Mockingjay
(The Hunger Games Book 3)
Written by Suzanne Collins
Originally published in 2010
About 390 pages
Rate: 4.5/5
My summary of Mockingjay
After Katniss' arrow hit the force field during the 75th Hunger Games everything turned to chaos. Everyone seemed to be in on the escape plan aside from Peta and Katniss. However, only one of them was saved from the capitol, the Mockingjay, aka Katniss.
Now that Katniss and the other rebels are somewhat safe in district 13, Panem is still struggling to fight back against President Snow. Katniss has to collect herself enough to record propaganda videos for the districts who still haven't helped with the rebellion. However, every time she makes a move so does Snow.
My thoughts on Mockingjay
There was so much going on within the book and sometimes it was a good thing, but other times it was very draining. For example, it's logical, but the "star squads" mission took a very long time to end and there was a lot of things going on at once. The end of their mission was interrupted with a time jump, which I understand, I was glad it was over, but it was annoying.
I thought it was kind of odd having Katniss be recorded doing nice things for others because it felt less unauthentic. It's probably just because of the fact that I live in a world where some people do things differently in front of a camera. As many would say, "It's okay, Katniss is just in her influencer era."
I liked how Katniss' love life wasn't the main focus. It was just briefly mentioned in passing because even though it is a big decision, it's not the main plot. Katniss is a strong independent women and I'm glad she realizes that before she tries to pick between Gale and Peta.
I also liked how Katniss doesn't seem to be indestructible, of course she's strong emotionally and physically, but she's not a god. She's definitely seen as one throughout the book, but she bruises just as easy.
I adored the ending, it was beautiful. I cried, the epilogue was a perfect cherry on top.
Spoilers*
*I didn't like how Finnick's death was so overlooked, Katniss and him were starting to get really close throughout this book and his death was only talked about for less than a paragraph.
*I didn't like how quickly Katniss seems to have healed from her sister dying right in front of her. Of course there was a bit of time jumps and Katniss did things because of the death, but still. She was more angry than sad.
*Also it felt like there was no real conclusion with Gale, he just stayed at district 2 after being best friends and loving Katniss that much I thought he'd appear again.
Quotes
"Some walks you have to take alone."
"I sit back on my bed and find myself rubbing the pearl back and forth against my lips. For some reason, it's soothing. A cool kiss from the giver himself."
"The damage, the fatigue, the imperfections. That's how they recognize me, why I belong to them."