Hunger Games

We are reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins for book club in Relief Society this month.  We will be discussing our thoughts and feelings on the book on March 10th.  I read this book a while ago, I was one of those people waiting for the second book and then the LONG time to wait for the third book.  Okay, it really was not that long, but it seemed like forever!

I am taking my time to read it this time.  The first time that I read it, I think I read it in 2 days.  I loved it.  But I did not take the time to really enjoy the story details or to liken it to my own life.  I have been really thinking about it this time and even having dreams about the book.

I read the first "part" pretty slowly, only letting myself read a chapter at a time, so I could think about what I was reading and how it can apply to my life.  I have also been highlighting parts and taking notes on my thoughts as I have read this time.

In the first few pages, Katniss is telling about how as a child she would blurt out things about the Capitol.  She would scare her mother.  She said that "I learned to hold my tongue."  I think that sometimes we just need to learn to hold our tongue.  Sometimes I like to just tell my opinion, where I really need to keep it to myself.

A little later she is in the glade with Gale, and they are joking about the Hunger Games and Capitol.  She says that "We have to joke about it because the alternative is to be scared out of your wits."  Sometimes things that we have to face in life are very scary, the only way to get through them is to joke about them.

If you have not read this book and are planning on it, don't read this next part of my post. 

In the reaping (where they choose the Hunger Games tributes) when Prim's name is read and Katniss throws herself in front of her and takes her place, it reminds me so much of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He sacrificed himself for us, that we would not have to go through all the pain and agony.  He took it on for us.  This may seem like a far stretch for this book, but it is what came to my mind.

As Katniss is talking with her mom and sister before she leaves District 12, Katniss is telling them that when/if she wins they will be rich.  Prim says "I don't care if we're rich, I just want you to come home.  You will try, won't you?  Really, really try?"  This reminded me of 2 things.  One, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanting us to return to them, to do our best so we can live with them again.  Second it reminds me about family history.  I know that I have an eternal family, that has been sealed here on the earth and that we are linked together.  I know that through family history and temple work that I am able to seal generations of my family together.  This statement that Prim made to Katniss, really try to come home, made me think of my family that is waiting in Heaven for me.  Rooting for me to come back, to really really try my best.

A little later Katniss is told "your mentor is your lifeline to the world in these Games.  The one who advises you, lines up your sponsors, and dictates the presentation of any gifts.  He can well be the difference between your life and your death!"  This statement reminded me of prayer and the Holy Ghost.  Heavenly Father gave us these gifts so that we can communicate with him and have the loving guidance that we need in this life.

I have a lot more quotes and stories from this book that I have taken notes on, but these few are the ones that I really felt that I needed to share and to remember for myself in the future.  We never know what life is going to throw at us, what we are going to need in the future, what we are going to need to know and feel.  I just hope that I can be prepared for my daily life and learn to be happy with what I have, not only the good things, but the trials too.

I am excited to finish rereading this book, taking the time to look at it from a different perspective.  That is the main thing that I have learned so far in book club, is to look at books from a different perspective.