The Hunger Games Review [CC]

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[@AmeliaOak]

When I read The Hunger Games, I felt like the reader wasn’t supposed to expect a romance. The whole point was that the people watching wanted to be entertained by a romance but it was shallow and horrible of them. It was a satire about how people only care about themselves and their own amusement, even when others are suffering for it. Although, I don’t know if a teenage reader would pick up on that? I think I might have been just out of my teens when I read the series

[@justperpetuallybothered3474]

I read it at 12 years old and definitely thought the same as you. Jeez, I can't believe I'm 20 now. This series is actually what made me fall in love with reading, it feels like only last week I first read it...Anyways, it's pretty clear that Katniss and Peeta are romanticised for the capitols entertainment, and if anything what they have is platonic, at least on katniss' end in the first book. They're love truly blossoms though as the the series progresses. I always adored Peeta though. He actually shaped the way I view relationships and to this day serves as a template as to what qualities I like in guys, such as artistic ability, compassion, nurturing gentle, respectful, strong moral compass, empathetic etc.

[@audreylane4302]

I read it at 14 and picked up on that too

[@allurajane4979]

I guess I kinda got that? I remember knowing there was going to be a romance because I heard of the Peeta vs Gale thing but I never really cared about it because when I read it when I was in 6th grade and I never really liked romances as a kid.

[@zellhound156]

I never really wanted a romance out of it. I didn't think either of the love interests fit her in all honesty.

[@AmeliaOak]

Zellie Kitten I think the focus was supposed to be on society. Honestly it felt like an extreme version of our own society to me.

[@aravisthetarkheena]

I agree that a LOT of YA does have romance and love triangles just for the sake of it, like you said. I think the marketing Twilight kind of set that in motion (which is fine, there's nothing wrong with romance in YA books in general) but I think the Hunger Games had much more purpose with the romance. Choosing between Peeta and Gale was not just about who was "better" - it was about Katniss choosing between 2 worldviews.

[@audreylane4302]

Couldn't have said it better myself

[@VC-cx8gf]

This is exactly what I was going to say

[@jaynadoesart]

aravisthetarkheena Yes I agree, I think as far as love triangles go, Gale vs. Peeta wasn’t forced and made sense for the story

[@justinnave4853]

Does YA stand for young adult?

[@audreylane4302]

@@justinnave4853 Yes

[@LilyEleanorReads]

I get the comment about Peeta being underdeveloped but there are definitely hints toward his character if you read into it and pay attention to him - he clearly has a bad relationship with his mother (she calls him a stupid creature, hits him for burning bread, tells him flat out he won't survive in her last conversation with her son) and his father seems to do little about it. He makes a comment that his father would've preferred a daughter so I always got the impression he felt unwanted, hence why he has low self esteem and uses his self deprecating humour to mask his very real insecurities. But that stuff isn't very obvious unless you read those specific passages a few time, I completely understand! I definitely agree that she's not being silly for not realising his feelings are real, i wasn't sure when i first read the book! I do think she genuinely cares about him, that's incredibly clear to me in the berries scene/hovercraft scene. I get people wanting her to be alone, but the idea of her being alone at the end of mockingjay when she's so traumatised actually feels so sad to me, not empowering. Being alone for Katniss, who has spent so long shutting people out after her father died, wouldn't have felt right to me. Especially when she's struggling with her mental health, and as catching fire demonstrates, Peeta understands her trauma best, and I was always glad she had someone who could bring her some happiness after everything she went through. But as someone who's read them countless times in 10 years, it makes me happy it's still holding up for people! It's truly one of the few YA's of the time i think that does so.

[@mariamahmed2021]

I agree completely, especially with what you said about how her being alone in the end just doesn't feel right.

[@PeytonReads]

Yes Lily 👏🏻👏🏻

[@naughtscrossstitches]

yes! you said it right. She needed someone who knew what she had been through . To help her through the nightmares

[@EmphaticNod]

The part about her being alone after her trauma resonates with me so much... My husband suffers from severe PTSD, and the thought of him being alone to deal with it with no one to turn to in those moments where it suddenly takes a turn... It HURTS me to think about it. I don't want that for him, and I don't want it for Katniss, either.

[@winnerwinner2330]

peeta is so smart

[@yabookprincess]

I think Peeta was underdeveloped on purpose so that their romance didn't take away from the plot, if that makes sense. The focus was mainly on the atrocities of Panem and the Capitol.

[@pretendtheresaname9213]

I always thought it was a bad excuse when people say characters are underdeveloped on purpose, since usually the best way to engage people with your story is bonding then with your characters, considering the story's premise will only grab the public interest to certain point. You can develop a character and have a romance without both taking attention from the plot, it has been done plenty of times.

[@desireemixon9736]

I don't think so. The romance was forced in all 3 books

[@ejnarsorensen2920]

I thought it was underdeveloped to highlight Katniss' romantic naivety.

