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Bloody Bookaholic's Commandment:

Thou Shall Read Till Thy Eyes Bleed

Friday 20 January 2012

Review: The Girl Who Was on Fire: Your Favorite Authors on Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games Trilogy MOVIE EDITION GIVEAWAY!!

Title: The Girl Who Was on Fire
Author: Various
Series: Nope
Book #: 1
Pages: 194
Reading Level: For Everybody
Book Rating: Photobucket.7
Published April 5th 2011 
Praised by writers from Stephen King to Stephenie Meyer, Suzanne Collins’ New York Times bestselling Hunger Games trilogy is dark, captivating, and deeply thought-provoking. Part straight-up survivalist adventure, part rich allegory, and part political thriller, the series has become a new YA favorite.

The Girl Who Was On Fire offers even more to think about for teen readers already engrossed by the Hunger Games. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to reality television, fashion, and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games by other YA writers reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss’ world really is.

The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.
Taschima's POV:

I reviewed this book back on April 2011, when it was first brought into my attention. Recently though I received the new movie edition which includes 3 new essays that pretty much rocked my world so I naturally needed to add something more. Here is my original review, along with the new paragraphs on the new content.

April, 2011:

These kinds of books are awesome, and specifically this one is amazing! The essays are so good! There are 13 essays (for 13 districts?) in total, some have to do with fashion, psychology, PSTD among the winners of The Hunger Games, Team Katniss, and so much more. Theres something for everybody.

When the people at Smart Pop contacted me about reviewing this one I was so psyched!!!  Any fan of The Hunger Games would be. I first learnt about Smart Pop when I bought their essays on A New Dawn, I was soo into Twilight and this book was a life saver. I read it before I got Breaking Dawn because it wasn't out yet. Anyways this book is as good as A New Dawn was, if not better (let me think about it... definitely better). The authors talk about various parts of The Hunger Games with such insight that it make you think "holly crap how did I not see it? Why wasn't this clear to me from the get go?"

After I reads this book I immediately picked up The Hunger Games and started re reading it. Cinna is by far one of my favourite characters in the book, before reading The Girl Who Was on Fire I didn't paid much attention to him, but after reading the essay on fashion I got to say that he is one of the bravest most creative characters ever. Also after re reading The Hunger Games (and reading an essay that talked about the love triangle thing in The Girl Who Was on Fire) is hard to see where anyone got the idea that Katniss could ever end up with Gale, Peeta is such a sweet heart and clearly the right choice. Oh and also, I'm Team Katniss, she is the best. You will understand if you read The Girl Who Was on Fire, it really is an eye opener. Not to say that that all the essays will appeal to just everybody, there was one heavily on the science part that didn't interest me at all, but for the most part is so good.

January 2012:

All that I have said above? Completely true. Nonetheless, I have to add a bit more due to the new essays that the Movie Edition brings.

The essays are written by Diana Peterfreud (author of the killer unicorn series Rampant), Brent Hartinger (author of  Geography Club) and Jackson Pearce (author of Sisters Red, Sweetly and Purity).

The one written by Diana is about Game Theory, and how it applies to The Hunger Games. It is very informative and interesting that is for sure. Maybe if my teachers taught me about the Game Theory with Hunger Games examples I would have learnt a bit more about it, or been more interested.

"Game Theory is not about games. It's about politics and psychology, war and strategy. For Katniss Everdeen, it is life and death, and in the end, everyone in Panem comes to learn that the only way to truly win the game is not to play at all."

Brent Hartinger's essay is basically on the simple question: "does the Mockingjay book suck or not?". It is his personal belief that the book wasn't as good as the others, it is my personal belief that I loved it. So it was interesting reading the other side of the coin. Brent does a very fine job indeed. He not only puts forward why he beliefs the book sucked and where he thinks things could have been done better, but he also speaks up for the people who loved the book and gives various reasons on why he would understand why the book would be loved (something about cynicism in his essay struck a cord with me).

"...there are two sides to the question of whether or not the book sucks. But there's also a third point of view to be considered: that there is some truth to both arguments. That Mockingjay might be flawed in some respects, but it's a bold and challenging work of fiction in others, specially the ending."

Last but not least is Jackson Pearce's essay. Her essay has to do with Gale, surprisingly. It has to do with how Gale is the knight, or cowboy if you prefer the men with boots and hats, of the series. He is willing to do whatever is necessary for the greater good, even if it interferes with what he wants the most as an individual (in this case this would be Katniss' love). To some degree I would agree with Jackson. Gale was never going to end with Katniss, we all knew that deep inside. Why? Well, you will have to read the essay to figure that out.

