Review: The Girl Who Was On Fire edited by Leah Wilson

Publisher: Smart Pop

Published: April 5, 2011

Pages: 210

Source: Won from A BookLover's Diary (Thank you!!)

Rating: 4 Stars

Katniss Everdeen's adventures may have come to an end, but her story continues to blaze in the hearts of millions worldwide. 
In The Girl Who Was on Fire, thirteen YA authors take you back to Panem with moving, dark, and funny pieces on Katniss, the Games, Gale and Peeta, reality TV, survival, and more. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to fashion and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss' world really is. 
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.

The Girl Who Was on Fire is an anthology featuring essays on The Hunger Games Trilogy. I was amazed at the variety of subjects of essays presented (and keep in mind that I read an ARC version - the final movie version has 3 additional essays). The essay topics ranged from the light and silly - topics about fashion and reality TV and "Teams" - to more serious and weighty - topics about the ethics of genetic mutation and politics and the importance of community.

I appreciated how thoughtful the essays were. It was evident in every essay that the authors did their research. They understood the themes and messages in The Hunger Games Trilogy and effectively and correctly referenced specific scenes and quotes of the books in their essays. Not only did it seem like they were well versed in their topics, but they are very clearly fans of the trilogy, which is even more important and crucial to the success of their essays.

The Girl Who Was On Fire is not a critical read by any means. However, if you are a super fan of The Hunger Games and like analyzing and discussing aspects of your readings, then you may find that The Girl Who Was On Fire will enrich your experience of the series.

Interesting in getting the chance to read this book? There is still time to enter my giveaway to win a copy of The Girl Who Was On Fire, as well as some Hunger Games merchandise!

In other, related news: how FREAKING EXCITED is everybody for The Hunger Games movie this Friday?! I would love to know when/if you are going to see it, if you'll be dressing up (I plan on wearing my mockingjay pin and a braid, in honour of Katniss), what scenes you're most excited for, etc. Let me know in the comments!

Other Reviews:
A Blog About Nothing
A BookLover's Diary
That Hapa Chick

Giveaway: The Girl Who Was On Fire and Hunger Games Merchandise

20 days left until The Hunger Games movie release... Are you feeling the excitement yet? I know I am. The Hunger Games promo machine is in high gear, with interviews, photos, and merchandise up the wazoo, and the resulting effect is that I am absolutely DYING to see the movie! From what I've seen so far of trailers and pictures, I'm pretty impressed, though withholding judgement until I see the movie in full.

I figured now would be as good a time as any to have a Hunger Games themed giveaway! In this giveaway, one winner will win:

Apologies for the bad picture

An ARC of The Girl Who Was On Fire

A Hunger Games themed Charm Bracelet

A "Girl Who Was On Fire" Slap Bracelet

3 sets of Hunger Games themed Earrings

Rules
1. To enter, leave a comment below with your email address
2. Following is not required, but always appreciated!
3. Open Internationally
4. Ends March 31, 2012 at 11:59 PM EST
5. Entrants must be at least 13 years old
6. The winner will be sent an email and has 48 hours to respond with their address to accept their prize. Failing this, another winner will be chosen.

Good luck and may the odds be ever in your favour!