Monday, January 23, 2012

Hunger Games Trilogy

How many of you have read the whole Hunger Games trilogy? I just finished the last book and want to talk to someone about it. So, here goes (warning: spoilers). Did you have a hard time liking Katniss in the third book like I did? I guess, you have to give some leeway--she's obviously been through a lot by that time and doesn't want to cope with life. Didn't you think the third book was darker than the others? And wasn't it awful when Katniss agreed to some Hunger Games for the Capitol people's children? Well, it was true that she needed Peeta with his peaceful ways and loving devotion. I almost want to say she didn't deserve him, but then again, she did save him many times too. I loved the last line of the book where he asks if her love is real or not real. I cried. I really liked Finnick's character. I was sorry he had to die. The arena in the 2nd book was so creative. Book two may be my favorite. The third was my least favorite. When do you think kids are old enough to read these books? Luke, our almost-11-year-old, is starting the first. With the third being so much darker (with Finnick's revelation of how he was used sexually, especially) I'm not sure he's ready for that one.

In life, do you ever find yourself trying to find the balance between the Capitol's carefree, shallow, party lifestyle and District 13's structure, discipline and frugality? I feel like that's a big part of life. We're supposed to teach our kids to work and not waste, but we also teach them to partake of and create beauty. I know people who make up parties all the time (one of my friends celebrates each first day of the month with her family) just for a chance to celebrate! Sometime I get so bogged down in getting everything done (checked off my mental list) that I use absolutely no creativity at all. I have to remind myself that there are other ways, that flexibility is a virtue, and that my life can be funner than I'm letting it be. I get the feeling, also, that there are those in life who have no problem finding the fun and need to remind themselves that by adhering to a schedule or list, they can accomplish more and feel calmer about life when things start to feel crazy. I know I'm just rambling here, but if you've followed my stream of consciousness, I mean that we can all learn from each other and balance the carefree attitude with the structure and come up with something better than the extremes. One thing I want to do more with my kids (I know, this is a real tangent here) is have dance parties with them. When everyone is fighting or my 5-year-old is trying really hard to bug everyone in sight, I want to yell, "Dance Party," turn on some music, and dance our bad feelings away!

The End. Please comment!

AND, I'M REALLY EXCITED FOR THE MOVIE--IT'S NOT RATED YET, THOUGH....

2 comments:

Karen K said...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who had a hard time with book 3! It made me feel almost sick sometimes. Sometimes I just found myself skimming so I could just find out what happens. I find myself having a harder time with violence the older I get, I'd like to say it's maturity but probably not :) I know I am going to have a hard time if my kids start asking me to read things that I'm unsure about. Like the Hunger Games series, or Twilight. Can I tell them they can read them when they're 18, after they pray about it? Right now Tyler's just into dragon books and Aubrey reads things like Frog and Toad, so it's not a huge issue, but Jon and I did have some "discussion" when Tyler wanted to read the Harry Potter books, me thinking they're probably fine, Jon not so much past the first book. I think we're going to lean towards the side of being "strict" parents and hopefully the kids won't rebel.

That's an interesting point about the balance, I didn't even really think about that while reading them. I think I definitely err on the side of NOT celebrating/partying/etc. Sometimes it just seems like more work trying to make things fun, like with holidays especially. I look at other people's blogs and think, wow I'm a pretty boring mom for not being fun like that- dying toilet water green on St. Patricks day or designing intricate scavenger hunts for birthdays or making homemade Christmas decorations out of baby food jars, etc., but that's the wrong way of thinking too! Of course, that's kind of talking more about "structured/planned creativity." (Am I making any sense?) So, yes, I definitely need to do more spontaneous and simple fun things. Right now I'm really trying to cut down on wasting time and trying to get dishes and laundry and cooking done more efficiently so that I can have more time to BE with my kids- playing games, reading, etc. That Dance Party idea is great. We seriously need to laugh more with our families. It's just hard when there's so much going on.

Thanks for attaching that photo!

ziggygirl said...

I loved the first two,thought it was dumb that she killed off katniss sister in the third.seemed like she just wanted to get it over with. I liked ally's book Matched much better. But still think we all need to go to the movie together. I love spontaneous activities.that is what keeps me going in life! Love u all!