The Hunger Games...

[KiddToKmart]

I haven't been reading books for a couple of years now but, am curious if The Hunger Games is a good entry point for me to get back to my old habits?

I'm purposely avoiding the movie (though it's getting great reviews) to soak in the experience through the books beforehand. Any feedback on how they are and if they're worth it?

And... no spoilers please!

[CaptainAwesome]

I just started the series. Loved the first book, though the ending waned cheesy in my opinion; it is contemporary "young adult" literature, though, so that's expected. I'm finding the second book much more compelling. Still have the third yet to go, though the general consensus among my peers was that it sucked. Not that I would take their word for it, mind you, because frankly when your knowledge of pop culture goes back only to 1998, you don't deserve an opinion.

It's definitely an interesting concept, and you can read into the symbolism and meaning a little deeper if that's what you're looking for (evils of government etc.), but overall a good series from what I've experienced. First and second in the series are a definite "Go" from me.

[Teknikal]

I read them all about a year ago I think I flew through them pretty fast it isn't in my opinion the best trilogy ever but it's not bad either definitely worth reading.

[backtothis]

Just got back from seeing the film. I know I'll be reading the trilogy this summer.

[KiddToKmart]

Still debating whether to read the book or watch the movie first! :x

[Fireball926]

Still debating whether to read the book or watch the movie first! :x

I just saw the movie without reading the book and now I'm dying to pick up a copy of it! Can't wait just go see the movie first it will help you build a basic understanding then when you read the book you will be able to see all the details left out.

I have to say the movie was fantastic! Can't wait for catching fire to come out in 2013! Possibly one of the greatest movies I've seen in a couple years!! I can't get over it I'm in love with the series now but am saddened that there are only 3 books in the series... Will probably re read them a few times!

[KiddToKmart]

I just saw the movie without reading the book and now I'm dying to pick up a copy of it! Can't wait just go see the movie first it will help you build a basic understanding then when you read the book you will be able to see all the details left out.

I have to say the movie was fantastic! Can't wait for catching fire to come out in 2013! Possibly one of the greatest movies I've seen in a couple years!! I can't get over it I'm in love with the series now but am saddened that there are only 3 books in the series... Will probably re read them a few times!


Thanks for the reply... I already started the book yesterday though, so will probably finish it this week and catch it in the Cinema next week :)

[mashead2000]

I surprised how good the film was! Go see it!!!! Definately replaces the hole Harry Potter has left :)
Gonna read the books now i got ages ago but never got round to it

[TinkyWinky]

I watched the movie and it was really good.I didn't read the books so now I hopefully will.

[KiddToKmart]

Getting really psyched for the movie now... halfway through the book and can't wait to see how the movie translates over from the book!

[KiddToKmart]

Just blew through the second half of the book... lol. Fastest i've ever read a book since Angels and Demons (Dan Brown).

Will go see the movie tomorrow :D

[Stan]

I read all three books in 4 days!
I reread the hunger games yesterday, I'll probably watch it today.

[backtothis]

$155m opening weekend..

[Random_Guy]

Reading is overrated.

[KiddToKmart]

Reading is overrated.

Heh...

Just got back from watching the movie... sorely disappointed. They left out so many colorful details from the book, it's not even funny. It moved way too fast for my liking... especially when the battles began. The way things were paced in the book were far more balanced and, not to mention, more interesting.

Two thumbs up for the book, didn't like the movie too much though.

[backtothis]

Heh...

Just got back from watching the movie... sorely disappointed. They left out so many colorful details from the book, it's not even funny. It moved way too fast for my liking... especially when the battles began. The way things were paced in the book were far more balanced and, not to mention, more interesting.

Two thumbs up for the book, didn't like the movie too much though.

Lol, apply that to the HP series translating to film, and you'll have that 10x. Compared to the usual novel adaptation, I'm pretty sure THG on the big screen shares a lot more with its source material.

[Fireball926]

Heh...

Just got back from watching the movie... sorely disappointed. They left out so many colorful details from the book, it's not even funny. It moved way too fast for my liking... especially when the battles began. The way things were paced in the book were far more balanced and, not to mention, more interesting.

Two thumbs up for the book, didn't like the movie too much though.

I could definitely see this. I started the book last night on my phone and the amount of detail left out is incredible. Even though I'm just 60 or so pages in there's an incredible amount of detail left out like how she's named after a plant etc.

[dumaz1000]

This is not a particularly good screenplay adaptation. If you haven't read a portion of the book, you're not really going to get it. Many aspects of the dramatic narrative are some combination of weak and/or unfinished. I suppose its entertaining enough. I have a degree in screenwriting though, and this screenplay is significantly flawed.

[coconutbowling]

I came into the movie not knowing what to expect. I was surprised that it was as dark as it was, and I liked that. I want to read the books, and that's coming from someone who never reads.

And regarding the screenplay, any movie adapted from a book is going to suffer, it's inevitable. But for what it's worth, I thought it was pretty good.

[LOLavi]

Reading the first book finally! So far at the place where they just picked Peeta and Katniss.

[KiddToKmart]

Reading the first book finally! So far at the place where they just picked Peeta and Katniss.

Enjoy! Will be starting Catching Fire today myself :)

[Fireball926]

A little then more then half way through the novel and I can't stop reading! Nice I'm doing it on my phone so I can really do it where ever!

[cotton julius]

Getting really psyched for the movie now... halfway through the book and can't wait to see how the movie translates over from the book!

I also can't wait to see how the movie translates over from the book!:)

[LOLavi]

Holy fuuuuuuu!! I'm getting Harry Potter vibes! No seriously, last time I was hooked on a book was when I was reading Deathly Hallows!

[ChrisL]

Enjoy! Will be starting Catching Fire today myself :)

Definitely my favorite of the three books :)

[Ninja J]

I may have a try too. Thanks for posting this question.

[LOLavi]

Halfway through Catching Fire in one day! These books are so addicting!

[ToySoldier]

I read The Hunger Games about 3 months ago after hearing buzz about the movie. Immediately got hooked on the series. Ran to the story to buy the other books and plowed through them in a weekend. It's a Young Adult novel so the romance stuff kinda made me roll my eyes in a few spots but I connected with the characters and setting regardless.

The movie was good. It did move way too fast for my liking. Since they are going to milk the movies for all they are worth, they should have split up the first book into two movies and moved faster through the others. I can't imagine Mockingjay being a 2 parter...

[MasterChief3624]

I'm definitely tempted to read the books after seeing the movie. It's an interesting premise.

As for the movie, I thought it was very well-made (aside from some nasty CGI, but eh), and the pacing should have been good, but I couldn't help but feel a little bored... It felt like a long movie, though I don't consider that a valid opinion, because every movie seems long to me lately. :p

[LOLavi]

Wow. I've already read book 2 in less than 2 days! I won't be surprised if I've finished book 3 before Monday... Never read a book series this fast! Not even HP! These books got me so hooked and I've barely touched my iPod... Thankfully I have been/am sick so I have time to read these. Sister bought 2 last books after reading the library book to half.

[ToySoldier]

As for the movie, I thought it was very well-made (aside from some nasty CGI, but eh)....

I felt some of the CGI stuff was cheesy too but then I heard about the budget for the movie which was around $80, which was pretty low for a blockbuster like this.