This may be obvious, but do not read this if you haven't finished the series.  Also, be wary of other spoilers.  If you don't want to know the ending of The Chronicles of Narnia series, read with caution.  There was also a spoiler for V for Vendetta and there may have  been one for Buffy The Vampire Slayer (having never seen the show, I am not certain if it was a spoiler or not, just letting you know). 

The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy Edited by: Leah Wilson

I am not the biggest fan of books like this one that consist compilations of essays about a book or series.  They often come across as a way to make profit off of someone else's writing.  However, there were several essays that I liked and agreed with.  The essays cover many topics from the reality television element, to the Team Peeta/Team Gale debate and the politics of Panem.  I wasn't crazy about the political ones, but I think that was more of a personal thing (the best thing about not watching television?  I don't see political ads).  I guess my biggest complaint about this book was the cover advertising "Your Favorite Authors."  I read a LOT of YA fiction and try to keep up with who's who in the literary world but I had only heard of a small handful of these people.  Maybe I'm being silly, but it almost seemed like a bit of false advertising.  Who knows, maybe I am alone in this.

I'm pretty sure that there is at least one essay for everyone.  Clearly this book is going to be more enjoyable to those that are fans of the series but there was one essay that stuck out in my mind because it focuses on how Mockingjay didn't seem as lovingly crafted at The Hunger Games or Catching Fire.  I felt that even though the authors in this compilation are probably fans of the series, they presented their essays (mostly) in a fair and unbiased way.  I know a fair number of people who are not fans of this series, but I think they could read this book and at least see eye to eye on some of the points. 

If you are looking for a continuing story, this may not be the book for you.  I know I have picked up such books just because I haven't been ready to let go of a fictional world and am always a little disappointed to find they are never just other authors gushing about how awesome the series is.  I have finally accepted that these aren't the books for that.  But if you are looking for a more in-dept anaylsis of the series, this is the book for you (whether or not you are a fan of the source material).

Happy Reading!

-Melly

"Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

I hate to say it, but I was a little disapointed by Suzanne Collins' Mockingjay.  I guess after all the hype and my enthusiasm over The Hunger Games and  Catching Fire, I was expecting a grand, over-the-top, epic conclusion.  Unfortunately I felt that it fell a little flat.

Revolution is taking place in every corner of Panem.  Katniss has taken on the role of the Mockingjay, the face of the rebellion.  We still get to see Katniss' kick-butt attitude and fire, but I feel that her character isn't as strong this time around.  It seems that she spends a little bit too much time not doing anything to avenge the lives lost in District 12 and a little bit too much time being made up to be on television.

Even though I felt that this was a bit of a let-down after the amazingness of the first two books, it is still a worthy read.  There were moments that I found myself cheering for Katniss- especially during one particular scene at the end (I can't give it away, but it was awesome!).  And though this was not my favorite of the series, I still recommend it to readers.  It would be impossible to try to read the first two books and not finish the series.  I can almost guarantee that once you start this series, it will take only a matter of days to power through it.  It is a fast paced journey that you won't soon forget.

Happy Reading!
-Melly

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

There is one advantage of getting a late start on a book series- not having to wait to read the sequel!  I started Suzanne Collins' Catching Fire immediately after finishing The Hunger Games and once again found myself in the middle of action and an adventure I couldn't stop reading.  The book picks up several months after the first ended.  Katniss and Peeta, having survived the Hunger Games, are living comfortably back in District 12 but everything is about to change- again.  Angered that she and Peeta were able to cheat their way out of the games, President Snow gives Katniss an ultimatum to convince the citizens of Panem that she and Peeta are madly in love and calm the uprisings or pay the price.  Even worse, it is the 75th anniversary of the The Hunger Games and as a "celebration" each district must send two of it's previous victors back into the arena.

Once again, readers are thrown into the middle of chaos and destruction.  I found this novel to be fast paced and entertaining, though frightening.  Katniss is tossed from one terror to another taking the reader along for the exciting ride.  Again, this series is an absolute must read for any and all book lovers.

Happy Reading!
-Melly