kajacana:

claro3:

kajacana replied to your post: So I’m forcing myself to read the whole Hunger Games series.

Yeah pretty much. This series was fun to read (to an extent), but mostly I found myself disappointed because there is SO MUCH POTENTIAL with a story like this, and Collins just wasn’t committed enough to go there. Excited to see it as a film, though.

Okay, Grace might not have rant-y feelings, but I sense that you do. You have to explain what you mean in a little more detail- what potential did you see, in what ways was she afraid to go there? Where is there, for you?

You must explain. I hunger for rants. I must feed.

(No spoilers beyond the first book.)

The Hunger Games, to me, felt like a powerful idea that was poorly executed.  I will admit that I tore through those books like a beast - I thought they were exciting, loved the constant cliffhangers, and didn’t want to stop reading.  It was a fun experience and I don’t regret the money I spent on the hardcover versions.  The writing was often awkward and the whole thing oozes melodrama, but those things just didn’t bother me that much, I don’t know why.

It’s only retrospect that makes me feel cheated.  This is a trilogy about teenagers who are forced to murder each other on national television.  That is some grim shit right there.  Add the creepy government and the unfortunate state of most of the country, and it becomes doubly grim.  A concept like that should elicit some sort of strong reaction in the reader - and maybe it does, for some.  But Collins just never convinced me.  Here are some reasons why:

Read More

A very well-phrased criticism of the series.

I’m sure I’ll have more to say on it eventually, but right now, this is good. This is very good.