Book: MockingjayAuthor: Suzanne Collins
Release: August 24th, 2010
Source: Bought
My Summary (skip if you haven't read previous books):
Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice, and she's still haunted by the experiences from both Games. Her home has been destroyed, most of the people of her district too, except for whoever managed to escape to District 13.
At least she has her family, and her friend. Yet there are still people that need to be recovered, and death is on every corner.
Katniss goes from being used by the Capital to being used by the rebels. They need their Mockingjay, and Katniss is what everyone expects. But she isn't so sure that she is who they want her to be, or if she can be. In the end, she has to decide who to trust, who to fight for and who to fight with.
Review: I think I'm still in shock, and it's been more than a month since I read Mockingjay.
I remember thinking that Catching Fire was an "emotional" book, but this one takes that description very easily. Katniss is far more raw, broken and different than the fierce, protective girl she was in The Hunger Games. All of this war has taken its toll on her. I've got to admit, I really was annoyed with Katniss on virtually every page. She didn't make decisions, she just followed and let everyone make her decisions for her.
The relationships in this novel were more strained. The friendships, romance, and some of the outcomes really broke my heart. This isn't a happy story, its very raw and depressing. I had to put it down a couple times because it just got to be a bit much. At the end, you just might need a pick-me-up of some sort, so whatever perks you up (candy, cheesy movies, whatever), make sure you have it on hand because you'll need it.
In Mockingjay, the fire that began in Catching Fire has truly burned sky high, and not everyone will walk away alive.
Highlights: Plenty of epic, jaw-dropping moments. And honestly, this book really got to me. There were surprises, and characters I was sad to see go. I was up, I was down, I was thrilled, and I was pissed off. It got me to spiral through a series of emotions, and I have to hand it to Collins for making me care about these characters, this story, this trilogy. I'm sorry to see it end.
Lowlights: There were some decisions, particularly one scene in the end where a vote takes place that I disliked. I felt it went against everything the characters were working towards. There were a few other things too, like how Katniss never actually chooses her own path, future, even a guy. It's all done for her, and that kind of bothers me.
Rating: 
Reviews of other books in this trilogy:
Though I really enjoyed Mockingjay overall, I have to agree with you that Katniss was a little annoying-- not the tough girl I remembered. And I was really sad about a certain major character's very sudden death. (Guess you know who I'm talking about.) Great review. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat insightful review, Lea! I really enjoyed Mockingjay, too, and I liked the closure, but I definitely agree that Katniss didn't really develop, per se. :)
ReplyDeleteThis one puts you through the emotional ringer! I also felt like Katniss didn't get to choose for herself. This is definitely not a 'feel good' book. I ate much chocolate afterwards.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, I haven't yet touch any Hunger Games book just yet! I know they are good but for some reasons, I am afraid that they are not as good as I expect them to be. I am pretty adamant to wait until all the hype died down before starting reading my copies. Though I'm glad to hear that the books have such a huge impact to you. Really hope that I'll be feeling the same once I read them =)
ReplyDeleteAhh I have not started these yet, I do so feel like I am missing out.
ReplyDeleteWow,Mockingjay sounds soo emotional! Don't know if I dare reading it ;)
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I debated over that vote. I was at first disappointed, like you, but my husband's understanding was that Katniss voted that way "for Prim", not because she thought they really should have a Hunger Games for the people of the Capitol, but because Katniss wanted vengeance for Prim's death, which she now believed Coin to be responsible for. If she voted against Coin's wishes, she would not be permitted to be President Snow's executioner. So "for Prim", she agrees with Coin in order to assassinate Coin.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that Katniss doesn't choose her own path. From the beginning of the series, all she wanted was freedom to live her own life, and that is what she got in the end. She never could have chosen Gale after the bomb incident with Prim, and Peeta was a source of security and healing for her.
I feel like my heart has been torn out. Suzanne some how made me care abut these characters and now I just feel the ache of loss in my chest :( Powerful Books!
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