But what I really want to talk about is the "Hunger Games." I have read all three books. I loved them. Almost as much as "Harry Potter." Not quite, but almost. I am waiting until my daughter gets home from college next week because we want to see the movie together. I know that the plot of the books is maybe a little hard for some people to grasp. "Why would you want to read a book or see a movie where children are killing each other?" That kind of thing. And I can't believe how much people are talking about it on the radio. It's crazy. I don't remember "Lord of the Rings" evoking this much conversation and this much shock. People who have never read the "Hunger Games" books are now opining about the story and debating it's fitness for children, its relevance, etc. It's PG13 - parents - - do what parents are supposed to do and use your judgment. And does everything have to be socially relevant? Was "King Kong" socially relevant? How about "Jaws?" Can fiction just be fiction sometimes and not have to be anything more? Yes, you can find lessons in the Hunger Games, you can find social issues to ruminate over. But for those of us who just want to celebrate the heroism of Katniss, let us enjoy our moment.
My son read all the books and really liked them. My husband and son saw the movie and both of them really liked it. My husband hadn't read the books, but still liked the movie a lot. He says there's a lot of thought provoking stuff in it. Enjoy it when you get to go.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the books or seen the movie, but I agree with what you're saying about the reaction about its appropriateness, etc. It's like anything--it's not for everyone in every age group.
ReplyDeleteMy son read all the books too and he loved them. He keeps bugging me to read them. I haven't yet but I will! And I'm one of those weird people that have to read the books first and then see the movie.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read or watched anything related to the Hunger Games. They say it becomes an addiction .. and I have enough movie/books on my movie/book list to keep me going for another hundred or so years.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy!
I loved all the books! My husband and I went to see it last weekend and I missed the last half because I got sick. He's taking me again this weekend. I LOVED what I saw and am excited to see it all the way through.
ReplyDeleteAs for the debate, I agree with you. When Harry Potter came out, I didn't read it for a while because I heard someone on TV say it was all about dark magic and evil. When I did read it, I couldn't believe someone would say that. Reading is about imagination and escaping to a place that may not really exist. That's the magic of getting lost in a good book.
Agree! I read fiction in order to escape and be in a different world for a few hours - same with movies! Love the magic of good fiction!
DeleteMy daughter and her friends convinced her older brother to take them to the "midnight" showing. I say midnight loosely, becuase they left the house at 10 and didn't get back till 3AM....but she said it was awesome! I read all three books, and can't wait to see the movie. At a decent time!
ReplyDeleteIf my daughter had been here we would have done the midnight show too - glad your daughter thought it was worth it!
DeleteI did find after reading these books that I now listen harder and think more about what I hear on the news ... yes I believe the books fed my paranoia ... not
ReplyDeleteI have friends who loved the books and eagerly awaited the film. They loved it!
ReplyDeleteI laughed reading your post because I *did* have the reaction you described, but without the condemnation! I have no interest in reading books about children being forced to kill each other with a nation watching and supporting the "games." - But I don't think the books or film are wrong or evil! Lol! it's just not my personal taste! Lots of things aren't my taste.... reality tv... slimy foods... satin... the mind boggles ;)