I just finished the first book and, while it was a good read, I found it a little tiring. It was hard for me to get into, which made it hard for me to enjoy. I also found the writing to be basic and nondescript – I felt like I was reading at a pre-teen’s level, not a young adult. The thing is, I really wanted to like the book simply because I’d heard so many people raving about how wonderful it is. I mean, I have a lot of faith in books and I take it personally when I can’t like a book!
So, while I understand the hype around the book and movie, I wasn’t left with a burning desire to read the next two books. I feel like, if the entire series is set up around the Hunger Games, then why shouldn’t it just begin and end with the games? It makes no sense to me that the story would continue after the pretense of the games is over… Am I the only one that feels this way about the book(s)? I’m frustrated because The Hunger Games felt like a complete story to me, not one that needed to be extended and fractured into different pieces. If Suzanne Collins had finished it up with an interesting twist and a nice ending, I would’ve been content and walked away from my experience extremely pleased. But she didn’t, and now instead of being excited about the next two books, I’m kind of irritated that there are two more that I need to get through.
I sound like I’m whining about the book – which I might be doing a little bit – but I also feel like these books should be praised. The writing is easy and light, which makes for a fun read. The characters are also likeable and I found myself identifying with the main characters, smiling at their victories, and aching in frustration when they made stupid decisions. Don’t get me wrong, The Hunger Games was a thoroughly enjoyable book. If you allow your imagination to roam, you’ll enjoy the futuristic setting and the fantastic detail of the Capitol of Panem. Much like all other books that have turned into multi-bilion dollar franchises, The Hunger Games will, indeed, join the ranks of the Harry Potter and Twilight series’.
Though I’m sure I’ll end up reading the last two, I really feel like the whole story could have been kept to one book alone. But who knows, I might like the next two books. Although I’m in no rush to go out buy them – I’d rather keep my $30, and save the books for a rainy day.