The Message of the Messenger

I recently finished 'I Am the Messenger' by Markus Zusak and since Martha blogged about The Book Thief, it is only fitting I write about this one.

Ed & his Aces

Ed Kennedy is a nineteen-year-old taxi driver. He has no goals or accomplishments to speak of. He lives in a run down apartment with his elderly dog, plays card games few nights a week with his pals, and loves a girl desperately who doesn't want to love him back. He concludes his life is pretty meaningless and he's only going through the motion of living.

One day, he foils a bank robbery and gets his fifteen minutes of fame. As he settles back into his old routine, he receives an old Ace of Diamond playing card in the mail. Three pairs of address and time are written on it. At first hesitant and confused, he checks them out one by one. He discovers that he has to help someone in each of these houses. A woman being abused by her husband almost every night, a lonely old woman, and a girl who has no self-confidence. Just as he thought he's done, another playing card with another set of tasks, is given to him.

Although the genre and style are different, I experienced the same feeling with this book as with The Five People You Meet in Heaven. I felt inspired and lectured on without appearing so. Zusak successfully blurred the lines between reality and sublime, metaphorical events. He drives his message directly through the reader's hearts. I found myself urging Ed to finish his tasks every time a card arrives at his doorstep.


-Faye

If I Stay

For 17-year-old Mia Hall, life is good. She is a gifted cellist and might just get in her dream school, Juilliard. Adam, her boyfriend, loves her. Most of all, she has a wonderful family - the coolest parents and an adorable little brother.

But one snowy day, life suddenly becomes a nightmare. She gets in a car accident with her family which puts her in a coma. And as her body lays in the hospital bed, she learns that she has to make the ultimate choice: whether to stay or go.

Once again, I was mesmerized by Gayle Forman's writing in her first bestsellers, If I Stay and its sequel, Where She Went. If in Just One Day I was amazed by how she describes places, here, I was awestruck by how she describes life. The many contradicting things about it. How short it is yet lasting. How it changes but somehow is still the same.

I also admire the music in the books and am impressed with Gayle's emotive, rock-lyric writing. I could almost hear the classical pieces even though I don't know them. Yes, a little bit of rock, a little bit of classic. And then, something in me felt warm at the blending of the two. Genius.

As Mia flashbacks on her life's picturesque moments, you are transported back to your own. It reminds us of the important things and how to cherish them. The aftermath of her struggle is bittersweet and tender. Truly, it is a touching story of love, loss, and more.

-Martha 

Double Happiness

Last year, I've been shot by cupid's arrow repeatedly of as I've fallen in love with a lot of really good books. This year, cupid's aim has been a little off lately with my so-so reading list. But then finally, he releases the bow. Flick...Whoosh... Pang. I've been hit again.

This time it's by the two-part series called Just One Day and Just One Year by Gayle Forman. 

Allyson Healey has always played it safe with her sheltered lifestyle and color-coded schedule. Until during a trip to Europe, she has taken the biggest leap of faith yet by agreeing to go to Paris with a boy, the handsome wanderer Willem, who she just met. They share the loveliest day of their lives but their story continues to one year of self-discovery, all the while in search for that one great love.

Their tale has a magical effect and yet it's believable. Forman has the sublime talent of describing places, people, and, best of all, emotions. I'm immersed by the scenery she paints, particularly during moments of ode to Shakespeare. It's truly amazing how his works transcend time. These 2013 novels show the joy and wonder that travel bring, the beauty of languages, and the similarities of the world despite diversity.

"Sometimes fate or life or whatever you want to call it, leaves a door a little open and you walk through it. But sometimes it locks and you have to find the key, or pick the lock, or knock the damn thing down. And sometimes, it doesn't even show you the door, and you have to build it yourself."

If you love books about love like me, this pair's a sure bull's eye.

