Listen, did I have it on my 2025 bingo card that I'd be reading another Hunger Games novel? No, I sure didn't. Admittedly, after the last one, I was unsure what to expect from Haymitch's story - Snow's novel was (for me at least!) underwhelming, at times confusing, and overall a prequel which felt at times pretty removed from the original series.
Not this one. I think what made SOTR so good for me was that it hit ALL the nostalgia that we were wanting from the last one - I'm talking Easter eggs GALORE. Every time a new character hit the page, there was some connection to the original cast of characters, and I think that for me, it made this story feel like coming home to a series that I hadn't known I missed. Not to mention that the story felt well paced, the character development made sense, and we now have a good understanding of why Haymitch is the way he is towards Katniss and Peeta. I appreciated that underlying theme of obscuring truth, something which in todays political climate is important to understand and be able to interact with. I think Collin's brings this theme into her writing in both subtle and overt ways (poor LouLou!), and while reading this book you begin to feel this creeping fear that the government of Panem is not too far removed from current governments today...
Favourite Quotes: “I love you like all-fire.”
“They will not use our tears for their entertainment.”
Recommended for: every damn person who read The Hunger Games growing up!
Book Info:
Title: Sunrise on the Reaping
Author: Suzanne Collins
Published: March 18th, 2025
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 387
Summary from Goodreads:When you’ve been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.
Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.
When Haymitch’s name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He’s torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who’s nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he’s been set up to fail. But there’s something in him that wants to fight... and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.
What were your thoughts on this book? Feel free to start a discussion in the comments!
Happy reading,
Mari
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