The Last In The Series: Mockingjay

Source:  Goodreads

Goodreads summary...

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief.  In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating:  President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12.  The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy will keep your hearts pounding.

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I know a lot of people have a favorite book from this series or one that just wasn't quite as good for them as the others, but that wasn't the case for me.  I couldn't pick a favorite.  I loved them all, and I have to say that this may be one of my favorite series of all time.  I just loved it.

I do think that the last book was different from the first two though, and very much so.  The Hunger Games and Catching Fire are full of action and violence, but there's also hope.  There's the hope that Katniss and Peeta share that they might each be able to save the other.

In Mockingjay there is a lot of misery and madness, but very little hope.  It was easy at times for me to say well what was it all for then.  But that is what makes this an amazing book because you are feeling this along with Katniss.   I think during a lot of the book that is exactly what Katniss is feeling.

Having said that, I loved the ending and the epilogue shows you exactly what the point was...love, honor, and freedom.

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Now that I've read the entire series, I am super excited for the movie.  I think the casting is brilliant, and  I especially like Lenny Kravitz as Cinna.

Lenny Kravitz as Cinna,Stylist to Katniss
www.disneydreaming.com

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This trilogy really resonated with me.  Katniss and Peeta are those rare literary characters who will stay with me forever.  So even if you aren't a "young adult" and are having doubts about whether this series is for you, set them aside.  I'd recommend this book to anyone.

What An Appropriate Title...Catching Fire

Source:  Goodreads

Goodreads Summary...

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in The Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph.  Instead, they have become the poster children for a rebellion that they never planned to lead.  The new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by the Capitol...

Suzanne Collins
Author of The Hunger Games Series
Source:  Goodreads

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I just finished Catching Fire, and when I say just finished, I mean I read the last word of the book ten minutes ago.  I just couldn't wait to blog about it.  I know I should probably wait a few hours and think about it a little, but I won't because I loved it!  For me, Catching Fire was even better than The Hunger Games.

After reading the first book I said I loved Katniss's character, but now after reading  Catching Fire I know that was a huge understatement.  What Collins was able to do with her character is amazing.  I don't like her  because she's perfect and always knows the right answer.  It's quite the contrary actually.  She is an extremely flawed, scared young woman who at her core is very good.  She has all the great qualities of a heroine...bravery, toughness, skill, honor, undying love, and spunk, but she also has the qualities that make her very real...fear, jealousy, pain, mental break downs, indecision, moodiness, anger, and at times weakness.  These real qualities are what make her bravery and unconditional love for Peeta (fellow tribute), Gale (best friend), and her family all the more believable and inspiring.

Katniss isn't the only good thing about this book.  I really like all the characters especially Peeta.   The story itself was riveting to me.  The book is full danger, sadness, humor, happiness, anger and yes sappy love stuff, and I felt it all.

I love to read, and I find that I enjoy most books I read.  But I really love when I come across books that make me remember why I'm so passionate about reading--the books and characters that stay with you long after you've finished the book.  Yes I know this is YA fiction, and I am no longer a young adult.  I am a 35 year old mother, but a great story is a great story no matter how old you are.

Now I'm off to the rest of my day, eagerly anticipating later this evening when I can dive into Mockingjay which at this moment is on my kitchen counter.