-Martha

Rowling's New Calling

J.K. Rowling has been an inspiration to many readers worldwide. She gave us a vital piece of our childhood--Harry Potter, and we'll be eternally grateful. I admire her so much and personally believe she's one of the greatest writers of all time.

Having said these, it makes perfect sense that she continue writing post-Harry. In The Casual Vacancy, she ventured into the total opposite of HP's magical theme. However, it was so raw and badly realistic that most critics and avid fans were left disappointed. Ate Faye said she wanted to throw her tablet (and maybe a hissy fit) at J.K. after finishing its eBook.

The synopsis didn't appeal to me so I never read it. Now, when she released her 1st ever mystery novel, I just knew it was going to be good. All those impeccably crafted details and twisted plots in the Potter series were premonition enough that mystery is her next fated genre.

In 2013, she penned The Cuckoo's Calling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. Once again, her lead is a male in the form of Cormoran Strike, a bright albeit slightly troubled detective. His case to solve: To prove that Lula Landry, a supermodel who fell from her rooftop to her death, did not commit suicide and was in fact, murdered. Of course, I was tricked by Rowling's fine story-telling that I suspected just about everyone in the book and couldn't make up my mind on "Who dunnit?" up until the very end.

I don't care that I was practically a deer in the headlights since that heart-stopping moment of revelation has always been the best part. Apparently, it has been a success and reports mentioned a 2nd book in the series called The Silkworm coming up this June. I can't wait to see what happens next to Strike and admittedly, to be made a complete fool again by my favorite author. Always a pleasure.

-Martha

Game of Thrones

Martha and I have an understanding to feature only the lesser known and the slightly obscure ideas. However, as we are mere mortals, we break this promise once in a while. I state this because who hasn't heard of the Game of Thrones? Granted I only became a fan two years ago. I was urged by my friends to watch the series but decided to read the books first.

Published in 1996 and written by George R. R. Martin, A Song of Ice and Fire became a series of books: 1) A Game of Thrones, 2) A Clash of Kings, 3) A Storm of Swords, 4) A Feast for Crows, 5) A Dance with Dragons, 6) The Winds of Winter, and 7) A Dream of Spring. The last two books have yet to be published (Hurry up, George!).

Set in the fictional world of Westeros and Essos, it has everything you wanted in an epic fantasy novel: giants, dwarfs, dragons, zombies (of the frozen kind), magical beings, etc. Not to mention beheadings and betrayals, love and lust, and of course, nobility and loyalty. One thing that sets it apart from books of this genre is though magic is present, it doesn't dominate the story line. Realism weighed heavily on important events, even in the most gruesome battle scenes. Martin also doesn't care if a character is an obvious favorite, he'll chop his head off anyway. Mine, by the way, is Jon Snow. I don't care if he 'knows nothing', ever since he rescued those poor direwolf pups, I knew he's my favorite (Please don't kill him, George.).

As I was saying, I can't wait for books 6 and 7 to be published which I read won't come out before 2015. Boo! So, I leave you with this chilling and foretelling quote to ponder instead:

'When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die.'

-Faye

Fangirl

2013 is coming to an end. One of the best young adult books I've read this year is Fangirl. Penned by Rainbow Rowell, author of Eleanor and Park (which is also a must-read, by the way), this novel strikes close to the heart.

Cath Avery is a socially passive girl who writes Simon Snow (think Harry Potter) fan fiction with a massive following over the net. But when she reluctantly leaves the comfort of her home and enter college with her more adventurous, outgoing twin, things start to change. Suddenly she's being forced outside her fantasy world of dragons, vampires, and witchcraft and face, well...real life. This time, it's up to Cath whether she wants to see and create some magic of her own. With or without laptop in hand.

This is a really nice, cozy read. I've read it twice (No other book in between) because that's how much I love it. It's about family and sticking to them no matter what. It's about opening one's self and falling in love. It's about pursuits of passion and finding one's voice. Rowell's writing is easy, steady yet thoughtful, nostalgic, and just overall beautiful. 

