Dear Author: Romance Book Reviews, Author Interviews, and Commentary

Last month, Jia reviewed a new to us YA book called Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. It’s a story about a teenager forced to fight in a brutal game to the death against 23 other teenagers. Others decided to read it and so we thought it would be fun to have a Book Club discussion. We’ve never really done this before so bear with us.

Please remember that this discussion will be full of spoilers so don’t read/participate if you don’t want to be spoiled.
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The following are questions that we thought of in relation to the book. Let us know if you have answers or other questions.

What does the future hold for Katniss, Peeta, and Gale?
What did you think of Heymitch? Troublemaker? Untrustworthy? Surprising savoir?
What do you think is the future of the political structure?
Will there be a rebellion? If so, who will lead it? How do you think it will play out?
Will there be retaliation against Katniss for her actions?
Did you think it was fair for Katniss to get the rating that she did in archery?
Did you think that Katniss had to face difficult moral decisions or …

On October 15th, Dear Author will host a book club event for Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games. This is a book that was recommended by Jia. It’s a story about a sixteen year old girl who offers herself up as a Tribute in place of her younger sister, as a player in the annual hunger games, whereby 12 children compete to the death to win a year of boon for his or her district and a lifetime of wealth for themselves.

This is a gripping story. With twists, turns, and lots of action, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Not only that, there’s no denying the power of its themes. War and violence leave scars on the next generation. Haymitch may be the town’s middle-aged drunk but can you blame him? Not did he survive a brutal battle to the death, now as a victor he must mentor future tributes. That hurts. Imagine getting to know these children, coaching them, hoping for their victory… and then watching them die. Year after year, that has been Haymitch’s fate. Of all the things he could have resorted to in order …

Dear Ms. Collins,

I have no doubt that many people will compare this book to the Japanese novel, Battle Royale by Koushun Takami. How can they not? Both books take place in dystopian futures and feature oppressive governments that require children to compete in a last man standing survival game. And while it’s true there are similarities in premise and plot, I think your book brings enough new to the table that it’s easily one of the must read young adult novels of the year.

Set in the future, The Hunger Games takes place long after natural disasters, war, disease, and famine destroyed society as we know it. From the ruins of North America rose the nation of Panem, which consisted of a powerful Capitol ruling over thirteen surrounding Districts. The Districts didn’t like the Capitol’s oppressive rule very much and soon rose up together in a rebellion.

The results were disastrous. The Capitol quelled the uprising in twelve Districts and completely annihilated the thirteenth. As punishment, the Capitol created the Hunger Games. Each year, every District must send one boy and one girl …

This is a slim pickings month for Dear Author. There were quite a few of competently written entertaining books but very few that we were excited about. Maybe the readers can use this as an open thread to discuss the books that they liked and didn’t like this month.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Set in the future, The Hunger Games takes place long after natural disasters, war, disease, and famine destroyed society as we know it. From the ruins of North America rose the nation of Panem, which consisted of a powerful Capitol ruling over thirteen surrounding Districts. The Districts didn’t like the Capitol’s oppressive rule very much and soon rose up together in a rebellion. Katniss is one of the strongest heroines I’ve encountered in YA fiction. She’s smart and clever. Her skills in illegal hunting and foraging gives her an advantage in this year’s Games. She can hunt her own food. She knows which plants are safe to eat. She knows what she needs to do to survive.

I admit I have a fondness of half-feral girls and Katniss is definitely that. …