The Hunger Games Trilogy

Pressure prevailed. I caved. Too many had said “You HAVE to read these books!” I usually steer away from overhyped mainstream fiction because I’ve too often been disappointed in the read and left wondering why such buzz?

So, I confess. I read Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. Devoured, really. Brilliantly written, suspenseful and meaningful, political and painful, creative and inventive, I was blown away. Although a number of reviewers tended to find the last installment, Mockingjay, too drawn out with an unsatisfying ending, I found it cleverly handled. In a multitude of moments I thought: How is this author going to pull her divergent protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, out of this predicament? It was always a surprise. All the way to the most real and satisfying finish. 
 
The future of the United States doesn’t seem so farfetched in this ingenious arc of “Panem” and its districts either. It’s a harrowing yet compelling story through every detail, even the choice names given the characters. Heck, if I had a whole herd of horses they’d all be named after the cast, beginning with Peeta.
 
And the movie? Although some minor details were altered, the film really captured the tragic atmosphere of a dynamic story. How refreshing and scary. Not to mention the scenery was gorgeous, as it was filmed in these parts where I now live…well, western North Carolina anyway. Close enough.