[@valuivana]

I think he's not underdeveloped, he's just the image of him in katniss's mind, we just get her side of the story

[@yuzmanito]

Peeta still sucks

[@Lysa-wx8qp]

i can’t believe i actually read this as a 12 year-old and didn’t come out of it traumatized

[@justperpetuallybothered3474]

I was the same age when I read it and I'm also a bit shocked after being reminded of how grizzly it is. That said, it did have an everlasting impact on me, mainly, it ignited my love of reading, which is really quite beautiful. This series will always have a special place in my heart.

[@Lysa-wx8qp]

just perpetually bothered same! for both things hahah but yeah when she described the scenes i was shocked (even though i’ve reread them multiple times) idk maybe it never fully hit me until she actually said it out loud

[@justperpetuallybothered3474]

@@Lysa-wx8qp I think now that I'm a bit older violence is something I'm more sensitive to. I haven't always been that way, that's for sure.

[@thetruth830]

I read it at 10 and loveeeed it, and that scares me a little.

[@emmapierce2807]

I read it at 8 and I didn’t understand some parts of it which was good but I really should not have done that lol

[@ChaBillyVang]

I would have loved to hear Foxface’s backstory. She’s such a mystery and gets 5th place. Like wow.

[@aaronemerson8049]

At least have been given her actual name lol. Honestly behind Katniss she was my favorite in the arena

[@noakatie]

I think they're not doing Foxface's backstory because Suzanne Collins wants her to be a mystery

[@jf5419]

@@aaronemerson8049 Same! I've always wanted to at least know her name. Apparently there's talk among the fandom that her real name is Finch Crossley? I think it's based on what people heard from the movie, but even in the movie her name isn't super clear

[@fawkesontheroll8594]

Yeah! Honestly she was one of the smartest players in the game and that's what intrigues me about her. But it wouldn't have been realistic if we get to know her though.

[@matthewsteele99]

i was a bit more interested in the district 10 boy

[@BG12sofia]

My take on why Katniss didn't realise that Peeta was really in love with her is because she was too cynical to believe it. We can all agree that people who are too idealistic and naive can't see reality for what it is. However, people who are too cynical can make the same mistake. If you think everything around you is an act -- which is pretty much the rule in the Capitol and the Games -- sometimes you won't believe it when people are actually honest. Also, to Katniss's credit, she does wonder sometimes if Peeta is telling the truth.

[@saribeepo.o5111]

Agreed. It's pretty obvious he has feelings for her with the guy thinking more about her survival than his when prepping for the games in book one, but she's so cynical she thinks he's got to have some sort of angle, or whatever he tries must be doomed to backfire, because nothing goes well in life.

[@ConstanzaRigazio]

Katniss is like me when someone loves me, I’m like: “Really?”… 😂

[@ninimeggie4771]

I think other characters not having a huge amount of depth is due as you said to it being in first person. I think it would be strange to have all this information about other people when Katniss would have no reason to know this depth.

[@justperpetuallybothered3474]

Precisely. She's just trying to make it out alive. As much as the reader would love more, it just wouldn't make sense.

[@ninimeggie4771]

@@justperpetuallybothered3474 and i think this story does well in 1st person. I wouldn't want it told differently because we'd lose so much of Katniss

[@jaynadoesart]

NiNiMeggie Exactly.

[@sivad1025]

It also does a good job dehumanizing the opponents until Katniss has some connection. It puts you in her shoes of wanting to dehumanize the opponents. We see in Catching Fire how dangerous that is

[@natasagajic1061]

I still think that the Hunger Games are amazing books and would recommend them to teens as an introduction to a utopian/dystopian genre, before continuing on to even darker explorations of such societies as 1984, Brave New World and We. Thought, I disagree with your views on Peeta not being a complex character. He's both an intelligent and charismatic character who understood the game way better than Katniss did and basically saved Katniss' life throughout the whole competition by using his own emotions to endear her to the viewers. From how I see it, he purposefully exploited his own feelings (probably breaking his own heart in the process) to give her a better chance at survival, because he understood how the game works. That, imo, makes him a whole lot deeper and complex than any other char in the first book (with the exception of Haymitch). Also, his emotional/psychological trials in the third book? That was heartbreaking and made me love him even more than I already did. Aaaaah! Now I want to reread the trilogy! 😅 Also, there are people who dislike the second book?! 😲 But... but... the second book has Finnick!

[@pocketfulofposies-]

I am 12 and yeah, I love the 2nd book! Who on earth doesn't? It has Finnick Odair in it, for Christ's sake!!!

[@katrinab8805]

I think Peeta was intentionally under developed because Katniss.... aaannnddd you just said that, disregard 😂😂

[@kimbarbeaureads]

The mutts with the tribute eyes creeped me out as an adult. I can only imagine what I would have thought as a child.

[@Andrew_Young]

I made it almost all the way through the video without crying and then "I'll spend the rest of my life in the arena trying to think my way out". IT HURTS!