Consider me a huge fan. :)

-Martha

The Opposite of Holding On

I seldom like books that are adapted into film. This time however I love the movie more than the novel it was adapted from. Never Let Me Go is a 2010 film based on Kazuo Ishiguro's novel starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield.

The story revolved around friends Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy who grew up in Hailsham. At first it seemed the children at this school were normal. They were encouraged to study art, play sports, and be well-rounded students. Before long, it's revealed that each and every one of them were being prepared to be organ donors, multiple times, until they 'complete'.

The shock of finding out the future of these children was somehow 'softened' by the pacing of the story. Like the characters accepting their fate without question, the viewers eventually watch with consent as the narrator Kathy (Mulligan) described how they went about their short-lived lives and fulfilled their destiny.

I love that even though it's a love story, it doesn't feel like it. I was more drawn to and outraged by the dystopian world they live in. I love the contrast between the breathtaking sceneries and the harshness of their reality. The acting of the three main characters were also terrific. Mulligan's was subtle but very affecting. I cried buckets while watching it for the first time (and a few more on repeat viewings). Heck, I was dehydrated at curtain calls. But every time, like Kathy at the end of the movie, I learn to let go as she says:

"What I'm not sure about, is if our lives have been so different from the lives of the people we save. We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or feel we've had enough time."

-Faye

The Graveyard Book

I can't believe I did it again. I've fallen in love with yet another children's book. This time with The Graveyard Book. What is it with these children's fantasy novels that get me? Ok, don't answer that.

Anyway, it was published in 2008 and was written by the English author Neil Gaiman. This award winning book tells the story of a young boy, Bod, who became orphaned when 'the man Jack' murdered his whole family. He was 'adopted' by a ghost couple who lived in an old graveyard and raised by its 'residents'. He was given the Freedom of the Graveyard (an ability to pass through solid objects within the graveyard) but was forbidden to venture beyond it. He also had a supernatural guardian called Silas. Every chapter is spaced a few years in between following Bod's discoveries and adventures. Featured in the story are ghosts, vampire, werewolves, goblins, and other fantastic creatures and unique characters. What child wouldn't love that?

'Mrs. Owens and her husband have taken the child under their protection. It will take more than just a couple of good hearted souls to raise this child. It will,' said Silas, 'take a graveyard.' 

It was, in all honesty, Gaiman's ode to The Jungle Book. Similarities are abound but were given a fresh take and a very different spin. I first thought that because of the title it would be just morbid and creepy. But I was pretty impressed by how Gaiman kept the story interesting, funny, and heartwarming at the same time. Readers will cheer and fear for whatever may happen to the young protagonist.

I can't wait for its screen adaptation, I heard it's in the works. Something to look forward to, eh?

-Faye

The Shopaholic Series

Books are like people. 

They make good companions and have personalities, too. There are those that inspire, teach, or entertain. Sometimes after I read intense ones, may it be a "heartbreaker" (like The Fault in Our Stars) or a "teacher" (like Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist), I seek the comfort of a fun-loving "girlfriend" which I found mostly in the form of Sophie Kinsella's works.

Kinsella's heroines are charming and, truth be told, crazy. Her writing is witty, romantic, and downright funny. Her biggest success, The Shopaholic Series, stars Becky Bloomwood, a smart and hip financial journalist who has a secret addiction...Shopping!

Her impulse to swipe her credit card plus an overactive imagination stirs trouble. Good thing she has a quirky set of family and friends (perhaps a man, too?) to help her.

Mind you, following Becky's life is quite addictive as well. So far, there are six books in the series...and still counting. I'm glad her adventures are not yet over.

Like a true girlfriend, trust The Shopaholic to brighten up your day and give you a tip or two about fashion, love, and life.

-Martha

The Book Thief

TWO IMPORTANT FACTS:                                                                                               

1. This is a story narrated by Death.

2. It is set during World War 2.

By this, you can guess the intensity and impending tragedy of such plot. But it's not only that.

