BOOK REVIEWS
Courtesy of Beaverdale Books
Review by Julie Goodrich
‘Mockingjay’
By Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press
08/24/2010
$17.99
400 pp
The final book in the bestselling “Hunger Games Trilogy” explodes off the first page and doesn’t let up until the subdued but ultimately satisfying epilogue. Even more so than first two books, this stunningly well-written finale is full of action and adventure, heartbreaking moral questions and the kind of twists that take your breath away.
Having once again survived the arena and emerged victorious, Katniss is taken to District 13, the shadowy league of rebels who no one knew existed. The only problem it, Peeta isn’t with her. Caught by the capitol, Katniss can barely keep herself together, let alone lead the rebels as she is being asked to. Still in turmoil about her feelings, Katniss must take up the mantel of the Mockingjay and become the symbol of the rebel movement — it is the only way the uprising stands a chance. Together with the questionable rebel leaders and some old friends, Katniss must decide what is really important and make some soul wrenching sacrifices along the way.
Katniss and the reader are taken on a nonstop emotional rollercoaster as the story thunders to its conclusion. The twists and turns develop the already strong story even more and the characters become even more complex. The ethical issues and political themes become even broader as an entire nation fights for survival. The fight of the individual against oppression takes a backseat this time to the plight of humanity under tyranny and what it really means to be free. “Mockingjay” is a fantastic conclusion to a must-read trilogy. CV