[@lostschedule51]

I would have loved to know more about Peeta's backstory (we don't even know his brothers' names), but I appreciate the interactions we get between him and Katniss. She didn't have any romantic relationships before and she doesn't need anybody. She was focused on what happened which made her a great protagonist compared to other YA characters who think ONLY about their love life.

[@justperpetuallybothered3474]

We don't know much about Peeta but his strong moral compass, compassionate nature and empathy were always really admirable. He wasn't the brooding, toxic love interest we're still plagued with in young adult fiction.

[@gabriellaroth2331]

She didn’t need Peeta, but she wanted him. I think the reason why they are such a good ship is because it’s not toxic. They don’t let their love for each other get in the way of anything and they don’t expect anything from each other. Their goal is to just protect each other weather they’re in love or just as friends. They share the trauma of the games and it brings them closer together.

[@lostschedule51]

@@gabriellaroth2331 Indeed. Katniss herself said she didn't need either of them, but in the end she chose Peeta. They had a bond much stronger than the physical attraction usually found in similar books. Gale thought they would be together without asking her opinion and for me that was a red flag.

[@winnerwinner2330]

i read the book bc of him bc of peeta it is crazy to read 3 books for a 2nd character but i loved his parts he was a sunshine , fun then the 3rd book happened i was devastated why him ? why change him no no no but i love how his shadow still holds on

[@mrstrangeworld5977]

​@@lostschedule51I don't really see that as a red flag tbh

[@brookeworm18]

As for Peeta being underdeveloped, this is from Katniss’ POV, and she hasn’t focused on much for a long time because she’s feeding her family. She says that the only time she interacted with him was when he gave her the bread. It makes sense to me that Peeta’s not really developed, because Katniss doesn’t know him and doesn’t trust him for a long time to try to get to know him. Also, she’s focused on surviving, that’s her defining trait to me. She wants to just go home, she wants her family safe, she just wants to live. Romantic love was not an option for her. Great video, as always, and The Hunger Games is one of my favorite books. Truly, I enjoy it every time I read it and I want to explore that world more!

[@HarbingerOfMorningWood]

That’s what she said in the video

[@martinsakeredolu7509]

The movie adaptations were pretty good I guess...But as usual...Books always trump movie adaptations

[@elizalagonia1049]

I agree, except for Twilight. I'm sorry to all who liked the books but her editor needed to really be hard edits or she needed a better editor.

[@beccag2758]

Generally agree, but what about Jojo Rabbit, Princess Bride, and Mary Poppins?

[@PreppinShootinLivin]

Not always...LoTR movies are better than the books....bring it. 😁

[@AmeliaOak]

Princess Bride was way better, but it’s because the author also created the movie. He probably knew what wasn’t needed from the book when he created the movie

[@ame_thyst_99]

I actually think that only the first book is bettere then The movie. I think they did an extraordinary Job with them.

[@calunsagrenejr]

I'm so glad you're reviewing these books individually. This is my favourite series ever, because it was both very accessible and easy to read, but also so deep. Like you said in your review, these books really went there. It got real for me way before the arena - the conversations after Katniss was Reaped inside the Mayor's office, the painful way she was expedited out of her District, the minutia of "this is life" for someone who has to break the law everyday to survive. While the Game was terrible and painful, I found myself so drawn in by the beginning and middle much more than the Game itself. The Hunger Games is where I realized that the gold standard for writing isn't "Show, Don't Tell," but "Imply, Don't Show." There's so much unspoken if you read between the lines, and Suzanne Collins throws massive shadows over wide areas of the world but shines just a little bit of light on it. Like, for example, the manipulations that Haymitch and Effie had to do to deliver Katniss that food, and how every other mentor pair must be doing the same thing, and what does all that politics look like? Or the implication that not all Capitol citizens were vapid and selfish, just most of them, because we met Cinna and how dressed down he was relative to everyone else in the Capitol, and what does that mean for the citizens of the Capitol who dont think the Hunger Games are actually a good thing? Katniss mentioned she could sell the deer she didn't kill on the day of the Reaping to a Peacekeeper, and that means there were Peacekeepers who bought illegal goods from them, and so what does that small economy in District 12 even look like? And - think about it - during the Hunger Games itself, there was a group of real adults in an office somewhere deciding what should happen to these children so that ratings go as high as they can, with full disregard about the health and wellbeing of the children in question. What kind of messed up conversations must they have been having to be doing this? This might seem like little things and maybe even reading too much into the books, but these little hints that the world is far bigger than what's contained in the pages are dropped a lot, and often they speak to some real world issue by being an analogous problem in the real world, but being hidden under layers of subtlety and unwritten text, and that really lends weight to the books. That's why I believe Suzanne Collins wrote it this way intentionally. Other books don't strike me they were written this pointedly and intentionally in its satire of the audience and of real life. I think that this is why, in the movies, they actually had the camera move away form Katniss's vision and show some of the things the books only implied. Gale's reaction when Katniss kissed Peeta, Snow's conversations with Seneca, the Game Maker room (where we learn that the answer to "what messed up conversations must be happening for them to do this?" is that they were actually having clinical, clean, impassioned conversations about "let's put this life threatening fire in front of this child" and "ooh, releasing the mutts now is a good idea, so go for it!" - very psychopathic), and even Seneca's forced suicide. I feel like those moments of pulling away from Katniss were given to validate the readers who did read between the lines and show them, yep, the world IS bigger than what's inside these pages. Wow, that got super long! But I love these books! Thanks for reviewing it, looking forward to your next one! P.S. I just realized that with me heaping praises, it looks like I think this book has no flaws. That's untrue, this book absolutely has flaws. But the way it was written and the substance of the story makes me value its merits more strongly than its flaws.

