LaDaryn Lockett > Recent Status Updates

Okay! We’re getting somewhere! Familiarity before seemed tired but at this point of the book some (younger) familiar faces brought a wave of nostalgia to me. It feels like saying hello again to old friends. I’m locked in now and am eager to see what’s ahead during the 50th Hunger Games.

The start of this book is familiar in that it reminds me of both The Hunger Games and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes in ways that I find tired. The Covey were an interesting group in The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, but here, with Lenore Dove, I can’t help but feel she’s a retread of Lucy Gray. This may be on purpose. I’m sure Suzanne Collins has a surprise or two in the coming chapters.

For the last book in this young adult series, it’s taking a less dramatic turn than expected. So far it’s done a great job at balancing and developing main characters but I feel, so far, it is lacking the grandiose finale I’ve come to expect. I’m sure this may come closer to the actual ending since I’m closer to the middle.

I got this book back in grade school and never finished it. At the time I was interested in the book for its relation to Spider-Man. Now, many years later in an attempt to thin my reading list I revisit it with an adult lens and notice things I missed as a child like the traumatic dynamic between Mary Jane’s parents.

Finally after reaching the halfway point this books gets interesting. A revelation occurs and I’m caught in Richard Matheson’s grasp. It honestly feels as though the story has only now started after all this time and buildup.

Finally we’re getting somewhere!
I tore through the pages this time around and I now know why it’s taken me so long to get into this story. I very much enjoy stories with multiple protagonists. Staying in Robert’s head for this long was admittedly dull but now the story is evolving in a way that has hooked my attention. I’m curious where we go next.

In the few chapters I’ve now read since before Neville finds excitement and joy in the monotony of the apocalypse and in two chapters it’s taken away from him. This, so far, has been the most interesting the book has been. I’m curious what turns are ahead.

I find myself overly judgmental over this book. The few chapters are about Neville coming to better understand the disease that caused the apocalypse but I can’t help but be bored with his inner monologue. He’s self deprecating and a drunk who continues a path of self destruction. Every time I think he’s make a breakthrough he reverts to moments of self pity. I look forward to when he shows a bit more growth.

It’s a timely read set in what I believe is the seventies. Not at all like the movie. Neville in the book and Neville in the movie are practically different protagonists and of course the creatures are very different as well.

I’m interested in seeing where, after ten, the story is going. To me, the first ten chapters is spinning its wheels. A lot is happening without true consequence or perceived progression.

Really well written and immersive.