I can’t read when I’m sick, and the first of year brought that wicked creeping crud along with it. And that’s where Libby comes in – during my feverish state, I listened to Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, narrated by Jefferson White. Now it’s been a hot minute since I’ve been in the Hunger Games, but I think this might be the best novel of that world. Is it repetitive? Yes. Does it recast scenes from Katniss’s games with Haymitch? Absolutely. But it works. Because we all knew Haymitch was watching history repeat itself when he served as Katniss’s mentor.
I don’t much know what I can say about Sunrise that hasn’t already been said. I can say, however, I’m glad Collins went back to this world. I think she’s grown as an author, and I think Haymitch deserved his story. What I will never understand, however, is how folks who grew up with this series, those who eagerly grabbed this prequel, will insist reading isn’t political. How can you not recognize our current world reflected in the text? How could those who grew up wanting to be Katniss become the capital darlings?
As a reminder, reading IS political. Read better. Be better.
A Girl Named Tommi 