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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Book Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins


My Rating: 95/100

I have avoided all spoilers of this book since it came out.  To that end, I can't even reprint a summary without giving bits away.  So if you must know the summary, here is a link to the GoodReads page.  

My Non-Spoilery Thoughts:

I know this book caused quite a stir when it was released because I remember reviews being mixed, readers felt let down, and there was a general meh-ness about this book.  For me, I liked it.  Not as much as Catching Fire, but I still devoured every page all the same.  The plot had to change a bit, although the same themes that have been present in the prior two, are repeated here again in Mockingjay: Katniss being a pawn, Katniss undecided about her feelings regarding Peeta and Gale, no one has that many options available to them.

This book wrapped up all the plot lines and did so quite well.  It may not have been super exciting, but I think at this period in time all parties having growing and deciding to do.  Mockingjay may not have had the ending everyone wanted or liked but with the dystopian world of the book, I thought the ending was believable and finished the story appropriately.  There was one I thought unnecessary death at the beginning of the end, that I was disappointed with.  However, it cemented the other story elements in place.  No person or government is above doing anything for personal gain.

In conclusion, I enjoyed this book greatly.  It has a different feel than the previous two, and I was satisfied with the ending.  For more of my specific feelings towards the book read the spoiler review that follows.  If you dare!

SPOILER REVIEW - HIGHLIGHT TO READ

There were parts that were a bit boring, but it was for story telling sake.  Totally knew Coin, the leader of District , had a hidden agenda regarding Katniss.  Also, with such a powerful role model who has the potential to sway followers, Coin can't have Katniss running around loosey goosey.  However, that does not excuse, the killing of Prim.  I was floored.  I did not see that coming.  Also the conversations Katniss had with Snow, like him or not, he was always almost honest with her.  Snow knew and saw Katniss' potential, so why lie.  Katniss knew this too, and also realized that District 13 and dreams of true freedom and living were never going to happen for her.

As for the Peeta brainwashing, not surprised.  The Capital was brutal and their methods were unbelievable   Peeta and Katniss ending up being together.  I think that was the best possible outcome.  Both of them are damaged goods.  There was never going to be a totally happy ending.  It wouldn't be right and it doesn't match the tone of the books.  Hollywood better not change it either.  You hear me?!
I really had  no problem with how the book ended.  I've read that people thought there were loose ends.  Not sure what they mean, although its been a while since I read this.

Katniss killing Coin: she had to to.  The cycle of violence would have continued had she not.  All the other Games winners dying, very sad as I read those moments.  I liked them greatly.

That's about all I can think of.  Overall the pacing was different than the previous two, but I enjoyed Mockingjay very much.  I think it ended the series quite well.  I also read Catching Fire and Mockingjay back to back and that may be why I think the way I do.  I didn't have to wait a year, like everyone else.

Now onto Battle Royale by Japanese author Koushun Takami.  Supposedly Hunger Games is a rip off of this story.  I'll let you know :)

Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: Dystopian young adult
Hardback 390 pages
Book Source: borrowed from the library



 © Jenny Girl - 2013 "All Rights Reserved"

Comments (24)

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It sounds like we had an almost identical reaction to this one. I loved Catching Fire more, but I thought this really was the right was to wrap up the trilogy. I can't imagine it ending with some happily ever after. The ending felt right and realistic.
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
Me too, because I couldn't believe the bit about the 75th Hunger Games. Like how cruel can you be? Catching Fire had more oomph or something.
I agree. I thought this was really the only way the story could end. Great story/series.
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
I think this my #1 series of all time.
I did not like this one at all, it felt silly and boring
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
Really?? The Peeta mind thing was a bit much, but The rest felt right to me. Oh well :)
I'm going to have to watch the movie to remember the book! Me and my poor memory have already forgotten most it.
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
lol that's because we read so many books...they start to meld together.
I thought this was a great ending also, but had mixed comments after leaving a positive review on my blog. To each their own I guess...I'm glad you enjoyed it!
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
I'm not surprised. I remember this book being a big dividing line. I'll have to check out that review.
Sorry your Packers lost sweetie :(
I liked this one but Hunger Games & Catching Fire I loved. I was floored and disappointed over the anticlimactic death of you know who, and the fact that it barely rated a mention. Soo not happy.
But the series on a whole rocked, glad you enjoyed it :)
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
Oh wait....which death? It's been a while I remember the pages flew by for me. But agreed, the series as a whole rocked.
I thought the ending was bittersweet and hopeful. I liked the way the trilogy ended. I could see how some thought it anti-climactic but I also could see where it was going and knew who Katniss woud end up with.
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
I wasn't exactly sure who Katniss would end up with, but it was becoming clear towards the end. I almost thought she would stay alone, although she is in some ways.
I haven't read Mockingjay yet, I read the first two books. Glad you enjoyed this one, I have heard mixed reviews.
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
I think whatever impression you get from the third one, is completely personal. Well obviously but with everyone being so divided, it's your individual take. Looking forward to the next two movies.
I felt the same way you did. I don't think it could have ended any other way, and I love the sense of hope you get at the ending with Katniss finally willing to have children. Like you, I felt it was a completely believable and true to the story ending. I personally loved it, as it did nothing but solidify my love for the entire series!
1 reply · active 635 weeks ago
Hell yes! Just watched Hunger Games movie, and it brought me right back to reading book, even though I felt more for them having read the books then just watching the movie.
It is my favorite series and one I will certainly re-read in a few years.
I felt the same way about this book. It wasn't as good as the others, but I was satisfied with how it ended.
1 reply · active 631 weeks ago
Exactly! �I'm just glad it ended well, or at least in our opinion :)
I agree with you about the ending -- it felt like the way it had to be, even if it wasn't entirely satisfying.
1 reply · active 634 weeks ago
Yes, a little of but appropriate. �Hope the movies don't change it.
I didn't read too much of this post because I haven't read past Hunger Games yet but I intend to. Thank you for hiding the spoiler. Hopefully, I'll get to them this year.

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