but the fact that it is children perpetrating this against other children makes it horrifying.
However.
I absolutely LOVE this book. Love it so much I accidentally ordered it twice (more on that later). Love it with that obsessive passion that makes you stay up all night reading, damn the consequences. And order the sequel. And pine for the third book to come out (Mockingjay is released on the 24th, but you can enter contests here and here to WIN a copy). I love it because it is ultimately a story about a heroic girl fighting to save her sister, her family, and eventually the oppressed all around her. Hunger Games also has a love triangle, again pushing it into YA territory, although there is very little by way of descriptive love scenes. (I’m Team Peeta. Thanks for asking.)
Some might be tempted to give this book to their tween children (ages 8-12), but I would recommend holding off until 13, and then talking to your child about the book. In fact, I recommend reading the book first, and then deciding what is best for your child.
I’ve read it. I won’t be handing it to Dark Omen (age 11 3/4) for another year or two. But I’m looking forward to the time we can read it together, because it is rich with moral decision making.
Being in possession of an extra copy of Hunger Games, I figured I would give it away to my lovely blog readers (13 and older, please!), just to share the addiction. Leave a comment today, or during my guest post tomorrow, and I will pick a name on Wednesday the 18th. Plenty of time for you to read Hunger Games, and the second book Catching Fire, before Mockingjay comes out on the 24th.
But don’t plan on doing anything else. Consider yourself warned.
UPDATE: After reading Mockingjay, I’m tempted to raise my age recommendation for the series to 14 or 15. I’m not in the habit of rating teen books, so my gauge is not as finely tuned, but the violence in Mockingjay is more extreme than the first two books and leaves you with some images that could be disturbing for young teens. That being said, the third book is as amazing as the first two and definitely fulfills the promise of the series. But caution may be in order for younger, especially sensitive, teens.
There are many opinions on how much violence is too much in young adult literature, and I’m not trying to spark that debate here, just giving you a warning. Also: I’m not the only one concerned. Again, the best solution is to judge for yourself.
My hubby just picked up the first two for me yesterday π I need to read like a mad woman before the third comes out π
We are starting #2 this weekend!
I love Collins! Especially these books. My husband, who doesn't generally like YA, loved them so much after I got him into listening to Hunger Games with me in the car that he had to go and buy them all at the airport when he was on a business trip. He's even the one who preordered Mockingjay! :o)
Now I'm off to read the art posts I missed. Have a great week, Sue!
OK, everyone IS already reading this book! π
High five to the Team Peeta moms!!
I am on a writing frenzy now. Mockingjay is my treat for hitting my word count goal.
Can't wait!!
@Robin You read my mind! Mockinjay is my reward for finishing up my edits (because, let's face it, nothing else is happening while I read that book). π
Ahh! I didn't read this whole post because I very badly want to read these books and just haven't gotten around to picking them up yet. *Bows head in shame* I know. I know you're probably not spoiling anything here but I was too worried to check for sure. Sorry!
@Matthew ACK! I didn't even think about putting a spoiler warning on there. But I don't think there's much spoiler in there, really – most of what I've said, you can glean from the cover jacket, or the first 15 pages. Still, I'll put a warning on top!!
I've been eyeing this series for awhile – just added to my reading list. So many books, so little time to do anything else….
Hi Susan,
I blogged about the same topic today. Obsessive minds think alike. π
I was going to just include a link back here once I saw you blogged, but I couldn't stop talking about it. So I posted the link and the blog anyway.
I appreciate your age recommendations. I've known that the series was too advanced for my class (even though many have read Twilight), but I've been wondering which of my former students might appreciate a recommendation for it.
Mockingjay is going to be my reward for – well, um… just making it through this hot summer. π
Tight, fast writing… straight up my alley. What I appreciate most about her books/writing is that she's kept both slim and adrenaline-paced despite their popularity, unlike that series with a boy wizard a few years back.
YES! I totally got derailed on my blogging last week and ended up reviewing both books which I read in a matter of four days… ! They are EXCELLENT.
