Gemini Rising

Sunrise on the Reaping & Dystopian Thoughts

I heard the new "Hunger Games" book was out and bought it ASAP. It's called "Sunrise on the Reaping" and it'a about Haymitch's games. Honestly, I can't wait to read it. I was completely intrigued by the 1st Trilogy of books, Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Hunger Games & the series is dystopian fiction. I'd define dystopian as set in the future and a bit bleak. It explores extreme social & political systems in the future that I think are oppressive. Thus the story is often about the human spirit and exercise of free will. Usually a rebellion of some sort is involved.

Sometimes I can't help but wonder if the future, stifled by political/social systems requires a 'reset.' I suppose that's the intrigue of dystopian fiction. What did we do to ourselves in the name of science that ruined our civilizations? I think the new "Planet of the Apes" movies (#1 being Rise with James Franco) does a good job of being in the moment and exploring deeper thinking of our actions.

What did Hunger Games mean to me? I saw the first movie on video and it blew me away. Jennifer Lawrence was phenomenal in that movie. Her acting tugged on the heartstrings and was believable. I read all the books after that and went and saw the movies in the theatres. I thought they were great "what if" movies that explored a lot of complex topics from the simple things that bind us together as humans and that government, while good intend, has lost it's way and has become out of touch with with the people they are suppose to support.

I'm looking forward to reading the book about Haymitch. A recent interview with Suzanne Collins said she wanted to explore the following themes: Of media and propaganda used in society so I'm looking forward to seeing the book from that angle.

Are you a Hunger Games Fan? Why or why not? Do you plan on reading "Sunrise on the Reaping?"

Enjoy this reading by Suzanne Collins: