Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Amazon Product Description
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins's groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

I’ve held off on blogging about this book because I was afraid I couldn’t do it justice.  On the library listservs so many people felt compelled to second guess the author, to discuss whether or not the ending was the right ending or even if it was believable.  I don’t even want to go there.  Sometimes, I’m afraid that critics/adults feel compelled to dismiss/criticize literature that is popular.  It’s almost as if they as though a popular series could not be well written. If teens like it, or if anyone for that matter, it can’t possibly be good.

This series is incredible. I like to refer to it as Survivor to the Death for Kids.  It is one of the most well written young adult dystopian series I have read.   IMHO each book is as good as the previous one.  There is not fairytale or 30 minute sitcom happy ending.  Yet, hope isn’t totally destroyed either.  I don’t know if the author was trying to make a commentary/statement on the times in which we live or not. Truthfully, I don’t care.  This last installment is entertaining and well written. I certainly got my money’s worth.

If you like young adult dystopian novels, especially ones that are realistic, then you should read this series. If you are looking for a light, happy read – look elsewhere.

Titles in the series:

The Hunger Games

Catching Fire

Mockingjay