Hmmm, and I've got a post coming Thurs dedicated to adults reading YA… same wavelength, Susie Q~ ;o)
My boys would love it, though I have been holding off on getting it so far, I think because I am annoyed that only YA is getting attention these days, so writers of adult fiction like myself are being ignored!
@Nicki – This one is worth pushing to the top of the pile, I promise! π
@MaryC – Many kids read stories before I think they are really ready for them, emotionally. It's a parent/teacher choice, but I really appreciated a year ago when my son's 4th grade teacher raved about the book, but said, "You know, it's really not appropriate for these kids."
@Bane LOL! I don't think there's an editor on the planet that would dare cut some of Rowling's prose.
@LTM I will def have to check out that post! I was laughing at the NYT's amazement – look! Adults read YA too! I'm just glad we kidlit-ers can come out of the closet now… π
@Ted Then you will be happy to know that several editors at SCBWI say they think YA is losing steam. (however, I don't really believe it – except that I think MG steam is picking up)
I love these books, obsess about these books, can't wait for Mockingjay to hit the shelves!!
I have the first two but still have yet to read them. I need more time!! Thanks, Susan.
Good point how the book has some moral decisions – great for discussions with teenagers. I had a great talk with my stepdaughter (15 yrs) about it.
I would love to win a copy! I read it via my library, after waiting like three months to finally get my turn. Yup, I'm breaking down and buying Mockingjay, I won't be able to wait that long for the library copy!
omg i am DYING for this book to come out.
I CANT WAIT
@Sherrie – We will be downloading them at midnight together, sweets!
@Sherri Larsen – My original plan was to wait until all three came out, so I think you're good there, if you can last. π
@Margo This is the first time I see a HUGE advantage to the e-book – you don't have to wait in line at (even) the bookstore to get it! And I love that you talked with your daughter about it – there are so many discussions that could (and are) springing from these books!
@Tahereh Thanks for stopping by! My friend Adam won a book-of-his-choice here on Ink Spells a while ago and he picked … Mockingjay! Because he was dying as well. π
"The Hunger Games" is one of the options for the Fremd summer reading list. I usually read a couple of them. Glad I read this one!
Love it, love it, love it. And I think I MIGHT be team Peeta if I didn't picture Gale as Matt Bomer.
I've hesitated to recommend them to others simply because with BOTH of the first two she ends at a place that leaves you screaming, "Nooooooooooooo!!!!"
So, I highly recommend that others wait until the series is complete before getting sucked in. . . because once you're sucked in, there's no getting out.
Didn't know the debut of Mockingjay was so close. Can't wait!
@Alison Good for Fremd! There's sure to be a back-to-school Mockingjay-frenzy! π
@Erynn I know, right? That was my plan … prudently wait until the series was complete … and then I succumbed. At least the agony is short … next week!
I read Hunger Games and LOVED it. Catching Fire is on my TBR list!
I've read it but would love a copy! I have not read the second book, but I plan too. I wanted to wait until Mockingjay came out. It is a wonderfully written book!
I love that adults are reading kidlit and YA books. The books I read in my younger days still affect me today, probably more strongly than any books I've read as an adult. It's good for adults to know what youth are reading, plus, it's just darn fun.
Thanks for your help on getting on Goodreads, btw!
You've almost convinced me…
@Julie I think I actually like Catching Fire better, but it's a close call.
@Laura The craft is really outstanding.
@Jennifer You are most welcome! Best of luck with your book!
@Bryan π I'll just have to keep trying … (dogged persistence carries the day)
I am reading #2 this week, so when it ships from Amazon, I'm ready.
@Theresa Ya'll are making me want to read #1 and #2 again … and I just finished them last week! π
Sue – Gina LOVED these books, and is anxiously awaiting the next one… I wasn't too pleased about the subject matter, but she thinks she's 12 going on 20… She just finished "Maze Runner" which she has told many people is great if you loved "Hunger Games"… have you read it?