[@candidlyopinionated19]

Rene Jr Calunsag very well put

[@Trintron46]

-SPOILERS- I believe Peeta was perfect for Katniss. But that all changed when the Capital warped his memories of her and her ability to truly love someone died with Prim.

[@thetruth830]

I guess that's why I love the ending. They're both broken enough for each other.

[@winnerwinner2330]

i dont think love or feeling of love can die , u can hide it , fear it , deny it but love is their it will always be their . i think when prim died . katniss died too but at the end of the book the only thing that made her change cloths get out of bed open the window . wash her self was peeta he was hope her sunshine but i dont think even at that moment she new really i think after that she truly feel in love , the same for peeta his memory of katiness is fear , hate , love and betrayal . but he went back to live close to her . i think deep down he knows she is the only one in his heart i dont think he went to love her as fast as people think bc he feared her bc of what snow did to him but i think he missed her and then may be love was created after

[@quietraindrop6870]

I love the first Hunger Games book to bits, it’s by far the best in the series. Tackling wealth and privelege, the other side of the glamour way back in 2008. The way Susan Collins made each murder impactful also struck a chord with me. Too often in YA we have some super-trained protagonist killing their opponents without a second thought.

[@daetshadowbright3262]

I love hearing your perspective on the books that I love, honestly. A fresh perspective is always interesting, and you think everything out so thoroughly that it's honestly exhausting. I can't imagine how much work goes into thinking out, then articulating how you feel about scenes, characters or just the book in general, and want to say thanks for all that effort, because this is awesome content!

[@astrocat1016]

Love ur profile

[@Schilddruse]

I just wanted to say something about the dynamic between Katniss and her prep-team, which you mentioned briefly, as it was one of my favorite parts of the book. I think you missed something about their relationship. I absolutely loved how Katniss develops a strange pity for them and actually starts to like them as she grows to understand that the people of the Capitol are somewhat prisoners, too - both in their minds and in their lives. And even though they, as members of the capitol, don't starve to death, they have almost nothing to live for except their work for the hunger games, which is why they are so proud of it. This is a very important lesson for Katniss as later in the story she is almost the only one that is not bloodthirsty and hungry for revenge against the people of capitol because she knows that they are people, too and have suffered in their own terms.

[@fourcatsandagarden]

I was a hard anti-Gale when I was reading these. Not that he's a bad character - his existence was fine, and he pushed the narrative in interesting ways, especially in the last book. I just always wanted him to be her cousin rather than a love interest. Literally nothing would have changed, other than the pointless romantic triangle that had no reason to exist beyond "Twilight made it mandatory". That's also not to say I was team-Peeta, but I could at least accept him as a love interest where as Gale being a love interest contributed nothing to the books that him being really her only friend was already contributing. And if friendship isn't a strong enough reason (since a lot of people I've talked to seem to think it's not), throw in the relatives thing.

[@matthewparker9276]

I think saying that the love triangle in the trilogy is only present because twilight did it is doing Collins a bit of a disservice. Katniss' attitude within the love triangle is a reflection of her attitude towards rebellion, with peeta representing escape and game representing fight. At first she is totally disinterested, having accepted her lot in life, and over the trilogy every time katniss makes a decision it is accompanied by a shift in the love triangle. Like the first time she kisses gale (not the other way round) is when she decides that she wants to be part of a rebellion, or how when she needs comforting after nightmares it's peeta she turns to.

[@Seanph25]

I was the opposite I was completely anti Peeta and hated the way it ended with him in the last book (even tho it’s my favorite in the series)

[@ariaking4959]

@@Seanph25 same tho-

[@sarahstepke3828]

I read them 9 times when I was in 6th grade...I need help

[@prabhavsthapit653]

9? PATHETIC I read them 13 times each...I require help too

[@sarahstepke3828]

Dang. I read them 9 times each, that's what I meant. Join the club.

[@ashisapotatoimash8430]

I read all of them 27 times through this year and and last year what has my life became

[@artemisfowl1790]

Wow, I've only read them 5 times each during the last three years, I clearly need to step up my fanaticism.

