Suzanne Collins is certainly not an author who writes just for the sake of telling a story. Collins is known to write only when she has something important to say, and with the release of her newest novel “Sunrise on the Reaping” contributing to The Hunger Games franchise, it is clear that this book should be on your radar as a potential read.
Set 25 years before the original series, “Sunrise on the Reaping” follows the story of a beloved character from the original series, Haymitch Abernathy. As an unexpected tribute in the 50th games and second quarter quell, this narrative is particularly interesting — with double the number of tributes, and double the stakes involved.
As I read through the book, my jaw was wide open within the first few pages. Similarly to “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” I noticed a multitude of connections that tied ends that were left loose following “Mockingjay.” Further, as I read through Haymitch’s perspective, I was captivated by his haunting yet quintessential fate and witnessed how his role in forming the rebellion seen in the original trilogy was far more influential than I once thought. As I read the first few chapters next to Casey Cho (12), I asked her “Are you understanding this?” To which she exactly replied: “I was not expecting to get that much information so fast.” Truly, pages into the book leave you feeling inclined to just keep reading, and after day one of even owning the book, I was already halfway done with it.
As I ponder how Collins only writes when she has something to say, I think about what I have read in this new novel, and what the greater purpose serves for introducing us to many new characters who – spoiler alert – leave us brokenhearted. From what I have gathered, Collins is aiming to examine media manipulation and propaganda through Haymitch’s journey, a topic some may find relevant to modern society. The novel not only provides readers with a captivating narrative but also encourages critical thinking about the role of media and dynamics of power in contemporary issues. Moreover, Collins’ deliberate approach to writing only when she has a message to share ensures that the content of her novel is meaningful and complex.
Being rated with a 4.7/5 on Goodreads, the novel has strong reviews and excellent feedback — all to which I wholeheartedly agree with. When reading the novel, it felt almost painful to put it down, and I just wanted to pause time so I could continue reading. Although The Hunger Games series usually leaves readers feeling like they just went through an emotional rollercoaster, I thought every part of the novel was perfect, even when there were sad parts. Ethan Lee (12) shared, “Even though I’m not much of a reader, seeing how obsessed my friends have become with the book makes me want to read it. Haymitch was one of my favorite characters in the movies, so I’m sure I would enjoy the story.”
Overall, if you are looking for a new book to read that provides a touching and meaningful story, the new Hunger Games Book is the one for you!