I am SO looking forward to MOCKINGJAY! Woot!
I've read several reviews of Hunger Games and Catching Fire that have made me want to try the series but they have languished on my tbr list. I'm going to have to move them up!
@Jackie A mature 12 year old is going to be fine with these books, as I'm sure you found with Gina. I have heard lots about Maze Runner, and need to read that too (it's on the TBR)!
@Ali It's going to be spoiler city once it's released, so better to read right away. π
@Sara Yay! You won't regret it. π
I haven't yet read this series though it seems that it is very, very popular. The books sound suspenseful.
SO MANY PEOPLE love this book! I am just going to have to read them. I think it's awesome that you are giving away a copy – I went to the library and there were so many holds it was ridiculous. Now I'll have to buy it, so I hope it's as good as everyone is making it out to be! I wish I could get my hands on a copy π And I'm so glad I found your blog!
So, I've tried to follow your blog, and it won't let me! *Pout* I guess I'll just have to add you to my Google Reader manually, but I won't show up as a follower. π It keeps saying the requested URL was too large. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow.
@Tiana Blogger kinda freaks out sometimes – try the follower button tommorrow! Also, I'll be picking a winner for the free Hunger Games book in the morning, so check back for that too! π
p.s. I'm glad you found me too!
Hey Susan, I might be one of the only people left who hasn't read this book. Please sign me up for your contest!
Also, in an unrelated note, can you tell me what defines YA fiction? If the protagonist(s) are teenagers, yet there are very adult themes, is that YA?
@Jennifer – This is a great question, and one that readers and writers alike struggle to answer. Here's my take: YA fiction should have at least one protagonist that is in the teen years (13-18), and dealing with teen issues. If they are dealing with gritty "realistic" issues like rape, abuse, drugs, or are sexually explicit, then that won't necessarily prevent them from being published as YA, but I consider those to be "older YA" and really only appropriate for teens 17+ (just like an R-rated film). However, books don't have ratings, so parents have to be diligent if they want to keep their kids from being exposed to inappropriate material for their ages.
The more difficult line, I think, is between middle grade (MG) and YA. In MG, protagonists are usually <13, but not always, and there are often novels with teen protagonists that are "clean" enough (no sex/violence) that they are good for MG readers.
I'm thinking I should write a post on this! Then again, I think I just did! LOL π
p.s. the above teen years should be 13-19
I saw a trailer for "Hunger Games" and decided it was to adult as in violence for me! (BTW, not entering the contest, just reading your informative blog)
@Cynthia Hey! Thanks for stopping by! You know, I don't care much for violence either (in films or books), but Hunger Games isn't as disturbing as it might sound, especially for an adult reader (kids are a different story). Part of it is the mastery of Suzanne Collin's craft, part of it is her fantastic storytelling.
Hi Susan. I'm too late for the contest, but we have the books (and Mockingjay pre-ordered) anyway. People can look at my son's blog if they want to get a kid's perspective. He's only 10 and loves these books. http://savagereads.blogspot.com/ I still don't completely understand why, but something in the way Suzanne Collins writes makes it possible for him to read things that should scare him and they don't. Her other books (Gregor The Overlander) have some pretty violent things in them too, but that was one of his favorite series starting in 1st or 2nd grade. I have to point out that I'm not an overly permissive mom and Neal is not an overly brave kid. At first I read these books to him and skipped a few parts I thought he wouldn't like, but he's re-read them all now several times, and he loves them uncensored too.
@Rhonda This is why I always caveat and say "do what's right for your kid." But having the guidelines at least helps some parents. I usually focus on books that I think are great for MG, but this is a series that has become very popular (plus I finally read them). I know what you mean about Suzanne making the horrifying a bit less so, partly I think because she doesn't get very graphic. But different kids have differing sensitivies to these things. I love Neal's take about books allowing the scary stuff to be less scary, if you don't want it to be. π
@Everyone I've updated my post, after having just completed Mockingjay.