Hunger by Roxane Gay

Hunger by Roxane Gay, 306 pages

As a fat woman walking through this world, I felt this memoir echo in my bones. Gay's words were equal parts galvanizing, galling, defeating, and triumphant. I hadn't read anything she'd written and chose Hunger because the idea of a memoir to one's body--a missive, a rumination, a plea--appealed to me. As a woman in society, I am all too familiar with the (often unreasonable) aesthetic demands placed on women. 

In the words of Time: "Gay's writing is simple and direct, but never cold or sterile. She directly confronts complex issues of identity and privilege, but it's always accessible and insightful."

I was unaware of the extreme violence of her past. That fact coupled with the intensity and raw honesty of the text was like jumping face first in a sea of ice water.  I was absorbed and read the book very quickly, but it stays with me. I suspect I'll be chewing on it for a while. 

 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, 374 pages

I put off reading this book, and I am not sure I would have read it if I hadn't heard it was coming out as a movie. Also, not to mention, it was a book everyone was talking about. Like most parents, when I heard it was about kids killing each other until there was one survivor, I did not want to read this book.  It was nothing I was interested in, but I have a young son whose classmates were reading it and thought if he was going to read it, I should read it first.  For the price of $6.79 this book was well worth the money.  Although the book was not as graphically violent as I thought it would be, it had violence in it that could give a preteen nightmares.  Katniss is a strong role model who takes care of her family and who since her father's death, is a survivor and a fighter.  The friendship between Peeta and Katniss that starts to look like young love makes me want to read the next two books to see if it is about the Hunger Games or the relationship between the survivors of District 12.  Suzanne Collins has cleverly written a book to appeal to both adults, young and old, and preteens and teens.  I am glad I read this book as it also reminded me of an adult trilogy I recently read the first book of, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.  Hats off to the strong female heroine.  We have someone to cheer for.  My money is on Katniss all the way.

Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins, 918 pages

I finally gave in and read it to see what all the fuss was about.  Is there really anything left to say about it?  My best description of the series is George Orwell meets Survivor if instead of getting voted of the island you get killed by your fellow competitors.  I found them an enjoyable read.  I appreciate that the books feature a teen girl hero that isn't all about clothes and social climbing.