The Girl Who Was On Fire
Editor: Leah Wilson
Series: The Hunger Games (Unofficial Essay Collection)
Publisher: SmartPop Books
How Received: publisher ARC
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.
Authors include: Carrie Ryan, Ned Vizzini, Lili Wilkinson, Blythe Woolston, Sarah Darer Littman, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, Mary Borsellino, Sarah Rees Brennan, Terri Clark, Bree Despain, Adrienne Kress, Cara Lockwood, Elizabeth M. Rees
Buy OR Borrow | Brush Off
If you don't like The Hunger Games or feel no attachment to them, really, you're not going to like this book. However, if you like the series (like me) or like reading about in depth analysis of things (like me) or are somewhat interested in seeing what other people have to say about the series (like me) - well, this is a must read.
You're not going to want to read this straight through like I did; each essay gives you a lot to think about. They're all really interesting points and it's a lot of fun to read, at least for an English lit nerd like me. I love people pointing out symbolism and development and things I hadn't noticed before.
But if you're worried about the writing style - by the Games, it's a book of essays! - don't be. None of these are written in the 'traditional' essay writing style. They've all brought their own unique voice to the table (Vizzini, Rees Brennan, I'm looking at you) and it's more like reading a blog post about the Hunger Games than reading an essay. They just happen to be put in one book and polished up for our convenience.
Honestly - if you're a fan of The Hunger Games at all, or you just love learning something new about a book you've read, pick this up. It's a lot of fun to read and a lot of fun to think about when you're done. It may or may not also help you write essays in the future for whatever classes you have to do.
Final Comments: A must read for any Hunger Games lover, or anybody who just loves looking closely at the intricacies of YA lit.