[@catrionainglis5483]

I haven't read this book in such a long time wow you've made me want to reread it though

[@theidiosyncraticsisters964]

Definitely! We love rereading books it's a good habit to have... Is there anything else you're thinking of rereading soonish? X

[@pratappurswani7212]

So I reread the Hunger Games. Like literally just finished Mockingjay. And surprisingly I still love it. More even. Although I really do agree with the time taking for the plot to start

[@g.chatterjee2296]

I will be reading the second and third books for the first time. I have forgotten much of book 1. Thanks for refreshing my memories.

[@belleah5562]

G. Chatterjee Hope you enjoy!!

[@_evanwalsh_]

I’m so glad you’re reviewing this series, it’s my favourite book series and I always love hearing your opinions in reviews

[@vitoriaassuncao7716]

this is my favorite series of all time and I really appreciate your review. I disagree about the other characters not having a personality, I think they are well developed throughout the books, such as Peeta and Haymitch. And obviously I agree with you about how much the emotions and impacts of this book(and the whole series) still holds up and makes you feel something. I absolutely love this books

[@butHomeisNowhere___]

Merphy, you're such a breath of fresh air and I appreciate your genuine reactions. Keep up the great work!

[@danecobain]

Oh hell yeah, I was so excited to see you've posted this! I've only read the books once but it was a little less than a year ago and so they're still fresh in my memory :D I think the slow but steady build up did a great job of building the world, I actually think that Collins' genius as a writer comes from her ideas, her plotting and her worldbuilding. Her actual writing isn't great, but it's enough to get the job done - it doesn't shine, but it doesn't hold her back either!

[@aliebellule]

I've always thought of Peeta's resilient decency as the conduit for a form of inner rebellion. Panem is a world that thrives on a kind of exploitation which only works when those at the bottom are divided. The Hunger Games are an instrument to that end. Peeta's ability to remain kind and to keep his natural instinct to help and work with others is what makes him important to Katniss in the end. I think deep down she begins to see his end as the end of hope for a world where kindness and solidarity is possible. Their relationship throughout the series symbolizes the pull towards decency and humanity, and the desire to preserve it. Peeta may not be very developped as a person (no one but Katniss is), but as a character, I beg to differ.

[@allybea5896]

Even though I'm purely "team Peeta" because I liked his character, I find it surprising that anyone would say he was perfect for her, especially given the state of mind Peeta is in at the end of the series.

[@seank6876]

I just subscribed a month ago when you ranked the harry potter books, and I have to say you are now one of my favorite booktubers!

[@delphiniumreads3063]

HERE FOR THIS! 🙌🏼 I’m especially looking forward to your thoughts on the next two books. Book 3 for me is such a mixed thing... I think the bones of it are very good and I think where she was attempting to go makes a lot of sense. But it feels rushed and there are things that just don’t make sense throughout the entire book. And it’s so different than books 1 & 2 to where I often think that for this book 3 to work well, book 2 needed to be different. So, very mixed. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either.

[@justperpetuallybothered3474]

Book 3 was my least favourite but given all that Katniss had been through, her moping around all the time makes sense. She's physically, emotionally and mentally exhausted, and feels completely defeated. She's over it all. It's not enjoyable to read but had she been any other way I'd have disliked the book more.

[@michaelneeley5094]

One of your best reviews. So much emotion, and yet still objective. Rue still brings a tear to my eyes and you gave her exactly what I needed. You made sense of my confusion on "the Pita issue". Looking forward to your take on book two! Blessings Michael

[@lilytieu1]

Omg the timing of when you post your review videos are almost always posted right after I’ve read the books! When you posted your review on the book thief, I had JUST finished reading that so the timing was perfect. Now I have I just recently finished reading The Hunger Games series for the first time so it’s been timed so well!! I really like your videos btw :)

[@meekonpeak]

Love how in detail you go! Just did a re read as well and was still able to enjoy it!

[@dgfhh2572]

Omg I just read the hunger games last week for the first time Such a good timing

[@paniklewe]

You got a typo :) but of course one knows what you meant

[@dgfhh2572]

atomo capoeira wdym

[@paniklewe]

@@dgfhh2572 I thought you meant such instead of suck

[@dgfhh2572]

atomo capoeira oh lol didn’t notice it

[@NIKSEEN]

Tell me about it - I watched Avatar the Last Airbender for the first time a couple of weeks ago and shortly after listened to the Hunger Games audiobooks for the first time as well

[@malini6910]

I just recently read all three books a second time just to see how I feel about them now so many years later and I seriously loved them so much. Your video was really nice to watch and I am for sure sticking around to see your review for the second and the third book!

[@fnutbd2355]

I cry every time I reach Rue in the book😭 great review of a new age classic.

[@lexxy8897]

Very much love this💕. Are you gonna do the “It Doesn’t Make Sense” videos for the Hunger Games too?👀

[@CLAYZERFUL]

They live in district 12 not 13, 13 "doesn't exist"

[@candidlyopinionated19]

Claire Cunfer I was just about to comment that lol

[@rainbowvamps8988]

Wellllllllll

[@CLAYZERFUL]

@Nathanael Coles yeah but they don't know that yet. That's why I used quotations marks

[@nickieb2636]

You know what, I was just thinking about Katniss... She somewhat reminds me of Frodo Baggins in the end of the Lord of the Rings - she's broken, her "normal" life can never again be "normal"! The Arena, for Katniss is Frodo's Morgul blade! I wonder if it would've been better if Collins had killed her off in the end?

