Catching fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching fire by Suzanne Collins is the second book of the "hunger games" trilogy. Since I managed to get all three books for free, I figured I should read them one after the other without taking breaks for other novels. I was a bit worried that the second book would not live up to the first one and in a way it didn't. I felt that the action in the second half of the book was a bit... rushed. Maybe her publisher was urging her to pull out a second book.

Don't get me wrong, there is action galore and Katniss' angst and doubts are there too. In a way this book shifts from the pure animalistic and violent survival, to a more political kind of survival game. I am doubtful that, such a strong presence - the Capitol, was really threatened by a little girl with a bow and arrows. Maybe she really is just a tool of the resistance. The Capitol's shine seems faded in this sequel, though but its armed forces and the dictatorship over the districts begin to surface. 

What can I say? I enjoyed it, but I kind of missed the entire logic behind the survival in the arena, from book one. What I did like, was Katniss and Peeta's tour of the districts and the entire chemistry between the trio: Katniss, Peeta and Gale. As usual, she manages to get everybody in trouble. The title is meaningful, because Katniss' actions manage to set fire to the entire Panem, literally and figuratively.

Since I had started reading the trilogy I have barely had time for any work. I get engulfed in Panem's atmosphere and I tend to dismiss my other duties. I have started book three from the series and I am conflicted because  I want to do other things but I also want to find out how everything ends. I guess this is what a truly good book is: one that you cannot let go.

The hunger games by Suzanne Collins

It's cliche, I know, but everybody kept this book in high regard. It had been a battle inside me whether to read the book or watch the movie. Given the fact that the book was free, I had given it a try instead. I am definitely glad that I did. It is one of those books that you cannot let go and my family can confirm this, since I had spent an entire weekend reading The hunger games. 

Very short summary of the book: in a country called Panem, positioned in the place of North America, there are 13 districts: the Capitol and 12 others with distinct functions. After a rebellion the Capitol had won and as punishment it had implemented the Hunger Games, some kind of TV show that takes a boy and a girl from each district and makes them kill each other in a very elaborate arena. The only surviving kid is treated like a hero and given a chance to live better than the rest but with a mandatory job  to train the next contestants in the games.

The book is great, it felt like a breath of fresh air after my previous reads. It managed to get me out of my own reality and place me in the world of Panem. Ms Collins, i thank you for the wonderful time you had given me! I cannot wait to start the next book from the trilogy, so I can continue the adventures of Katniss Everdeen, Peeta and the rest. I know it is a bit mainstream nowadays and very trendy to read, but it doesn't disappoint.

After looking on imdb.com at the actors playing the characters from the book, I think that Peeta was probably not a good choice, since the book gave me a different image of him. I was thinking he'd be more massive and with a softer face. I will watch the movie and come with an update on differences.