Did they celebrate Thanksgiving in District 12? Not likely...
Yes, I am guilty. I am one of the many who have fallen completely in love with the phenomenon that is The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I first got my hands on this book when it was assigned as summer reading for my teenage son. I like to keep up on what he's reading so that I can 'quiz' him on the text. Let's just say, I ended up read the book then telling him what happened in the story.
This apocalyptic story about a teenage girl and her struggle to keep her family alive and together is one that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Katniss Everdeen is no ordinary girl next door. She is a skilled hunter, a survivalist and braver than one would imagine a sixteen year old could be or even should be. In a way, her need to survive is rivaled only by her intense love for her sister, Prim. Katniss is both sibling and caretaker of her little sister since her father was killed by the powers that be and her mother became mentally unstable due to her husbands' unfortunate demise. The lengths and dangers that this young woman goes through to take care of her family are truly remarkable,awe-inspiring and makes for an awesome read.
Collins' ability to write a chapter book for teens that is so spellbinding that it could
captivate adult audiences around the world is simply amazing. Telling this story through the eyes of a teenage girl that almost anyone could connect with (even the fellas) showcases the work of a very talented author. Writing with a mixture of science fiction and mystery, Collin's leaves the reader a tiny trail of crumbs here and there, making us want to turn the pages faster and faster to find out where she's leading us and manages to leave us wanting more. Never did I think I would read a story (twice) about a desperate group of young people trying to savagely hunt each other down and enjoy every moment of it. I must say, I found this book even more disturbing than the classic Lord of the Flies by William Golding, another youth kills youth tale. Reading and enjoying this trilogy actually made me question my morals which made me love it all the more.
Reflective Reading
- If you had to move and could only take one thing, what would you take?
- If you could only have one kind of food, what would it be?
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
- If it were taken away from you what would you miss most: electricity, running water or transportation?
Active Reading
- As an experiment, try to go one day without your favorite source of entertainment (television, computer, video games, etc.). Keep a journal of what you did instead and how you felt without that source of entertainment.
- As an experiment, switch places with one of your parents for a day (perhaps a weekend day) or interview them about their responsibilities. Find out what they do and how they do it. What does it take to raise a family? Is it easy or is it difficult? What would you do differently?
I absolutely love your blog! The way you blend everything together is really well done. I can tell you spent a lot of time on it! I never read "The Hunger Games", but you make it sound fantastic! My motivational activities would be:
ReplyDelete1. Write a paper on a time when you or your family had to struggle and how it changed you.
2. The music from this soundtrack made waves on the Top 40 charts. What songs can you think of that imitate or describe your life.
I really enjoyed your blog!