| If there's one thing I absolutely hate, it's being told what to do — what to read, especially. Back during Twilight's reign of werewolves and vampires and when Fifty Shades of Grey first hit the scene, I couldn't count the number of times I was told "YOU HAVE TO READ THIS!" No. I actually don't. And just to prove that to you, I won't. Now, normally I embrace my quirks as part of who I am, but sometimes it backfires on me ... which leads me to why I am kicking myself for not reading The Hunger Games trilogy sooner. The Hunger Games was one of those series that everyone was talking about — and I mean everyone! I think Suzanne Collins came as close to being the next J.K. Rowling as humanly possible (after all, that woman is a deity). And because of my darn stubbornness, I avoided picking up The Hunger Games for that exact reason. Maybe I just wasn't mentally or emotionally prepared to invest in a new world where I knew a lot of characters would be killed off one by one (The jokes on me because George R. R. Martin has ruined my life that way many-a-time since then). |  I give this book: |
But being that I'm particularly interested in working in a public library's youth services department and I didn't take any online classes this summer (I probably should have), I've assigned myself some fun homework until the fall semester begins: Read some of the most popular contemporary fiction for middle grade and high school students. I'm generally going to be reading more young adult books because, as I've said many times before, I LOVE YA! But I'll definitely also revisit a few classics stories that I read (or wish I had) in my younger days.
Why not start this summer reading shindig off with a bang? My first self-inflicted assignment was to finally read one of the the biggest book-turned-movie successes since Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings: The Hunger Games. And all I have to say now is I finally understand what the fuss was all about.
I think one of the reasons I enjoyed the first book so much and am about to fly through the second one is because of Collins' ability to create such a strong and dynamic female main character that young girls everywhere needed (and still do) so badly. Katniss Everdeen is the definition of badass. Not only is she strong physically and mentally, her emotional strength yet simultaneous vulnerability can't help but make you fall in love with her (I get you, Peeta). As if to prove how awesome and beloved Katniss is, the amount of girls who took up archery skyrocketed following the release of the books and movies. I'm not at all shocked, but I know from high school gym class that archery is not my strong suit. I'll stick to reading and writing.
With themes like politics, wealth, technology, violence and love, The Hunger Games has a little bit to offer everyone. I already have Book II checked out from the library, but have to finish rereading To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman before I return to Panem. I've never seen the Catching Fire movie either, so I'm in for some surprises, I'm sure! May the odds be ever in my favor!
Now, obviously when a book generates as much buzz as The Hunger Games did, it is probably well worth your time to read the books and watch the inevitable movies. But why wait? You're not proving anything to anybody by holding out. The only person missing out from your choice not to read something is you (and maybe the author). Don't make the silly stubborn mistake I did and avoid a book because everyone else is talking about it. It's not like you have to like it. In fact, you might hate it! But it also might win you a bunch of money if you ever get on Jeopardy!
Why not start this summer reading shindig off with a bang? My first self-inflicted assignment was to finally read one of the the biggest book-turned-movie successes since Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings: The Hunger Games. And all I have to say now is I finally understand what the fuss was all about.
I think one of the reasons I enjoyed the first book so much and am about to fly through the second one is because of Collins' ability to create such a strong and dynamic female main character that young girls everywhere needed (and still do) so badly. Katniss Everdeen is the definition of badass. Not only is she strong physically and mentally, her emotional strength yet simultaneous vulnerability can't help but make you fall in love with her (I get you, Peeta). As if to prove how awesome and beloved Katniss is, the amount of girls who took up archery skyrocketed following the release of the books and movies. I'm not at all shocked, but I know from high school gym class that archery is not my strong suit. I'll stick to reading and writing.
With themes like politics, wealth, technology, violence and love, The Hunger Games has a little bit to offer everyone. I already have Book II checked out from the library, but have to finish rereading To Kill a Mockingbird and Go Set a Watchman before I return to Panem. I've never seen the Catching Fire movie either, so I'm in for some surprises, I'm sure! May the odds be ever in my favor!
Now, obviously when a book generates as much buzz as The Hunger Games did, it is probably well worth your time to read the books and watch the inevitable movies. But why wait? You're not proving anything to anybody by holding out. The only person missing out from your choice not to read something is you (and maybe the author). Don't make the silly stubborn mistake I did and avoid a book because everyone else is talking about it. It's not like you have to like it. In fact, you might hate it! But it also might win you a bunch of money if you ever get on Jeopardy!
This picture of Y'Jazzmin Christopher, 7, appeared in NPR's story "More Girls Target Archery, Inspired By 'The Hunger Games.'" Image credit Grace Hood/KUNC.
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