The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins | *crushing*

Oh how happy I am that my friend insisted I read the first book in the Hunger Games Trilogy even though I was persistent that I didn't need to read it since I'd seen the movie. I loved it!! And in quick succession I had to read the other two books as well. My conclusion? I want more!! And I can't wait for the rest of the movies to come out. According to IMDB there's a whole year to wait for Catching Fire and another two years for Mockingjay. It's much too long, and I've got serious withdrawal symptoms from Katniss and Peeta... *sigh* I just love it when I fall in love with books.

My second happiness came from realizing that I actually really enjoyed reading a so-called "Young Adult" series. I guess it's the fantasy element that pulled me in. "Adult" books seldom have the same magic as children's books, but I enjoy the magic. However, I still think I'll have a hard time finding a book that will fill the gap after Hunger Games. Anyone got any good suggestions? Love is essential.

Now to say a few things about the books. I thought all three books were brilliant. They're such accessible reads, the sentences flow beautifully and Collins' style is on the money. I loved how the plot kept thickening and how we were as much in the dark about things as Katniss. Katniss and the other characters keep changing and developing throughout everything that befalls them. And Katniss is a piece of work on her own... My only problem with the books is that Mockingjay simply was a little too short. I only wanted another two pages where everything could come together properly, but I am sure that was an editorial decision, and not entirely Collins' fault. I understand that "Young Adult" readers might only cope with a certain amount of pages, but I'm only asking for two more pages..!


Oh, and I really felt the story through music. Maria Mena's "I'm on Your Side" seemed like a perfect match to the books... If I could make one of those edits with clips from the movie to this song I'd totally do that.

Each confession I make
Translates to you as an insult.
We must rid ourselves of this habit.
I once heard you say you'll
never love anyone more.
Then why am I still fighting you?
And it's never felt like this, before.
No, we've never fought like this, before.
But you, should, know,

That I am on your side,
I am on your side.
Although it may seem useless.
I am on your side.

Your hands are bearing,
worn down to the bone.
But you're still holding on me.
So I tighten my grip,
By god, I won't let you slip.
But can you breathe this way?

And it's never felt like this, before.
No, we've never fought like this, before.

And I am on your side,
I am on your side.
Although it may seem useless.
I am on your side.
I am on your side.

Love was never this frail or so
good when it's good.
No, it's never felt like this, before.
No, it's never felt like this, before.

And I am on your side,
I am on your side.
Although it may seem useless.
I am on your side.
I am on your side.
I am on your side.

 
Oh, and Beth Ditto's "Good Night Good Morning" also perfectly fits the theme of cameras, identity and total confusion...

Are you listening very carefully
Close your eyes and come with me
To go where the evening comes undone
Late at night in the city streets
I feel the need to see the streets
I go where you'll always find someone yeah

Is it good night, is it good morning
Is this real life, are you performing
You're like a vision I can't control
We're in a movie I'm playing a role

I can be by myself sometimes
But I won't be by myself tonight

The sun comes out and suddenly
Something's happening inside of me
I wanna now where the silence has come from

Is it good night, is it good morning
Is this real life, are you performing
You're like a vision I can't control
We're in a movie I'm playing a role

I can be by myself sometimes
But I won't be by myself tonight

I can be by myself sometimes
But I won't be by myself tonight

So yes, I am properly crushing on these books. I am proudly "Team Peeta". The sad thing about finishing a book is that the initial awe cannot be relived. My comfort now is the upcoming movies which will hopefully be a great source for more of the Hunger Games magic.