My sister made me read The Hunger Games. Made me. Literally. We were in Chapters and she pushed it into my hands, saying “it’s only ten dollars!” After we got home she pestered me to read it and even said, “you’d better start that book before I leave!” Ever the dutiful one, I did indeed start it before she headed back home to Toronto.
But I didn’t really get into it until the last two evenings during a five-day getaway to Fairmont Hot Springs with a family friend. I had a bit more time on my hands, after the kids went to bed, and, well, the fact that it only took two days should be enough of a hint: I was hooked! I stayed up well past 1:00 a.m. the last two evenings reading it, and only put it down when I dropped the book from exhaustion at least three times.
But only one thing makes me wonder: why are all the best books lately the ones written for young adults? I’m thinking of the Harry Potter series, of course, and now the Hunger Games. I can’t think of the last time I loved an adult novel that way. You know, when you stay up so late you literally fall asleep reading the book? Like that.
Or maybe it’s just me. Maybe my intellect is slipping, and all I can handle is teen/tween fiction?
But I don’t think so. I think it’s the way they’re written, maybe. The story drives these novels, and a few key characters. They’re not literary, really, they’re not all that provocative and there’s not too much sex. There’s just a really, really good story and characters that anyone can identify with. And perhaps I should clarify the sex comment: I’m not a puritan or a prude, and in my opinon there’s nothing wrong with sex in a novel. But I must tell you, it’s not a key selling feature for me. And also: I am totally done with reading about incest/child sexual abuse. It’s not that I think we should ignore those issues, not in the slightest. But after polishing off Fall on Your Knees, The God of Small Things and The Bishop’s Man I was absolutely emotionally exhausted. And maybe that’s a worthy aim for a novel, it’s just that I don’t know how much more of it I can take.
So for now, I’m going to download the next two books in the Hunger Games series to read on my Kobo and enjoy becoming immersed in a good, gripping story in time for the movie that’s set to be released in 2012.
I picked up this book, after your recommendations, at the library the other day and can’t put it down! Thanks for suggesting such a great read!
wow these sound good – thanks I bet my daughter has them in her room lol
Yep, teen fic is where it’s at! The Hunger Games have been a bona fide hit with adults and teens alike, and ever since, it’s all about dystopia. My current fave is this summer’s Blood Red Road, the first of a planned trilogy that has already been optioned by Ridley Scott!
You people are killing me… I DO NOT NEED ANY MORE VICES!! Gah… okay. I’ll get them this weekend. (Oy.)
i saw a “fan based trailer” for the hunger games movie….is it a pretty gruesome book? the concept piqued my interest, that’s for sure.
The Hunger Games Trilogy is INCREDIBLE! Of course, I had no idea it was a trilogy until I got to the LAST PAGE of the first book (and swore – a lot). My Kobo saved me (well, actually my husband) from a 2am trip to Wal-mart. They’re just that good. They’re so well written, so political, and fueled a 2 hour discussion on government and politics at my book club. Enjoy!
LOVED Hunger Games!!!
I hope you have the next two ready to go! I ready them all over March Break. All three of them!
Ehem. Told you so!