I just realized I never posted about this, and I think that’s because this book (and The Hunger Games) has been everywhere lately. So I’ve read so much about it that I feel like I’ve written about it, if that makes sense.
I have a thing for sequels. Even if I’m a little ambivalent about the first book, I feel compelled to read on. Because I just have to know how things end (this is also part of the reason why I sometimes (but not always) peek at the ending). I’m not that good with suspense.
I enjoyed The Hunger Games. I thought Collins did a great job with the development of Panem, especially District 12. I felt like I was there. But the whole Hunger Games part of the book…it was a bit long for me. Okay, it was a lot long for me.
And warning…slight spoilers ahead.
So when I got to the part of Catching Fire where they announced that Katniss and Peeta would be going back to the Games, I thought “Crap. This is so not where I wanted this book to go.” I was all set for a journey to the mythical District 13! I didn’t want more brutal games and hide and seek and death.
Also, I was a bit over Katniss’ apparent cluelessness and wishy-washiness. Really, what do we need to do to make you realize what the freakin’ mockinjay stands for?!? And for god’s sake, stop stringing the poor guys along!
Okay, okay. I realize the whole Peeta-Gale thing lends a lot to the story. But the mockingjay? Katniss is a smart girl, but she can be so damn dumb at times.
Moving on.
So I was a bit “meh” about the whole thing. It was plodding along. Until the end. And holy guacamole people…I didn’t see that coming! Any of it! Well, except for the mockingjay in the watch, that was a bit obvious. But the whole forcefield/hovercraft/Haymitch/Gale ending? Wow.
When’s the next book come out?
Too funny, softdrink! I’m totally with you on Katniss: when will the girl grow up and get a clue. And I wish that there had been more political stuff and less story.
But truly: how long do we have to wait for the next book?
Melissa (Book Nut)´s last blog ..My Life in Pink and Green
I really like it when she discusses Panem and life in District 12…which is why the first 1/2 of The Hunger Games is still my favorite part of both books.
i hard that the next book is due in September 2010. That really sucks cause I’m addicted to this series. and frankly, i hate reading.
I skipped the spoilers because I’m one of the ten bloggers who haven’t started this series yet. So I’m really just commenting to say: You’re no longer green! I love the new look.
Nymeth´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon – Freedom to Read
Thanks!
This was a very disappointing book for me. I really loved The Hunger Games. I didn’t think the games went on too long or anything. But this failed to live up to my expectations. Katniss went from a strong but slightly blind character to a very stupid, silly girl, which I hated. This whole Peeta vs. Gale thing is completely unnecessary (I’m thoroughly Team Katniss) as the girl doesn’t REALLY want to be with either guy. I enjoy the dystopian factor more than the pointless love triangle thing, which was well done in the first book and just dumb in this one. Ah well. I hope the next one will be better. The end WAS excellent.
Amanda´s last blog ..Sunday Salon – Banned Books Week
Even though she repeatedly said she didn’t want to be with either guy, she didn’t act like it at times!
I have high hopes for book 3…it better not disappoint, or I’ll be one unhappy softdrink.
Hmmm… I see a lot of this around too. I was eager to get The Hunger Games with all the buzz but kinda decided against it cause I still wasnt sure whether want to read it. This reality fight to the death type of plot reminds me of some really bad 80’s movie. Thanks for your thoughts on Catching Fire. I may still get the Hunger Games sometime in the near future just to quench my curiosity on what the hype is all about.
Ms Ulat Buku´s last blog ..Friday Finds, September 25
I still think it’s worth reading…the world-building is very well done in the first book.
I agree with you. I wish they had gone straight to District 13.
So many things about Catching Fire annoyed me. The plot didn’t seem to have moved on from the end of The Hunger Games. I felt that it just took all the best bits from the first book and told them again in a slightly different way.
I am sure the final book in the series will be great, but this book seemed unnecessary.
Jackie (Farm Lane Books)´s last blog ..The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
Unnecessary is a good way to put it!
I liked Catching Fire, but agree that something about District 13 or more about the political going ons would’ve been interesting, more interesting than finding Peeta and Katniss back in the arena. Anywhoo…the whole Peeta/Gale lovestory IS annoying, and Katniss also needs to shape up a bit – and snap out of it
Can’t wait for # 3 though.
Louise´s last blog ..Sunday Mini Review
It would’ve been interesting to see more about life in the Capitol, with its emphasis on beauty and appearance.
At first I was thinking this was going to be the first so so review I was going to read of this book. I have got to make time to read this!
Kathy´s last blog ..Leila Meacham
You’ve got plenty of time…the rest of us are now enduring the wait for the last book!
I had to skim since I haven’t read this one or The Hunger Games. I will probably save those for Christmas break. I need ample time to get all amped over them.
Ti´s last blog ..The Sunday Salon: Halloween is in the Air
Christmas?? I can’t believe it’s practically around the corner.
I just got the book last week! Should have read it earlier if I had not waited for the bookstore to stock up their shelves…
Melody´s last blog ..Musing Mondays: Wishlist
You mean they ran out? The horror!
Ok, ok, I read the first one and now I have added myself to the hold list for Catching Fire at the library. I’m somethin’ like number 327.
Gavin´s last blog ..Sunday Salon – Banned Books Week
If the library times it right, you’ll have finished just before the next book comes out.
Thanks for the review. I was thinking this one probably wasn’t up my alley, so I will definitely be passing on this one.
Jo-Jo´s last blog ..Monday’s Movie-Yes Man
Are you going to be the one Hunger Games hold-out? Good for you for sticking to it.
I hovered and skimmed over your little posty here because Catching Fire is sitting on my nightstand, waiting for me. I loved The Hunger Games and I didn’t find the games part too long, so maybe I’ll like CF too. But I’ll let ya know.
Lisamm´s last blog ..Review: Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
If you liked the games, then it’ll be right up your alley.
I’ve not read either of these books but I feel like I HAVE to now … especially when a blogger I respect (that would be you) feel like they need to read them.
Jenners´s last blog ..Review: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Ack! Pressure!
Seriously though, thanks for the lovely compliment.
You raise some good points. I’ll admit to a fair share of frustration with Katniss, but that doesn’t stop me from reading.
I agree “when does the next book come out?”
Alyce´s last blog ..My Life in France by Julia Child – Review
I will prolly SOME DAY get this series too
till then… 
Veens´s last blog ..Symbolic Tuesday!