The Hunger Games, that is. While the rest of the world has been talking about this book (and the movie, which opens on Friday) since its publication in 2008, I just read it. I have to say my interest in the book was piqued by the movie trailers and the fact much of the movie was filmed in my home state of North Carolina. Some scenes were even filmed in my hometown of Concord.For those who might be like I was a couple weeks ago and totally in the dark about this book and film, I give you a short blurb.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen lives with her mother and little sister Primrose in what is left of North America. They reside in District 12, which is the Appalachaian region of the former United States. All twelve districts are run by the Capitol, which is located in the Rocky Mountains (NORAD anyone?). Katniss and Prim's father was killed in a coal mine explosion, and it is Katniss's hunting and foraging skills that keep the family from starving.
To remind the Districts who's in charge, the Capitol holds the Hunger Games each year. The names of all boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 are put in large bowls and one boy and one girl are selected at random from each District to compete in the ultimate reality game. These twenty-four children fight to the finish, and the last one standing wins a life of luxury.
The selection process is called the "reaping" and the children selected are called "tributes." After assuring her little sister her odds of being picked are slim because it's her first time in the reaping, Primrose's name is drawn anyway. To spare her sister, Katniss steps up to take her place in the deadly competition.
Dictrict 12's other tribute is a boy named Peeta Mellark whose father is the town baker.Katniss and Peeta are transported to the Capitol, accompanied by Effie Banks (the pink-haired lady who selected the tributes) and Haymitch Abernathy (their mentor and District 12's only Hunger Games victor). There they are groomed and trained and paraded before not only the Capitol but the Districts as well (the games are televised live and watching is compulsory -- the only time television broadcasts are predictable) before being set out to compete in the games.
This former Phillip Morris cigarette plant in my hometown was used for scenes of the Capitol.
So have you read the book? And the two other books in the trilogy (Catching Fire and Mockingjay)?
And are you going to see the movie? As compelling as the book was, I'm still undecided about seeing the film. If I do decide to go, I'll probably wait for the initial hubbub to wane and the crowds to thin.
PS. Smarty Pants kicks off her blog tour today. Check out her facebook fan page for the schedule and links.
10 comments:
I have not read them. I intend to, at least the first one. I was very late to the Twilight craze too and ended up loving them.
My husband, who reads very widely across the genres, has read them and wants to see the movie, so I will see it. I hope to read the book first.
I haven't read them either. The movie looks interesting but I won't see it until I read the books.
It's interesting that it was filmed near your hometown, PM. Should make the movie better for you to recognize spots.
Compelling is definitely the right word. I wouldn't even go so far as to say that I "liked" them, but that I was compelled to keep reading the whole series. I wanted to get to the HEA. I wanted things to be better for them. It really is a disturbing story. But I am excited about the movie. I'm going Saturday. I'm compelled to. :)
I can't wait for the movie! Sweet Pea and I are sharing it together since she's been reading the books this year. We're so excited!
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Haven't read them. Have no interest in seeing the movie. Some subjects just leave me cold. Yes, I've missed out on some very popular TV shows and books and movies because of that, but on the other hand I've been very content that I didn't use my time doing something that doesn't interest me.
I have to agree with Linda, I've not had any interest in reading them. And after watching Drama Queen cry when she read about children dying in the books, I certainly have no desire to read them.
But she loves them, and is actually going on a school field trip to see the movie this Friday. The school arranged it because some of the 7th and 8th graders have studied the books in their literature class, which I found very cool.
I have to agree with Linda, I've not had any interest in reading them. And after watching Drama Queen cry when she read about children dying in the books, I certainly have no desire to read them.
But she loves them, and is actually going on a school field trip to see the movie this Friday. The school arranged it because some of the 7th and 8th graders have studied the books in their literature class, which I found very cool.
I read them and absolutely loved them. Although I know the books were probably better (they usually are) I have high hopes that the movie will do them justice. My daughter is going with a friend on opening night (no thanks lol) but she is willing to go again later with me lol.
I'm seeing this book mentioned all over the place. I'm just going to have to get with the rest of the world and read it.
I've only read the first book. I do want to read 2 & 3. I've heard disturbing things about tthe ending in book 3. I have no plans to see the movie.
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