Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

“...(R)eaders will instinctively understand what Katniss knows in her soul, that war mixes all the slogans and justifications, the deceptions and plans, the causes and ideals into an unsavory stew whose taste brings madness. That there is still a human spirit that yearns for good...,” said Booklist about Suzanne Collin’s latest and last addition to the Hunger Games trilogy, Mockingjay. Lately, Collins has been impressing everybody by firing out excellent books once a year. She is an exceedingly talented writer.
Published on August 24, 2010, in New York by Scholastic, Mockingjay has exceeded sales expectations by selling well over 450,000 copies in only its first week. Being the third book among the stupendous Hunger Games and marvelous Catching Fire, this is no surprise. It is very well-written with an intense and surprising plot. Accordingly, Mockingjay has surpassed my expectations and is truly an exceptional piece of literature.
Taking place in a faraway, or maybe not so faraway, totalitarian society made for the protection of the former American citizens after the “Dark Days” of war that destroyed the rest of the world, Mockingjay incorporates a life or death struggle with a love story; a combination everybody loves. After the main character, Katniss Everdeen, unintentionally sets off a long awaited series of rebellions among the “Districts” against the central leadership the “Capitol,” Katniss has to choose a side. Joining President Snow and the Capitol will continue the Capitol’s horrific reign and carry forward the vicious “Hunger Games,” the murder of 23 or more people each year to keep control over the districts. However, joining the rebel’s side could lead to the torture and death of her admirer, kind Peeta, and Annie (her friend Finnick’s soon to be wife).
This theme, “fear rules the world,” is seen frequently throughout the book, since the Capitol uses fear to control its citizens. To make matters worse, her inexorable hunting partner, Gale (who along with Peeta has a tenderness for Katniss) has been showing signs of a merciless nature, showing no sympathy for his enemies. Furthermore, Katniss is in the middle of two decisions that will change her life forever. Join the rebels or the Capitol; save the future or now? And choose Peeta or Gale; loving or merciless?
Similar to The Hunger Games and Catching Fire, the plot is built upon extensive suspense forged upon the umpteen significant decisions that Katniss is forced to make on a daily basis. Conjointly, and analogous with the antecedent books, Mockingjay also prevailed in using foreshadowing as another major factory of suspense. Next, Collin’s use of symbolism was superb. It was seen unwaveringly throughout the piece; more so than in any other book by her or anybody else. Lacking of in other similar books like Divergent, The Unwanteds, and Legend, Mockingjay succeeded in establishing a clear tone, partly due to the palpable characterization of Katniss, the speaker. She was revealed as a sassy, yet funny and determined young teenager, willing to do anything to save the people close to her. She also constantly ridiculed the Capitol delivering an urgent, yet satirical tone unique of only Mockingjay. Mockingjay combined all the greatest pieces of all the greatest books to make one stunning novel.
On a scale from one to ten, one being the lowest and ten the highest, I would give Mockingjay a ten because it was an extraordinary piece of text. Because I have followed Suzanne Collins and have read many of her books since The Hunger Games came out in 2008, I know a lot about Collins and her books. Next, I know all about her style of writing from reading her books and even from watching the show Little Bear. Suzanne wrote a lot of that show after she graduated from graduate school. She finally wrote The Underland Chronicles which were phenomenal. Lastly, I’ve read a lot of other similar books which gives me a good vantage point to base my evaluation on.
Mockingjay was an amazing book because it had an amazingly well thought out and detailed plot. Along with its creative use of suspense and relatable metaphorical problems faced by everyday people, it used foreshadowing and symbolism masterfully. Of course, best of all, it had a clear tone. Everybody, big or small, short or tall, should read this book, especially if they liked books like Divergent. They will open their eyes at every twist and turn, loving every bit of it.