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thebookheap12's review
4.0
a fantastic book featuring authors' insights into the world of Panem. Must read if you're a fan of the hunger games!
virginiaduan's review
3.0
Interesting essays that touch upon our world and Panem as well as District 13. I always enjoy well thought out issues that delve both deeper into our culture through the lens of fiction. My favorite was the essay on PTSD since I found that the treatment of the survivors of the trilogy was well-grounded in reality. And if people had to survive such atrocities, how could they NOT have PTSD? Anyhow, good food for thought.
hollyfromthebigsky's review
4.0
Ooooh..this was pretty fascinating. And also, fairly uneven. A collection of essays/reflections by assorted writers, a few really reached out and grabbed me, while others didn't really add much to my experience and understanding of the Hunger Games Trilogy.
A few that stood out: while I didn't really fall in love with Carrie Ryan's zombie trilogy, she made some critical points here in Panem et Circenses. Sarah Darer Littman's examination of the Politics of Mockingjay, while clearly written from a left-leaning perspective, was very compelling. Blythe Woolston and Sarah Rees Brennan's contributions also caught my attention.
A few that stood out: while I didn't really fall in love with Carrie Ryan's zombie trilogy, she made some critical points here in Panem et Circenses. Sarah Darer Littman's examination of the Politics of Mockingjay, while clearly written from a left-leaning perspective, was very compelling. Blythe Woolston and Sarah Rees Brennan's contributions also caught my attention.
luvbug7554's review
4.0
I usually dont read a book about a book. Why bother when I could read the actual book?
I really loved reading this one. It was like having the book club meeting I always wanted. These essays touch on why the love story is of distant importance, how politics is intertwined in even the non-political scenes, how we are The Capital, and how things arent happily ever after even when we get the happy ending.
I really loved reading this one. It was like having the book club meeting I always wanted. These essays touch on why the love story is of distant importance, how politics is intertwined in even the non-political scenes, how we are The Capital, and how things arent happily ever after even when we get the happy ending.
simplyparticular's review
3.0
An interesting look at different facets of the Hunger Games trilogy. Dfinitely a worthwhile read to re-acquaint myself with the series before watching the movie. I wanted to remind myself of the serious themes the series wove before being sucked into the Hollywood rendition and coming out a Capitol
ejdecoster's review
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I picked it up to tide myself over between re-reading the books and the film release (so soon!!), but found enough in these essays to make me want to re-read the books.
Each of the writers in The Girl Who Was on Fire explores a different theme of The Hunger Games trilogy (family/community, fashion, mental health, romance). As with most anthologies, there are different degrees of effectiveness, and I found Ned Vizzini's essay in particular didn't do a good job of tying his personal story to the books. Many of the authors examined outside influences on the series, including [b:1984|5470|1984|George Orwell|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328718447s/5470.jpg|153313], Roman history, and reality television.
I'd recommend this book for anybody who plans to re-read the Hunger Games series and is looking to enhance that experience.
Each of the writers in The Girl Who Was on Fire explores a different theme of The Hunger Games trilogy (family/community, fashion, mental health, romance). As with most anthologies, there are different degrees of effectiveness, and I found Ned Vizzini's essay in particular didn't do a good job of tying his personal story to the books. Many of the authors examined outside influences on the series, including [b:1984|5470|1984|George Orwell|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1328718447s/5470.jpg|153313], Roman history, and reality television.
I'd recommend this book for anybody who plans to re-read the Hunger Games series and is looking to enhance that experience.
smashattackash's review
The Girl Who Was on Fire is a collection of thirteen essays by YA authors who analyze the characters, their motives, politics & society, reality TV & the media, fashion, and psychological trauma. This book is so full of win. If you are a fan of The Hunger Games and miss it dearly, this is a nice way to spend time immersed in the world from the outside. There is no doubt that it is a series that made us think, and these essays really help nail down some key concepts, as well as open up our minds to new ideas. I will review of a few of the essays below.
Sarah Rees Brennan, author of the Demon’s Lexicon trilogy, examined the lure of such a horrific society and their horrific ideas of entertainment. She compared the Games to Battle Royale, which it clearly resembles. (Battle Royale is an intensely horrific Asian film that I suggest everyone see. I plan to read the book one day.) Brennan poses the questions (and it is a damn good question): Why are we so interested and fascinated by violent death? I think about this often, as well. I, for one, love gory horror films. Why are we so drawn to violence in movies/books/video games?
Jennifer Lynn Barnes, author of the Raised by Wolves series, is one of my favorite YA authors and I was very excited to see that she contributed. She explores how there is so much focus on Peeta or Gale and which one Katniss should choose, that we miss out on the awesomeness of Katniss herself. I’m not sure about any of you, but I certainly did not miss out! I agree with Barnes’ analysis of Katniss when she says that she’s a hard person to know, and it’s true. It’s difficult for us to love a female who is hard, cold and keeps her emotions under lock and key. However, if you were really paying attention, you would realize that Katniss’ family was the core of her existence. While she might not have emoted in the traditional girly sense, she loved those close to her with a fierce passion. Lastly, Barnes compares her to Buttercup the cat, which was so amazing. You have to read for yourself.
Carrie Ryan, author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth series, spoke about the myth of reality TV and how we are responsible for seeking out the truth, instead of believing everything you see and hear. This is true in all aspects of life! She makes an ugly connection between the readers and our lust for the games.
