How I'm feeling about: The Hunger Games

I had been wanting to read Hunger Games since I saw my friend Kate scream with excitement when the commercial for the movie came on t.v. I wanted to read it mostly because her and I love the same kind of books, and once I heard all the buzz going about this story, then heard of other friends reading it and loving it, I knew I wanted to read it. Before the movie came out. Because let's face it, the movie is never as good.

Now that the movie is out, I decided I better start reading before it leaves the theaters. I bought the book awhile ago, but had been procrastinating. And honestly, the title isn't too appealing. The Hunger Games? What the? I didn't even know what to expect. The only thing I did know is that when it comes to fad books (think Harry Potter and Twilight), I'm always hooked. So I went into it pretty sure that this would be no different.

Except it was.

In the weirdest way, too. Unlike previous fad books, I could. not. put. this. down. In a totally different way than any book I've read before. It wasn't because I loved it so much, loved the world and wished it was real (thank you God it's not!). I couldn't put it down because I HAD to know what happened next. I think I subconsciously felt that putting the book down could in some weird way alter the outcome of the story... that is how hooked I was. I mean, this is life and death here-- of the characters you love! It was almost stressful!

The author is obviously a great storyteller. I hung on the story because it was attractive, while being simultaneously repulsed by its sinister nature. The main difference, for me at least, about this book that sets it apart from other fads is how I felt after reading it. With Harry Potter and Twilight I found myself sad that it was over, wishing their world was real (with some exceptions), and just reveling in the story. With this book, I acknowledge that it was an attractively written edge-of-your-seat book, but after reading I'm glad it's over, glad I know what happens, am very thankful that their world does not exist, and am a little disturbed by the sinister plot. 

After awhile though, I need to remind myself that it is just a book, it is not real, and I did enjoy the read, which I am very glad for. It is a rare thing to find a book that is that hard to put down. And the good thing about it? The story continues- I still have two more to read! I don't want to give any spoilers to those who haven't read it, so I'll just say that I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Now for the movie!

Lindsay