Catching Fire Book Review

Book: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Pages: 391 (Hardcover)

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

What they say: "Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge."

What I have to say: While I love a good dystopian tale, it usually takes me time to muster up the courage to delve in to the dark gloomy places that a good futuristic story lives. Despite my love and admiration for Hunger Games it took me a couple days to work up the umpf to reenter Panem.

However, as soon as I did I was reminded of the glory that is Suzanne Collins’ writing. One chapter in my biggest problem was putting the book down and finding a way to go on with my regular life when I would rather be totally engrossed in Panem. Very shortly in to Catching Fire I felt like I too was aboard the train with Katniss and Peeta.

Therefore, my recommendation is simple. If you have not read Hunger Games do so immediately. If you did read Hunger Games run out and get your hands on Catching Fire as soon as possible.

But DO NOT start reading this book until you are certain you have several hours to devote. This book is nearly impossible to put down.

This story is gripping and succeeds in executing every single amazing emotion and element it holds; Catching Fire is full of action, fear, pain, love, romance, longing, hunger, perseverance, and self sacrifice.

Catching Fire is like a boiling kettle ready to burst with the readers diving to scoop up all the pieces.

I still get goose pimples just thinking about the ending.

My rating: 5 stars; I absolutely love this thought-provoking brilliant story.

The Meter Readings:

Adventure-o-meter: SUPER high the adventure never ends in this book.

Kiddie-o-meter: Catching Fire is raw and often brutal. While there is no sex or foul language there is an bounty of violence that is completely and utterly necessary to the story. Note there are also several characters that use drugs and alcohol as barbiturates to null their psychological scars.

Adult-o-meter: Perfect for adult who likes their action adventures stories to hold a bit of romance.

Love the love? Absolutely! Whether you are a Gale or Peeta fan you have to admit both Gale and Peeta are pretty awesome. It would not be a good love triangle with out Katniss having a heck of a choice before her. Gale is sexy and strong and I know she has history with him but Peeta is on his own level. His love takes my breath away. So yah I’m mega crushing on Peeta right now.

Quoteable:

"Why don't you just kill me now?" I blurt out.

"Publicly?" he asks. "That would only add fuel to the flames."

"Arrange an accident, then," I say.

"Who would buy it?" he asks. "Not you, if you were watching."

"Then just tell me what you want me to do. I'll do it," I say.

"If only it were that simple."

(page 23)

Noteable: If you haven't had a chance to check out the fan site JabberJays.com please do. It is pretty sweet.

My final say: Rarely, but gleefully, I occasionally read a book that moves me so much that even after I am done reading, I can not bear to put it down. I want to read it again and again because I feel like I am not ready to walk away from the characters. This is how Catching Fire left me.