There is tons more where this came from, but you should really check them out for yourself. Some of the essays brought tears to my eyes as I remember the intense emotion I felt while reading the The Hunger Games. These essays really are a deep inspection of a series that challenged us all. They will make you appreciate the series even more and help sate your sorrow now that it is over. This was my first taste of Smart Pop books, and I will definitely be back for more.
Sarah Rees Brennan, author of the Demon’s Lexicon trilogy, examined the lure of such a horrific society and their horrific ideas of entertainment. She compared the Games to Battle Royale, which it clearly resembles. (Battle Royale is an intensely horrific Asian film that I suggest everyone see. I plan to read the book one day.) Brennan poses the questions (and it is a damn good question): Why are we so interested and fascinated by violent death? I think about this often, as well. I, for one, love gory horror films. Why are we so drawn to violence in movies/books/video games?
Jennifer Lynn Barnes, author of the Raised by Wolves series, is one of my favorite YA authors and I was very excited to see that she contributed. She explores how there is so much focus on Peeta or Gale and which one Katniss should choose, that we miss out on the awesomeness of Katniss herself. I’m not sure about any of you, but I certainly did not miss out! I agree with Barnes’ analysis of Katniss when she says that she’s a hard person to know, and it’s true. It’s difficult for us to love a female who is hard, cold and keeps her emotions under lock and key. However, if you were really paying attention, you would realize that Katniss’ family was the core of her existence. While she might not have emoted in the traditional girly sense, she loved those close to her with a fierce passion. Lastly, Barnes compares her to Buttercup the cat, which was so amazing. You have to read for yourself.
Carrie Ryan, author of The Forest of Hands and Teeth series, spoke about the myth of reality TV and how we are responsible for seeking out the truth, instead of believing everything you see and hear. This is true in all aspects of life! She makes an ugly connection between the readers and our lust for the games.
In the end, if there is one truth that can be taken away from the Hunger Games it is this: we, the reader tuned in and boosted its rating. Even while Katniss rails against the Games as disgusting and barbaric, we the readers turn the pages in order to watch them. We become the citizens of the Capitol, glued to the televisions ensuring there will be another Game the following year. Thanks to us, the ratings are just to high to cancel the show.
There is tons more where this came from, but you should really check them out for yourself. Some of the essays brought tears to my eyes as I remember the intense emotion I felt while reading the The Hunger Games. These essays really are a deep inspection of a series that challenged us all. They will make you appreciate the series even more and help sate your sorrow now that it is over. This was my first taste of Smart Pop books, and I will definitely be back for more.
nutti72's review
3.0
Some essays were better than others, but all were thought provoking for the teen market this is geared to. Helpful for teachers who might be talking about one or more of the books at a bookclub.
lizpatanders's review
4.0
As many of you know, I love The Hunger Games series and was an English major in college. This means that while I’m passionate about YA literature, I’m also used to reading academic essays. So when I heard a book of essays about one of my all time favorite YA series was coming out, I had a feeling it’d be my cup of tea. When the e-mail arrived asking if I‘d like to review said book, namely The Girl Who Was On Fire, I jumped at the chance. While a few of the essays fell flat for me, most of them had me muttering, “Wow, amazing” or shouting, “HOW did I not see that?!?!?! Brilliant!”
I could review The Girl Who Was On Fire in a variety of ways, so what I’m going to do is a highlight a few essays that I had extreme feelings about. Overall, this book is filled with essays by very gifted writers. There were times when I walked away from an essay saying, “I haven’t learned all that much that’s new to me” but I never found myself disagreeing or thinking that what an author had written was ignorant or stupid.
Before I get into individual essays, let me give you the fastest break down possible. If you are sitting on front of your computer going, “I’m a fan of The Hunger Games, is The Girl Who Was On Fire a must read for me?” Yes. Absolutely.
“The Politics of Mockingjay” by Sarah Darer Littman
Firstly, Sarah Darer Littman knows what she is talking about. Her essay is carefully researched. Secondly, it is very intelligently written. Thirdly, in making her analogies, Littman strikes the perfect balance between talking about our world and The Hunger Games. After reading this and Want To Go Private? I have a strong urge to run out and buy all of Littman’s books, because she is brilliant.
“Community in the Face of Tyranny” by Bree Despain
In her essay, Despain talks about how Katniss forms community throughout The Hunger Games series. It’s well written, and Despain has clearly read the books. However, I think she made two crucial errors in this essay. I think she needed to start off by saying, “This is the definition of community as it used in this essay and this is why any given society functions better with community.” Unfortunately, I never truly felt like she did that.
“Smoke and Mirrors” by Elizabeth M. Rees
We’ve certainly got an intriguing title and concept on our hands here. I think "Smoke and Mirrors" helped explain Katniss and Coin’s characters a little bit better. Overall, though, I left it feeling as though I hadn’t been presented with enough new information to be drawn in or left thinking afterwards.
“Panem et Circenses” by Carrie Ryan
Is it just me, or does anyone else love it when an author does something that may at first sound crazy, like compare reality t.v. to propaganda in a dystopian novel, but then totally pulls it off and blows your mind? Because that is precisely what Ryan does in her essay. She talks about how t.v. producers and editors can use certain footage to create narratives. Ryan’s essay was interesting and insightful in its discussion of Collins’s world and our own. Ryan’s brilliance is just one reason why even though I’ve never read anything by her, I have The Forest of Hands and Teeth trilogy on hardback sitting on my shelf, awaiting my attention.