Friday, October 09, 2009

Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

One-sentence summary: In the sequel to The Hunger Games, Katniss has little time to revel in her victory in the Games before the Capitol is out to seek revenge for what they see as her rebellious act, which ignites hope in the people of Panem that they may yet be free.

B.A.D. Girls Book Rating: 9 (another unanimous rating)

Our favorite thing about it: The creativity that we loved in the first book makes its return in this book as well. The imagery, the set up of the Games, and the story itself is just so unique and diverse.

Our least favorite thing about it: If we are forced to pick something, we would say that Katniss’s persistent cluelessness can be a bit annoying. We understood that to be a necessity since Katniss is the narrator and therefore the lens through which the reader sees the plot unfold. If Katniss had known all the details when perhaps she should have, the story would not have been as intriguing. Still, she seemed awfully dense at times as to what was going on around her.

Main Topics of Discussion: Symbolism, Loyalty, Love, War, Oppression, Heroism

Our favorite quote: “Everything is happening too fast for me to process it. The warning, the shootings, the recognition that I may have set something of great consequence in motion. The whole thing is so improbable. And it would be one thing if I had planned to stir things up, but given the circumstances…how on earth did I cause so much trouble?” (p.68)

Notes: This is the first sequel we have ever read together as a book club choice. And only our second book to have an anonymous rating…and a nine again, no less. We were all wondering how well the second book would be written since, traditionally, second books tend to fall in the shadow of the first book. This book did not do that, however, and definitely held our attention again. The same themes and metaphors spoke to us as they were seamlessly woven into the narrative. Most of us came out of this book with completely opposite feelings of who we thought Katniss should be with as opposed to how we felt after the first book: Gale or Peeta. We all agreed that one of the main plot twists in this book was predictable, but also agreed that the author made it completely believable as to how it came about. This book ramps up the stakes, and makes the Games a completely different arena (literally and figuratively) than the first book. We all thought that the actual arena in this book was brilliantly devised. Some of the dangers were of a more psychological nature but just as deadly. And the inner workings of the arena made it a perfect setting for the true intended outcome of the Games.

Memorable Meeting Moments: Lindsay received birthday books (most of which are also movies), Josh prepared another winning meal for us, Becky stepped in as sous chef on the risotto, and Dara aced her first attempt at homemade dulce de leche for her cake.

What We Ate: Bruschetta, Pine Nut and Herb Encrusted Cod with Golden Raisin Reduction, Risotto, Spinach, Ooey Gooey Cake, and Pumpkin Bread.

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2 comments:

Unknown said...

great pics and summary as usual!
I'm already looking forward to next month.

Dara said...

Love it all, Rachel! Great summary and pics! Would you mind emailing me those pics so that I can add them to my October Snapfish album? They are gorgeous!