Smart Mouths Book Club #2: Catching Fire
by Penny on Mar.06, 2010, under Episodes
Episode One of the Smart Mouths Book Club was met with raving reviews, so we just HAD to record the second episode ASAP. As you know we talked about The second book in the Hunger Games Trilogy: Catching Fire. Written by Suzanne Collins.
In this episode we discuss:
- Our initial reactions to the book
- What is our interpretation of the title “Catching Fire”
- Our thoughts on the character Gale
- Team Peeta -vs- Team Gale: Matt takes the argument to a whole other level
-We answer some Twitter Questions
- Our predictions for “Mockingjay”
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March 6th, 2010 on 10:52 PM
OMG! can’t wait to listen. I am half way though the book
your episode on the hunger games was great!
March 6th, 2010 on 11:45 PM
Oh, wow. Loved the first BC episode, but this one was definitely an improvement! Perfect balance in content and discussion. A pleasure to listen to. I really think this format serves the Book Club in a better way. Loved it.
I’m one of those “unpopular” folks who tries to avoid the whole Team this/Team that debate as much as she can, because I think these characters are surrounded by circumstances (and themes) that, IMO, make the Team discussion a little bit silly. That said, it’s almost an unavoidable topic.
Even despite my better judgment I have caught myself leaning for one of the two, even though I can see that’s mostly because of preference rather than because of the plot. In reality, we should all be on Team Confused. It’s almost impossible for Katniss to not share a connection with both Peeta and Gale, because she has lived through unthinkable experiences with both, and those experiences bring people closer. Peeta, her ally in the Games; Gale, 6 years of every day survival, her ally in … life, basically, since they met each other. Part of me thinks one of them is NOT going to make through Mockingjay. Part of me thinks that the dilemma depends of who survives.
I’m SO excited for Mockingjay. I can’t wait! I have confidence that Suzanne Collins will have the “guts” to serve the story and her characters, even if that’s means making tough decisions regarding their ending. That’s both scary and thrilling at the same time. But in the end, I think that’s what makes good series.
I wonder … I know the Districts are rebelling all through Panem, but is there’s a main Mastermind coordinating the efforts, planning? The “in union there’s strength” sort of thinking. I don’t think alienated incidents can defeat the Capitol. I, too, expect a major battle or confrontation. Haymitch is the mastermind of the Games, but who is the mastermind OUTSIDE? Who is Plutarch, Haymitch and the rest working for (if anyone)?
Penny, maybe there could be a special episode of “HG Progs” on the currently dormant podcast? LOL Convince Greg!
March 7th, 2010 on 9:46 AM
This episode was great! I just have a small prediction about the next book. I think either Peta or Gale will be put into a situation where he gives up himself to save the other. Also I was wondering if you guys have read the book Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. If so I would love to hear a discussion on it!
March 7th, 2010 on 1:34 PM
I love your book club and the next book will be amazing! Although I don’t know why people disliked having another hunger games, I thought they were exciting and better than the parts where they were just at the capital or wandering around the districts, and I agree with Sydney on the fact that Uglies is a good book and that you should do a discussion on it.
March 7th, 2010 on 2:19 PM
Matt,
Synopsis not sypnosis. You’re adorable.
March 8th, 2010 on 3:58 AM
How about this The Capitol and Hunger Games Is the jabberjay and the rebellion is the Mocking Bird and they create Katniss whos the Mockingjay… So really the Capitol made her the symbol
Maybe I am just over thinking.
Love it though
March 8th, 2010 on 4:02 PM
Thanks for introducing me to these books! Interesting that in your discussion of Katness as the Mockingjay you didn’t talk about the transformation at the interview….the wedding dress which was forced on her, symbolic of the Capitol’s control over her life, literally burns (Catching Fire) away leaving Katness , the Mockingjay, phoenix-like standing in the ashes. And inspired by the Mockingjay swhe hbas become, the tributes (the districts) join hands. That scene encapsulates not just Katness’ life but the process of Revolution.
Interesting too is the origin of Katness’ original pin and it’s relationship to Haymitch and his time in the arena. How much of his relationship with Maysilee does he see reflected in Katness and Peeta? And how did/does the loss of her friend to the games impact Katness’ mother’s emotional states?
March 11th, 2010 on 10:48 AM
I love that you guys are doing book discussions!! I do have an author to suggest, one that isn’t as well known but writes wonderful fiction for teens, Jordan Sonnenblick. I would suggest either Notes from the Midnight Driver or Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie. If you are looking for an adult book and you don’t mind graphic violent descriptions, check out Steig Larsson’s trilogy starting with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
Looking forward to your next selection!
March 25th, 2010 on 9:16 AM
I read a lot of young adult books for myself and to recommend to my preteen/teen nieces. I especially liked the way these books handled the boy/girl relationships. They are not the main focus or too sexual or have the female lead always concerned with her looks(someone said I had fat ankles) or if some random boy likes her, which happens often in some ya literature. This series is actually about RELATIONSHIPS. I agree with Joan about the peeta/gayle dilemma. Katniss has already chosen gayle in this book. But b/c she made her choice so early I think that gayle will die in Mockingjay.
I think the author had to bring everyone back to the games b/c it was the quickest way to get a group of people from each district together and form a bond that each district could see and further feed the revolution.
My death predictions, for mockingjay, are haymitch and gayle but I believe cinna will live(l like cinna). You always have to let a side character live. so with gayle gone, I think katniss could and may be with peeta but she would pine for gayle, which would be appropriate.
I really don’t think President Snow is going to die. But he won’t be happy with his new existence/circumstances either.
My co-worker put me on to these books and recently this podcast. Smartmouths is funny, candid, irreverent and relevant. Keep up the good work.