[@michelag5817]

I agree with the parallels between Katniss and Frodo, I feel like Lord of the Rings and Hunger Games have a lot in common, and their main characters are definitely part of it! I do think, though, that there is a lot of meaning in her ending up alive at the end of the series: first of all, as she is the character readers are supposed to empathize with and see the world through, it would have been risky to say the least to kill her off (think of the Divergent series, which ended with the MC dying and received a lot of backlash for this); and secondly, I think it gives a lot more meaning to the series and its message for her to stay alive, as it sends a message that there's still hope for a good life and a future even after all the trauma one can face.

[@taylor_green_9]

@SweetTea Except that, in The Hunger Games, Katniss doesn't come back "improved", as you're supposed to do at the end of a Hero's Journey (unless you count her decision never to kill again). She comes back broken by grief and PTSD, and is never truly happy again

[@theidiosyncraticsisters964]

In a way yes, but I think Collins kept her alive and added the Epilogue where she has a kinda sort of peace/recovery as a hopeful message to show that even if you're damaged beyond repair there's still hope.

[@miztameka]

Yes! I’ve been waiting for this video!! Can’t wait to hear all your thoughts on the series :)

[@georgemusic1719]

Really great review! I would love to know more about what you didn't think holds up as much in the book as you didn't go into that as much. :)

[@riisseeandshiinnee6245]

It is said that the only inhabited land was North America however I believe that the capitol might have been trading with a secret civilization somewhere idk

[@kendallm8331]

I tried rereading the series a few months ago but didn’t end up finishing it because I was in a slump. But I love this series, I’m excited to see your reviews for 2 and 3!

[@theidiosyncraticsisters964]

Love the huge bookshelf behind you, our books always seem to end up in stacks around us in the floor...!!!

[@GaliBecken]

I just had to say that the sentence you read, in the scene when they argue about who’s going to sacrifice themselves, this line is my absolute favorite line. Every time I read it I get chills. So amazingly sad.

[@waikeekee3831]

Wow, I first read this book when I was 12 right before the film came out. This brought me back for sure! Love you Merphy, great analysis as usual :))

[@alyssawalter5102]

Seriously loved this! Can’t wait for the next two videos😁

[@christinathompson3127]

I first read these books with my daughters when they were in middle school but I still found them good. I am also rereading now and was interested to see your view. I still really enjoyed reading book 1 and have started book 2. I do believe there is a lot of depth. I also cry at Rue's death and even though it is fiction I can't think about Cato's death too deeply without it disturbing me. It was very gruesome. I prefer his quicker death in the movie. I also like how the movie showed things you couldn't see in the books being in first person but I believe were probably pretty accurate. Can't wait to see your review of book 2. I really enjoy your videos.

[@kateworkman921]

It's District 12 where she lives. District 13 was thought to be utterly destroyed years before.

[@belleah5562]

I just finished re-reading the entire trilogy last night, so this was perfect timing. I also forgot how there’s more backstory as to why Peeta had feelings for Katniss in book 3, but yeah, in book 1 it felt pretty shallow and I definitely agree with Katniss not thinking that it’s real.

[@thatguyharry0545]

Nice Christmas jumper Murph 😜😜 Love the video :)

[@JiixBooks]

Very much excited to see the video on book two! Completely agree Thrash will forever be my favourite! So little Page time yet so impactful

[@caitiemoriarty]

I got this notification after I just finished rereading the first book in one day (Trying to get inspired for writing my own novel. It’s the best example of first person fantasy where the character isn’t learning about the world with us, and that’s exactly the setup I’m struggling with.)

[@BreeBuonomo]

I reread them at the end of last year, and from my first time reading until now I’ve become a therapist and I have many clients who deal with tremendous trauma and looking at the series in the lens of trauma, it’s incredible the depth Collins went to in this series. There are so many levels of trauma explored and a lot of Katniss’s mannerisms and behaviors make sense when you remember how traumatized she is. (Slight plug but I did a video on this on my channel if anyone wants to watch a deeper dive into the trauma specifically.)

[@JulianGreystoke]

Wow, we feel the exact same way about this book! Loved this review. I only wish you had chatted more about the things that didn't hold up.

[@patfuss8998]

I recently reread it to and currently rereading catching fire. I did realize how not fantastic the writing was but the story and characters really hold up, it’s impressive

[@galaxieskyliner1881]

I think I read this for the first time in 2012, when I was 26. I hadn’t read anything in a long time, and everyone I knew was talking about it and the upcoming movie adaptation. I was expecting a bit of a fun, breezy adventure story, and I’m actually glad that’s not what I got. What hooked me and keeps me coming back to it every few years is the absolutely harrowing tone in those first chapters, and in the arena. I was a voracious reader, growing up, fell out of it when I started working, and have since become one, again, but I’ll remember that tight feeling in my chest I got when I first cracked this one open, forever.