Although doing his best not to, Death gets distracted at times. One of such comes during his busiest, in the form of a German girl named Liesel Meminger aka The Book Thief. The two cross paths only three times but by saving a black book, Death is able to piece together the moments in between. The byproduct of which is this disturbing yet beautiful story. 

 "I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty and I wonder how the same thing can be both..."

Markus Zusak spun a contemporary classic novel, worthy of all the awards it was bestowed. Its literary prowess is able to touch many human souls - The biggest award, I imagine, a writer can get in his lifetime. I can sense that Zusak wrote it in a way that he tried to balance the light and the dark, the sweet and the bitterness, the Himmel (Translation: Heaven) and hell.

KEYWORD: TRIED.

Of course, he was just being realistic. Living in those days with Hitler could not be anything but difficult. The innocence of childhood play aside bombings in the streets, an instinct of altruism and promise-keeping versus punishment and danger.

Once again, I fell in love with the characters. Liesel, Papa, Mama, The Jewish fist fighter, and The boy with the lemon-colored hair. Even Death I couldn't resist being fond of. I get a rare glimpse of his surprisingly almost humane persona as he struggles with the demands of his duty.

ANOTHER FACT:

The book thief has left a permanent imprint on my soul.

-Martha

The Fault in Our Stars

I am heartbroken. My sister insisted I write about it. Yes, writing helps. 

His name is Augustus Waters, 17. Hers is Hazel Grace Lancaster, 16. They met in a support group for kids with cancer. His is osteosarcoma in remission. Hers is thyroid cancer stage IV which metastasized to her lungs. Heads up. I saw it coming from the beginning but that didn't stop the heavy flood of tears, shoulders shaking and all.

Each page of The Fault in Our Stars is filled with beautiful, beautiful sentences. Like poetry, like a sweet lullaby. After reading, I seriously pondered over writing Mr. John Green himself just as Hazel writes to Peter Van Houten in the story. Unlike Hazel, I need not know the ending since the novel is quite finished, really. I just want to discuss his novel with him, you know? My admiration and frustrations equally strong.

"I fell in love the way you fall asleep. Slowly, and then all at once."

It's one heck of a love story to write I can imagine. It's a love story worth knowing. Meeting the characters is bliss. They are filled with humor and creativity, their observations of the universe unique but precise. It's inevitable not to love them. Like I have experienced with Jellicoe Road, it all seemed real to me. It left a scar in me. Damn you, John Green.

But the thing is... I really don't mind. I saw the world in a wider picture. I felt pain which, from what is apparently written there, demanded to be felt. More importantly, I felt the moving power of true love. Let me tell you this: It's a privilege to have my heart broken by this book.

-Martha

On the Jellicoe Road

From this distance everything is so bloody perfect.

This is the view from the top of the treehouse a group of '80s kids built. The prettiest road Narnie's ever seen. And one of the most poignant, affecting novels I have ever read.

On the Jellicoe Road is about two tales intertwined crafted by Australian writer Melina Marchetta. 17-year-old Taylor Markham struggles as the new leader of her house and the sudden disappearance of her guardian, Hannah. Immersing herself on Hannah's manuscript and the territorial wars, not only does she learn her probable whereabouts but also unravels something significant and gaining much more along the way.

Although confusing at first, this beautiful story slowly unfolds as the chapters run. Some revelations are quite foreseen; however, Marchetta's writing is as lovely as the plot she created. I like how she describes, enough to set the tone but also leaves some to the imagination. The lines are filled with emotion, something to reflect on. It is frustrating though when she often ends a scene hanging, leaving one wanting for more. 

"It's funny how you can forget everything except people loving you. Maybe that's why humans find it so hard getting over love affairs. It's not the pain they're getting over. It's the love."

