Suzanne Collins's sequel to her popular Hunger Games was much different from what I expected--with a broader scope than what I figured would be a rinse-and-repeat sequel. Catching Fire has a great twist to it, where contestants go to the games in a way never done before in the annual tributes. I don't want to give away too much of the actual plot, since there's plenty of opportunity for spoilers, but I will say that Collins changes things just when we think the Capitol will dominate in dystopic tyranny forever.
Some of the highlights of the book are the minor characters who end up being major heroes: Cinna, the fashion designer who defies President Snow; the old man who makes the mockingjay call in District 11; "Nuts and Volts," two of the tributes in the games, and Johanna and Finnick; Gale; and Haymitch. It's one of the few books where the real heroes aren't necessarily the protagonist.
Suzanne Collins makes the story real--brings it home in a way that strikes fear into the hearts of freedom-loving readers. She shows just how far an autocratic government is willing to go to keep order.
Katniss's first-person present narrative continues to be enjoyable--nothing repetitive or stilted about it, as I've found some books to be in that style.
I recommend the book to those who liked the first one, but I have to give caveat of the horrific cliffhanger!
Catching Fire, by Suzanne Collins. Scholastic. 2009. 390 pp. $10.52 (HC).
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8 comments:
I, too, loved Cinna. What a real and likeable character. I also love Collins's description of President Snow: blood and roses.
Have you noticed that it's gotten more and more popular to write in the present first person point of view? I thought it would be difficult to write (not read) but now I prefer to write in this tense. Other books that used it well: if i stay, Graceling, Shiver, The Adoration of Jenna Fox, and Things Not Seen. This tense adds such a wonderful element of immediacy. Now, as I'm editing my first book which was written in past tense, I find myself slipping back into present since I wrote a completely different story in present tense. I really like the fresh style.
I just wantched an interview with Suzanne Collins. She talked about how she wanted her story to have a real Gladitaor feel. I think she completely succeeded. I absolutely love these books.
Yes, the blood and roses description was awesome . . . very fresh.
I have noticed the FPP point of view used very much lately, especially in YA/middle-grade. In fact, we were talking about that in our writers' group recently, as one of our team is trying something new with the POV that I think will fit wonderfully with her story.
That's interesting about the Gladiator motif--she's definitely got it, especially with the Roman names used by Capitol citizens. A great new juxtaposition onto the image of America as decadent Rome instead of savior of the nations.
That and Katniss is a great example of a strong female protagonist. Did you read Graceling? The main character in that book was just as strong, but not nearly as likeable. I love how Katniss isn't good with words but Peeta has the gift for delivering speeches (they balance each other out). Also, Katniss's conflict over which boy to love feels very real to me.
The MC in Graceling's name is KATSA. I kept saying Katniss in my head.
My wife loved the Graceling, and it's on my To Be Read shelf. I always enjoy a good female protagonist, too. Lately I've especially liked the Elizabeth Moon Vatta War series, with some of the best female protagonists ever.
Yes, with the Katniss, Peeta, Gale love triangle I'm very curious how things will turn out. My prediction is that one of the two guys dies, making the choice for Katniss . . .
You should have your wife watch this trailer for Graceling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7jwHLDpxFM
It's absolutely horrific. Made me realize the book is SO MUCH BETTER even though I liked Katniss better than Katsa.
I've thought the same thing and I'm guessing Gale will die since Peeta has had much more "screen time"--we've gotten much more attached to him.
That's my hunch too--Gale sacrificing himself in the rebellion for the greater good.
Book trailers . . . ack! Whoever started that trend should be shot. I've seen maybe 3 book trailers that would encourage buying the book instead of running and hiding from it.
I completely agree with you, though my good friend, David J. West just posted his book trailer on his blog and it's incredible: http://david-j-west.blogspot.com/
I don't know if you know about his book, Heroes of the Fallen, but I expect it to make waves. David's also announcing best book by a new author at the Whitney awards.
I haven't met David before. I'll have to catch up with him at the Whitneys.
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