Aren’t you supposed to be embarrassed to admit you’re a virgin? Meh. I’m not, really. I mean, you should know that I’m married, so I’m not THAT kind of virgin.
But, I am a Hunger Games virgin.
Shocked?
Let me explain.
But first, let me say that I intend to see the movie this afternoon. I’m going to be part of a group of The Cool Ship editors and writers that review the film. We’ve done it before. Take a look at our Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (part 1) review. Fun times, awful movie. Seriously, it was terrible. And I even went into that one knowing what to expect! See, I read all the Twilight books before the movies came out. It’s not something I’m exactly proud of, mind you. But, I did it for a purpose. I did it so I could discuss it from an intelligent standpoint…and mock it appropriately.
I don't even know what that dang bird means! Image courtesy of fanpop.com
So, why haven’t I read the Hunger Games trilogy, yet? Well, I must confess that it’s because the books came out under the banner of YA. Young Adult fiction, to me, says tween and teen audience. I am neither of those. (Here’s a bit of what I am, by the way.)
Plus, frankly, it disgusted me to see lots of my contemporaries so obsessed with the series. Why were seemingly intelligent individuals so into kid books? Aren’t there enough grownup novels out there to enjoy?
I didn’t understand.
Also, there was a hint of pure rebellion on my part. They were so popular that I didn’t want to be a part of the crowd.
FIGHT THE POWER! DOWN WITH THE MAN!
I could understand when my middle school acquaintances started to chatter about Katniss, Peeta (Peter? Maybe he just has to pee a lot…) and the rest. But, then a lady I held (and still hold) in high regard admonished me to read the books!
“You’ll LOVE them,” she gushed.
I grimaced.
Then, something traumatic happened. Well, traumatic to me, anyhow. My husband read them! The man I had taken to my bosom and promised to love forever in front of God, family and friends had betrayed me!
What did I do? What any self-respecting wife would do: I mocked him for reading children’s literature.
He’s got thick skin. He took it like the bearded giant of a man that he is.
As time went by, I couldn’t help but wonder what had drawn my bearded love into the series. We read a lot of the same kinds of books, so it’s not out of the question to assume that we have many of the same tastes. But YA fiction? Really?
I pondered. I slid. I Googled. I read articles about the upcoming movie.
I got sucked into a slick marketing campaign.
I’ll admit that I now want to read the Hunger Games trilogy.
There! I said it!
And, I want to see the movie.
I want to see Thor’s little brother, the chick from Winter’s Bone, and the indefatigable Stanley Tucci (I’ve never seen him turn in a bad performance. Ever. He’s been in crap movies, but he’s always good.). There’s also Donald Sutherland, Elizabeth Banks, and other folks that I recognize but can never remember their names.
After my fall into the pit, I should have given up and read the books. But, I didn’t. I’m not really sure why. I think life got in the way. Good excuse, huh? I thought so.
I will eventually read the books. After I watch the first movie, of course. I mean, I read fast but not that fast.
What about you, The Cool Ship readers? Have you read the Hunger Games? Do you plan on seeing the movie this weekend?