I fell in love with the characters from the past and present (very much so with Jonah Griggs), their happiness and hurt, and the Jellicoe Road itself. I've dreamt of going there and befriending the boarders, townies, and cadets. Everything is so engrossing it felt real even up to the last page. There is always some sadness involved in closing a book. But the memory and impact of a great story is priceless.

-Martha

Safe Haven

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks. Yes, another one of his melodramatic novels that would entail a lead character dying of some terrible illness, an overly romanticized plot, and oh, most definitely a tear jerker. These thoughts went through my mind as I was hurriedly browsing for ebooks to download and saw this title. Except for 'A Walk to Remember' (novel) and a couple of movies adapted from his books, I don't think I paid any attention to his works. But I was running out of things to read so I decided 'What the hey?' and touched the proverbial download button.

Katie, a mysterious twenty-something woman is desperate to start her life over. She thought she found solace after arriving in Southport, a little town in North Carolina. Although she struggled to open up to the people she met, she soon found herself befriending a local named Jo and falling in love with a shop owner called Alex. But just as she's starting to gain her sense of self, her alarmingly violent past catches up with her.

'I truly believe that while love can hurt, love can also heal...'

I was right, all of my expectations about this book were true. Surprisingly, I liked it! Sparks kept me turning the pages on my tablet. This wasn't just a sappy romantic novel. It also has suspense, action, and dare I say, fantasy. I liked that it was a little dark and a bit brutal in some parts. Not your typical Nicholas Sparks love story. The fear and self doubt in Katie's character is what glued this whole thing together. The emotions emanating from her drove the story.

I liked this novel enough to watch the movie version online. Sadly, I was disappointed by Julianne Hough's acting. It lacked depth and she was unconvincing as an abused woman running for her life. As I said, the story depended on Katie's emotional turmoil. She didn't give that. :(

Though the movie didn't fare as well as the novel, I still learned something from this experience... Don't judge a book by its cover. ;)

-Faye

The Mysterious Benedict Society

It was one of those day-offs when I had nothing to do at home so, dying to catch up on some reading, I borrowed one of my sister's books. I'll never regret that moment when I first opened The Mysterious Benedict Society. 

A curious newspaper ad brings together four special children named Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance. Each kid has a unique talent that comprises a great team to embark on a secret mission for the genius Mr. Benedict. Their exciting yet dangerous adventure will surely keep you flipping through the pages of this trilogy by Trenton Lee Stewart.

Having finished the series, I must say I'm very satisfied with the story. It's not only for children but also for adults with a passion for solving riddles and puzzles. Their journey pursue as they discover their strengths and weaknesses, unravel mysteries (sometimes involving their personal lives), and develop a strong friendship.

All the characters are engaging and the writing is intelligent yet light. I should have picked up this book from my sister's crate sooner. But I'm thrilled I finally gave it a shot. It's a fun read. Two thumbs up! I can't wait to read the fourth installment and prequel to the story, The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict. 

The advantage of having nothing to do at home, eh? :)

-Martha

Flowers For Algernon

This novel was written by Daniel Keyes and published in 1966. The story is told through a series of progress reports made by Charlie Gordon. Charlie, a man with below average IQ, was chosen to be a test subject for an intelligence-boosting brain surgery. With a lab mouse named Algernon, who successfully underwent the same operation, Charlie tried to navigate the mazes of life.

After the procedure, Charlie's IQ increased threefolds. He began to see the world with new eyes. The things that gave him simple pleasures before seem ridiculous and stupid now. He realized the jokes he once shared with friends were actually mockings of his intelligence. He also developed a thirst for knowledge and learned everything he can. He became so mentally superior he belittled and disregarded the opinion of others. The story continued to show that the more Charlie knew (about the world and himself) the more he became depressed and aggressive.

"I don't know what's worse: to not know what you are and be happy, or to become what you've always wanted to be, and feel alone." -Charlie Gordon

The first time I read this book was when I was still in school, I thought it was poignantly written. Although it's categorized as science fiction, the story of Charlie illustrates our struggles as human beings. It deals with a person's triumphs and failures, hopes and dreams, the reality of our situations and how we deal with them.

