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A review by alligatoralyssa
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Trigger warning for major talk of PTSD ahead! and spoilers of course
So this series was mostly a re-read for me, because I read the first two books in middle or elementary school. Reading these as an adult, it hits me so much harder. The portrayal of PTSD really resonates with me and feels accurately depicted. The last few pages had me shedding A LOT of tears (sorry cassie). When Katniss says "I'll tell them [her kids] that on bad mornings, it feels impossible to take on pleasure in anything because I'm afraid it could be taken away." Suzanne Collins, GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!! I'm going to think about this forever. Because I can relate to the feeling of being up at night crying, feeling trapped and unsafe, with no one there to help me. (Which leaves me asking, when do I get my Peeta Mellark??) When I have a panic attack, telling myself "it's okay, I'm at home, I'm in my bedroom" does not help because a deep-rooted fear of that being ripped away from me arises. I love how it didn't gloss over the fact that these memories never go away, and something she has to actively cope with every day. I don't like when people say to "move on" because that feels as if I could just leave it behind and forget it in the past. My trauma will always be there, but I move forward despite it. Another aspect that gets me is the "Real or Not Real" part!!! When I have a "moment" or whatever (I don't know how to describe it) it feels like I'm stuck in between a world of knowing LOGICALLY that I'm not back there, but my brain doesn't care or register that part. Emotionally I am sent back into that world and reliving that pain. That's how I relate to Peeta's "real or not real" bit. Also Katniss' relationship with the idea of motherhood and children, and getting a future where she can have those things, BUT STILL STRUGGLES WITH THE FEAR!!!! It all feels so real and true. I need to sit down and have a chat with Suzanne Collins about the beauty of these books. There are so many more parts to touch on about war, grief, and loss. I checked out these books from the library but I am DEFINITELY going to buy a set (or ask for them as a birthday present) because I know I'll reread these books down the line. And that says a lot because I very rarely re-read books. Expect a full review with many notes in the near future. These books are beautiful and timeless, and I will never shut up about it!!!
So this series was mostly a re-read for me, because I read the first two books in middle or elementary school. Reading these as an adult, it hits me so much harder. The portrayal of PTSD really resonates with me and feels accurately depicted. The last few pages had me shedding A LOT of tears (sorry cassie). When Katniss says "I'll tell them [her kids] that on bad mornings, it feels impossible to take on pleasure in anything because I'm afraid it could be taken away." Suzanne Collins, GET OUT OF MY HEAD!!! I'm going to think about this forever. Because I can relate to the feeling of being up at night crying, feeling trapped and unsafe, with no one there to help me. (Which leaves me asking, when do I get my Peeta Mellark??) When I have a panic attack, telling myself "it's okay, I'm at home, I'm in my bedroom" does not help because a deep-rooted fear of that being ripped away from me arises. I love how it didn't gloss over the fact that these memories never go away, and something she has to actively cope with every day. I don't like when people say to "move on" because that feels as if I could just leave it behind and forget it in the past. My trauma will always be there, but I move forward despite it. Another aspect that gets me is the "Real or Not Real" part!!! When I have a "moment" or whatever (I don't know how to describe it) it feels like I'm stuck in between a world of knowing LOGICALLY that I'm not back there, but my brain doesn't care or register that part. Emotionally I am sent back into that world and reliving that pain. That's how I relate to Peeta's "real or not real" bit. Also Katniss' relationship with the idea of motherhood and children, and getting a future where she can have those things, BUT STILL STRUGGLES WITH THE FEAR!!!! It all feels so real and true. I need to sit down and have a chat with Suzanne Collins about the beauty of these books. There are so many more parts to touch on about war, grief, and loss. I checked out these books from the library but I am DEFINITELY going to buy a set (or ask for them as a birthday present) because I know I'll reread these books down the line. And that says a lot because I very rarely re-read books. Expect a full review with many notes in the near future. These books are beautiful and timeless, and I will never shut up about it!!!