[@valuivana]

Loved this video, love THG, can't wait for book 2 review!

[@rezashayesteh9718]

When you said that they started in District 13, did you mean District 12? Love your videos!!

[@elanorgamdschie8694]

I'd love a review for "His dark materials". Currently rereading it and I just have so many thoughts!

[@Nasser851000]

will you ever do a video about dobby?

[@theidiosyncraticsisters964]

Lol, yes! Dobby deserves many videos! He goes along with Sirius on our list of underrepresented characters on KZbin! What other characters should people make more videos about? X

[@evisakkou8435]

Couldnt be happier that you gave this amazing review for my favourite trilogy ever

[@thecaptainsmustache]

Cool, I've been waiting for you to review this it's on eif my favourite books

[@matteomariani5160]

I just discovered your channel and, turns out, it’s really good. The dear authors series is particularly nice and also valuable for a wannabe writer. Keep on with the good work!

[@timswabb]

YA “dystopia” is not really dystopic because the young people rise up and overthrow old tyrants. I do love the way this book uses reality TV to show the divide between rich and poor. It’s highly topical.

[@alysonserenastone2917]

I've always enjoyed the first two books. Mockingjay was kind of weak for me.

[@mattpfarr6129]

I wanted to like Mockingjay so much, it was exploring some crazy things about trauma and PTSD. But it was so bad.

[@frozenweevil4022]

It really isn’t bad, when you know what you’re getting into. Hunger Games is not action. It’s political satire.

[@FlorTedesco]

I haven't re read this in a long time but man, I LOVE these books. I compare everything to them, not many have reached their level

[@michellebelizaire]

You make me wanna read this book, thank you!

[@violetadaguiar9776]

Yey! I really like The Hunger Games book 1. I think it's over hyped and under apreciated xD Great video!

[@Hildervinge]

I dont think Peeta was perfect for Katniss, nor her for him. But in the end, they where the only one who could understand eachother. They grew up in the same district that dont exist anymore, so they understand eachothers childhood. They went into the arena together and survived together. After that they played the political game, having in commen that they want to do the right thing. In the end, they share trauma, Peeta loosing his family, Katniss loosing Prim etc. What they both have in commen at the point where the books end, is that there is nobody else. They are eachothers only way out of a miserable, lonly life.. making them perfect for eachother in a imperfect way, which is a strong statement on love.

[@edwinmayoute3261]

Ok but we need to talk about how eloquent and well done your review are. I’m French and I have no problem to understand.

[@ericma4768]

I just can't read post-apocalypse anymore. Look at the world we're living in. It's already here and I can't think of a single zombie, cyberpunk, space western, world war 3 narrative that even approaches how awful it is in real life. The book that come closest, I think, is George Orwells 1984.

[@justperpetuallybothered3474]

I feel as though events that should have occurred over years, decades, have all been violently condensed into the early months of 2020. It is so overwhelming that it's completely desensitised me and I also can't enjoy any dystopia.

[@lemmingsgopop]

I can see the similarities between Panem and now. Collins really drove home that the good parts of tv, romance, drama, characters are all fiction. I think most people understand that Trump on tv is a fictional character and that's why they can ascribe him all these flaws and heroics.

[@paranormal17]

Yeah cause real life is definitely worse than The Hunger Games or Walking Dead 🙄

[@bookellenic1327]

I'm reading them for the first time after having seen the films, I loved the first book and found the second book ok. I remember the least for the last book so that will be quite an experience. It's interesting delving into this world what with the prequel coming out soon. I loved your discussion and offering thoughts I wouldn't have had, because I didn't really challenge the books since I already knew the plot and had a clear image of the characters.

[@SantReads]

Woah. Love this. Forgot about how good the book was and you getting emotional got me emotional.

[@Naahi95]

I recently reread this series too! And I agree with you. The emotion that this books convey is incredible. Even though the romance doesn´t hold very well for an adult, I still loved the characthers, especially Prim and Peeta. And I really do wish that we knew more about the boy with the bread. But man his heart, witt and compassion win me over all the time. Also, I found myself being way less anoyed by katniss this time in the third book. That one is still my least favorite, but I liked it more now as a 24 years old than I did at my 17's. In regards to Gale, I must admit that I really dislike him in that final book. And I truly think that his contant anger and lack of empathy would have been bad for Katniss mental's health. After all the violence and pain she sufferd, she needs kindness in her life, no more anger and bitterness. Anyways, I love the series not for the romance triangle but for the strong emotions that always moves me when I revisite it and its massage. And I still cry wtih this beautiful books.

[@martinacosta3821]

i was thinking to write what the hell i am doing here since i dont read and dont plan to, but it really its a joy to see somebody discuss something that they like so much, so... kudos, great video.