"All this time, Gale has been fighting not just for Katniss' heart, but for her safety, to create a world in which she and everyone else can be happy. And he wins -only he can't live in that world with her, because she can't forgive him for what he has done, things she has deemed to be evil."

This book is as close to the Hunger Games inner workings as you are going to get. It's like getting together with your friends and discussing the Hunger Games in great detail- only your friends in this case are inside the pages. You will enjoy every single second of the conversation, and after it is finished you will ask for seconds. That's when you get up, go to your best friend, and put this book in their hands. Only then will they be able to understand this love we have deep inside for The Hunger Games and why we keep trying to keep the world alive even though the series as long ended.

Long live The Hunger Games.

35 comments:

  1. This is a good review, though I wasn't expecting you to review a book of essays (don't understand me wrong, it was a nice surprise ;D)Anyway, good job with the review! Sounds like an interesting book.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for this giveaway! I'm going to watch The Hunger Games the first day, and if it the good maybe also the second!!! I've read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire and I'm waiting the publication of Mockingjay here in Italy.

    yuko86(at)hotmail(dot)it

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have read the book, but I won't be going on opening day. I never do. I like the theatre to be quieter, so I wait awhile.
    I am a gfc follower
    debbie
    twoofakind12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your review makes me bloody necessary read this book!! I LOVE hunger games

    ReplyDelete
  5. Well, thanks for this giveaway! I'll be watching the movie the first day and I think I going to loved!

    I'm bloody follower: Karen Roth
    lekaza88@hotmail.com

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I usually wait a couple of days before I see a new movie. I hate crowds. I enjoy it more when it is less crowded.

    lizzi0915 at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you for the giveawway!!
    I'm going to the Hunger Games premiere at 12 even if it's a school night... I'm sooo excited!

    I'm a follower! Book Lover
    cherrycocoaddict@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've read the book, but I won't see the movie on the first day. I'll probably wait until later to see it.

    Skk25@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm
    going to watch The Hunger Games
    the first day.
    lulu_mirela90@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am going to see the Hunger Games AT MIDNIGHT!! I have read both Hunger Games and Catching Fire and I am getting ready for Mockingjay!

    GFC Follower: Allana Woods

    tgreenwood6of7[AT]gmail[DOT]com

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oh yes! Totally there on opening night/morning.
    Bloody GFC Teril

    getting our fan attire finished as we speak.

    terilhack at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm not sure if I'll see it the minute it opens or not, but I did read the entire series! I'll see it eventually. This book intrigues me.

    mariahoverlockATgmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. I will ot be going the first day the movie comes out. I know it will be so crowded, so I will go a week or so later.

    I follow GFC

    Findjessyhere at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I adore the HG, I've read the books before but am going to re-read before I see the film.
    I'm hoping to go to a Midnight release, but if not it will be during the first day. :D

    becca9(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am absolutely going to see the movie ASAP. I have read all of the books. LOVED them.

    I follow: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. We will probably go see the Hunger Games movie that weekend. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I had to have this book right when it came out but then my excitement faded and I have yet to read it. This review might just be what I needed to finally read it!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I will be their on the first day and I have read all the books! I think I have made every person that I know read these books. I am not ashamed to admit that I harass people into reading what I want them to.
    aliciahall0605(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I will be there the first day!

    great giveaway
    follow via gfc
    drakebdog@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I plan on seeing it ASAP. May not be the first day, but definitely very quickly.
    Bloody GFC: Vivien
    +1 tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/#!/deadtossedwaves/status/161249308908326912
    +1 spread:
    http://www.goodreads.com/event/show/230880-review-the-girl-who-was-on-fire-your-favorite-authors-on-suzanne-colli

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. 1. Yes! I'm so going to watch The Humger Games movie the very first day it is released. And yes, I have read the whole series!

    2. I'm a Bloody Follower.

    3. aikychien at yahoo dot com

    Extra Points:

    +2 Link to this contest on sidebar
    http://the-bookaholics.blogspot.com/

    +1 Tweet it (@TaschimaCullen)
    https://twitter.com/#!/aikchien/status/161346062928449536

    +1, Facebook it
    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=136441813141861&id=1467072730

    +1 I added you on Goodreads - Aik Chien

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hi Taschima! Thank you for this great giveaway:)

    I'm a huge Hunger Gamess fan, so I can't wait to read this book (and March can't come get here soon enough!).

