Friday, March 30, 2012

Kool-Aid Anyone?

The question I seem to hear a lot lately is, "Did you read the books?"

It's starting to feel a bit as if people are asking if I drank the kool-aid.  And I want to scream, "Yes!  Okay?!  I did!  I did drink it!!  And I liked it!"

I know you know what I'm talking about -- The Hunger Games.

And truthfully, what's not to like?  Sure, I've read the reviews by people who are horrified by the concept of pitting 24 children against each other to fight to the death.  Just out of curiosity -- are these same reviewers under the impression that the rest of us like the idea of children fighting to the death?  Because I'd be happy to be the first to stand up and say that I don't.  But isn't that what books are all about?  Creatively sharing a unique idea with others so that we can decide how we feel about it?  Naturally I don't want to live in a world like the one Katniss and Peeta do, but I'm curious to see what a world like that would be like, and ponder how I would feel about it.  Thinking outside the box -- what a concept!

Being a lover of reading, it didn't take me long to zip through the books, but for some reason Charlie couldn't get past the first few chapters.  It just didn't hold his attention the way so many other books do.  However, he was more than okay with seeing the movie with me, which we did on Saturday.  I thought it was all very well done and true to the book, and I had fun filling Charlie in (quietly) on who was who and why things were the way they were.  I found there were several great moments to teach him empathy, which I think was a great lesson.  We both got a lot out of the movie and are still talking about it nearly a week later.

Up next for our family is to finally see the Percy Jackson movie, as Charlie is on the cusp of starting the 4th (of five) book in that series.  I'm looking forward to it, despite not so great reviews.  Hopefully for Charlie it will bring the characters he loves to life, the way Hunger Games did for me.

2 comments:

Susan M. Bell said...

Just came across your blog. Love it.

Have to say, I loved the Hunger Games books and am looking forward to the movies as well. (Even more so since they were partly filmed near me and I know a couple people who got to be extras. If the next one gets filmed up here, I am so watching for that casting call.) I have heard some people say they are too violent for kids, and I don't have kids so many think who am I to judge, but I honestly don't think they are. (Depending on the age and the kid in general of course.) Very interesting books with a strong female protagonist whose main goal is NOT making sure she has a boyfriend (unlike some other books I won't mention). :-)

Dia said...

hello i love the hunger games even though im only ten.my dad wouldnt let me see the movie though :(

anon but still cool

=:)
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(jedward)