[@TheBookishMom]

I have not re-read this book since I was young and I want to re-read it this year but I was so nervous that it would kill my nostalgia. I had so much love for this book when I was a teen!

[@crowfeedreactions]

I'm glad that you found your level. As I said in your review of Dune, it's not for everyone. Simpler books like this one can hit a sweet spot for some. I'm sure my daughters will read this when they get older!

[@danielsardinas366]

I love the video a lotnmerphy keep it goinggggg It itches a little whenever you say district 13 hahaha

[@manaalsidd]

I read the Hunger Games for the first time last month. Gave it a 4 stars. Nice read. 👌🏼

[@charliehann5702]

Can’t wait for the next review!

[@xoHAUTEGLiTTERS]

I just finished my reread of the entire trilogy and WOW did I LOVE my time. It’s not perfect but it was so much fun and so engaging, something that was so nice to look forward too while quarantining ☺️

[@sarahmalkin3159]

I agree with Thresh being one of the best characters. He could have so easily killed Katniss but didn’t because he realised what she did for Rue and it’s so sweet. One character that always stood out to me as well was Foxface. She did so much that was always so smart like the way she hid in the cornucopia yo grab her pack. I definitely believe the nightlock berries wasn’t a mistake for her. She was too smart to fall for that.

[@drlc6051]

So you're thinking she realised that she couldn't beat the people that were left and she took the berries for a painless death?

[@CarlosRodriguez-dh7mm]

The same author wrote the Gregor The Overlander series. It's been a while, but I remember those being great middle-grade books.

[@FGTRTD24]

Just reread the first book. Still easily one of my favorite books. Read it the year it came out. I was in 5th grade I believe and everyone within my small class of around 40 students read it. It felt like an event in my life. We talked about it as a class and we were so excited for the sequels. I’ve read it for the third time now and its been 10 years since I picked it up. It still holds up in my opinion. Now I’m in my 20s and have a different appreciation for the book. I never finished the series, as I couldn’t get into Mockinjay whatsoever, while Catching Fire is my favorite. I plan to change that and see how the series actually ends.

[@jacoblucas4259]

I re-read the trilogy a year or so ago and was struck by how well it held up, and how affecting it was to me, like, ten years after first reading them. I'm interested to see your thoughts on the rest of the trilogy as I personally thought that Mockingjay was an excellent conclusion and it proved to be my favorite of the three.

[@summoninganubis7508]

Could you review murder on the orient express by agatha christie?

[@whosthatboy7485]

I would looooovvvvveeeee to see you do a review of the dan brown books. I know they are not really the same genre but would love to hear your opinion on them.

[@cipriansirbu3699]

Hi Merphy,can you make a video about best survival story's in books.

[@stromano8833]

Loved this review so much, but I think it was District 12, Merphy. 😄

[@ffionjames7350]

I don't know if you read much fanfiction at all, but Fernwithy on ao3 has written an epic length series about Haymitch and his experience, opening with his games, his years of mentor, meeting effie and then his perspective of the trilogy. It adds a lot of depth to the series and the world, I think you would enjoy it. It's very, very well written.

[@jonathanfitzharris4196]

I don't think Katniss was properly in love with Peeta, I think it was more of a dependency thing by the end of it because it's how she coped with all her PTSD from everything that happened to her. Like I think she was content-ish at the end of the book but after all that, there's the feeling that she's just so damaged, she could never have a full happy life after everything that happened. Bleak but realistic opinion. Disclaimer - It was Dominic Noble who mentioned this on his channel and since he said it, I've totally adopted it since rereading the books

[@beccag2758]

I can't wait to see your other reviews! I remember thinking that Peeta could've done better than Katniss, and that Gale wasn't good for her, so I guess I might agree with you on Team Katnissjustbeingleftalone

[@AEtherealGoddess]

I picked up the book at the beginning of fifth grade, found it boring on the first page and put it down. That year I grew a lot and at the end of the year I picked it up again and was amazed on new world. It gave us the dark themes I had only seen in the Harry Potter I had read when I was in third grade.

[@abaxmanjr]

Another gem from Collins is the Gregor the Overlander series. It's not as polished as the hunger games from what i remember but the series as a whole is just crazy unique in its world

[@denislisul5893]

Nice job, you got interested me in book, i have to buy it!

[@loveisanopendoor3532]

Looking at the romance aspect, I don't agree with Katniss ending up alone entirely because we see that after she is so traumatised after Mockingjay, being alone would be the worst thing for her. But ending up with Peeta didn't feel right either because she doesn't show any signs really of being in love with him. The only person she ever truly loved was ripped away from and I think because of it, Katniss could never really find happiness again. Prim was all she really cared for and when she's gone that's when Katniss finally gives up. It's quite tragic really

[@Katmiobeth]

As traumatising as that end was, I actually respect Susanne Collins for 'going there'. I was expecting a cliche happy ending with Katniss and Peeta having kids and living happily ever after. But that scene was much more dark and tragic than I thought and I appreciate that. After everything she's been through happily ever after is not a realistic option anymore