    -I plan on watching the movie as soon as it comes out (if it's not fully booked weeks in advance!).
    -I'm a GFC follower: IdentitySeeker
    -Email: sarah.setar@gmail.com

    Extra Entries:
    - Have asked people to enter with my referral name (IdentitySeeker from Random Thoughts of a Confused Adolescent; @SweetNSensible from Twitter; Sarah Bibi Setar from Facebook).

    +2 Linked to this contest on my right sidebar under "Great Giveaways!" at: http://randomthoughtsofaconfusedadolescent.blogspot.com

    +1 Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/SweetNSensible/status/161418939916759040

    +1 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=280819948649068&id=214949138542699

    +1 Goodreads friend: Sarah Setar

    +1 Spread the word by writing a blog post: http://randomthoughtsofaconfusedadolescent.blogspot.com/2012/01/girl-who-was-on-fire-by-smart-pop-books.html

    Extra entries total: 6

    Thank you for this great giveaway:)

    Sarah

    sarah.setar@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for the giveaway!I'll be watching The Hunger Games the first day!I've read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire =)
    sweetyreaders@hotmail.it

    ReplyDelete
  24. I've read book one, and am reading book 2 and 3 this coming week! (I bought all three immediately after finishing number one from the library)
    I'm dying to see the film, but may or may not see it at the cinema.???

    ReplyDelete
  25. (email sorry- contact dot romif at gmail dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  26. - You ask if I'm going to see the movie the first day it hits my theather? HELL YES!! I'm so excited for that movie, I only eat and breath for Peeta Mellark and his buns, LOL! Seriously! haha! I have my mockingjay t-shit in process! We are going to hit that cinema with style, baby! And yes I've real all three Hunger Games books! A Finnick Fan here but Peeta is #1!
    - Bloody Follower: Gisele Alvarado
    - email: ilepachequin(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Xtra entries:
    1+ Added on GR: Gisele Alv
    1+ Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Gisselle_Alv/status/162816401898352641
    1+ FBook it: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=316561675052414&id=1105106026

    THANKS for the giveaway! Woo hoo!

    ReplyDelete
  27. GFC jennifer
    jlkalman26 at gmail dot com

    I probably won't see the movie the first day it comes out. But I will definitely be seeing it. Loved loved loved all the books. Can't wait to see this movie.

    ReplyDelete
  28. The Hunger Games is an excellent book and I can't wait to watch the film! Have read part I and II, now awaiting for Mockingjay :)

    Thank you for the giveaway :)

    dianadimovska1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. Thanks for the great giveaway! I have not read The Hunger Games yet. GASP!! I know, I must be the only person left that has not read it. I prob will not go to the movie right away when it comes out. But maybe, if I get the book read first.

    I am a GFC follower - suzebomb(at)gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I would order my tickets now if I could! I can't wait!

    GFC - thegirlonfire

    thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Giveaway main entry:
    1. Duh. Definitely. I mean, who hasn't read The Hunger Games really missed out on something in their life.
    2. GFC name: Farah Hanani
    3. Email: farah-honey(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Extra Entries:
    Link contest on sidebar: http://tumblinginbooks.blogspot.com/
    Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/FaraHanany/status/163885946968866816
    Facebook it: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=310357005681216&id=208436912574890
    Add GoodReads: Fara Nani

    ReplyDelete
  32. I JUST read The Hunger Games trilogy over Christmas vacation (yes, I'm a little late) and I LOVED it! I cannot wait for the movie to come out. I hope to see on opening day, but with a 1 year old and my husband's work schedule that may not happen. I do plan on seeing it though. SO excited! emilyjoydrake at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Great review and giveaway! I am hoping to see the movie the VERY FIRST SHOWING!!! Unfortunately that may not be possible. It opens on my best friends due date :-/ Here to hoping the little guy comes early! lol

    I have read book 1, 2, and am working on 3! One of my favorite series by far :)

    bbduck8(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've read the book like a gajillion times and will (hopefully) be able to go the first day :)
    Thanks for the amazing giveaway!

    GFC: iLuvReadingTooMuch

    +1 Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/iliveforreading/status/164716709826150400
    +1 added on Goodreads: Rabiah

    iliveforreading AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Definitely going to see it at midnight! I've read all the books numerous times. Thanks for the giveaway!

    GFC: brookea_2006
    GR: brookea_2006
    email: brookea_2006 at yahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete

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