Charlie and Algernon will intellectually stimulate and move you to tears at the same time. Happy reading!


-Faye

As One of the Wallflowers

Dear friend,

I've thought about this before and I think I'm a wallflower. I enjoy solitude, reading or writing. I prefer small intimate conversations over mingling with large groups. And more often than not, in a party or crowd, I just watch people do things from a corner, making observations or wondering. For this very reason was I drawn to reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

Charlie, a wallflower, anonymously sends letters to someone about his day by day experience in his high school freshman year. He writes about school, his favorite books and music, family, memories, love, the first friends he made- Sam and Patrick, and the things they did which made him feel infinite.

To me, this novel is like a fresher, contemporary version of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye which, incidentally, Charlie mentioned as one of his reading assignments. I must say though, 'The Perks' deserve recognition of its own since it is wittily written through Charlie's musings and is a lot more relate-able in essence than 'The Catcher'. 

"Even if we don't have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there."

I would have liked the story better if the characters didn't do drugs. I believe drugs aren't necessary to take part of one's growing up. Another thing... I hate spoilers! Shame on them! I'm saying this 'cause without knowing it, I was spoiled of the book's ending (I read a random comment online)! When something was revealed, I wasn't as shocked as I imagine I'm supposed to be. Anyway, I realized 'being shocked' isn't the only point of the revelation. More importantly, it explains a lot of things and makes the reader think. 

All in all, this book is very nice. After reading, the more I reflect and discuss it with my sister, the more I appreciate it. I guess it's just one of those books, you know? I truly gained a handful of lessons. And maybe next time, like Charlie, instead of merely watching in a corner, pondering about life, I'd "participate" more in it.

Love always,

Martha

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Published in 2003 and penned by Mitch Albom, this book stayed on the New York Times Bestseller list for 95 weeks! An inspiring novel that has a refreshing take on a person's journey through life and death.

Eddie, an amusement park maintenance personnel, died while trying to save a little girl from one of his park rides. He reviews his 'useless' life with the help of the five people he meets in heaven. They are somehow connected in his life, having met them before or not.  Each person who welcomes him there has a lesson for him to learn or realize. Eddie is taught the following: 1. There are no random acts; 2. Sacrifice is a part of life; 3. Forgiveness is a must; 4. Love doesn't end; and 5. Your life has a purpose.

'Fairness, does not govern life and death. If it did, no good person would ever die young.' -The Blue Man

As with most inspirational novels, this too has a lot of 'quotable quotes'. What separates Albom's is that he wrote it simply and directly. He expressed his messages without being condescending and refrained from being too preachy. Eddie died before he realized these five lessons, but maybe we'll learn them while we're still living.

A touching story willing us to hope and believe that everyone has a purpose in life. Definitely, a must read! I can't guarantee you won't shed a tear, though.

Rating: 4.75/5


-Faye

A Mockingbird's Gift

"You never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them." -Atticus Finch

Some years ago, my uncle handed me a book. It was an old personal copy of his, full of underlined phrases. Different from the ones he used to buy me during trips to the bookstore as a kid. I didn't know that it'd be his last gift to me. Having read it for the second time around, I was able to appreciate it more. 

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel penned by Harper Lee in 1960. Set in Maycomb, Alabama, it depicts racism and the first struggles to change views about it... Which was next to impossible during the '30s. 

Interestingly, this serious issue is tackled from a seven-year-old's point of view. I find this ingenious since the story's drama is both subdued by the natural spunk of a child's narration and yet magnified in the eyes of an innocent. Scout Finch takes us along her adventures with Jem and Atticus, her brother and father, respectively.

The novel consists of various inspiring personalities and stories but Atticus Finch, a lawyer, is one of the noblest characters I've ever read. A mockingbird is used to symbolize innocence in this book and I quote it, 'To kill a mockingbird is a sin... Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy.'

I love how the story ends with a twist. This novel doesn't only discuss racism but also other forms of discrimination and injustice. I will always be grateful to my dear uncle for giving me this book... and the valuable lessons that come with it. I dedicate this entry to you.

-Martha

A Walk to Remember

Almost if not everybody has seen the 2002 film adaptation of this Nicholas Sparks' novel. I saw it a few times since I was in high school and have shed, in total, a mug of tears over it. It was only recently that I've actually read the book, though.

The story tells of Landon Carter, a 17-year-old rich boy and Jamie Sullivan, the preacher's daughter. When plain, unpopular Jamie, who always carry the Bible wherever she goes, asked Landon to promise not to fall in love with her, he instantly agreed. But God had a plan...

"When I told you that I prayed for you, what did you think I was talking about?" -Jamie Sullivan

There are certain differences between the book and the movie. In the book, Jamie was blonde but in the movie, she had brown hair. Also, upon reading it had I only understood why it's entitled 'A Walk to Remember'. On the wedding in the movie, Jamie walked perfectly down the aisle; In the book, she barely made it to the altar. She struggled but succeeded, making it in every way, a memorable walk.

Sparks wrote it simply but beautifully- No flowery words, no deep metaphors. Upon research, I found out that it was roughly based on Sparks' sick sister's real life. I guess every story has an underlying story then. This is an inspiring novel that literally comes with a warning from the start: First you will smile, and then you will cry.

And that, my friends, is exactly what I did.

-Martha

Happy Hunger Games

Last week, my brother Rap and I went to see the movie 'The Hunger Games'. I've recently read the book and was eager to see how it translated into the big screen.

Set in the post-Apocalyptic North America, known as Panem, which is composed of 12 Districts and ruled by the evil Capitol. Every year one boy and one girl from each District must be chosen and sent to the Capitol. They are forced to fight each other until only one survives.

Book cover

The concept isn't something new or unique. Imagine 'The Running Man' meets 'Gladiator' meets 'The Truman Show'. What's shocking though, is that the fighters (called Tributes) are aged 12 to 18! (Some may argue because of the 'Lord of the Flies')

Although the screenplay was also written by the author, Suzanne Collins, quite a number of differences ensued. Some of those are listed below:

1.  The book is narrated in the 1st person while the movie from a 3rd person point of view. It would have been better if the movie was told through the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen. I think the movie could emotionally connect more with the viewers.

2.  In the book, because the characters live in poverty and starvation, it was inculcated into the reader's mind their literal 'hungry' aspect. In the movie however no such thing occurred. In fact, in scenes where food is included Katniss Everdeen actually looked bored.

3.  I don't like how the story of the Mockingjay pin was told in the movie. I'm confused as to why they have to change it when it's pretty important. Duh, it is the book cover!

4.  The scheming and manipulative Head Gamemaker, Seneca Crane was added in the movie to explore the production part of the Hunger Games arena.This is a point for the film because not all viewers are readers of the book.

Movie poster

5.  The killing of the Tributes were more detailed and graphic (often prolonged) in the book. I guess in order to get a PG-13 rating, the movie showed somewhat blurred and hazy quick deaths of the players.

6.  Though Katniss did cover Rue's body with flowers both in the book and movie, Rue's District 11 didn't incite rebellion as shown in the movie. Instead they sent Katniss a loaf of bread to show gratitude.

7.  I think because of the overly sappy, gagging love story of the 'Twilight' series, Collins consciously and expertly trimmed the 'romantic scenes' in the book and trimmer still in the movie. Hurray!

8.  The ending is not the same.

Of course it is expected for a film to be a bit different from its novel. Except for Misery and North & South, I've yet to see a screen adapted book that I liked better than its source. Anyway, as Effie Trinket would giddily say: 'Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!'.


Rating:
         Book: 4/5
         Movie: 3.5/5


-Faye