41. Mockingjay

41. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (12/22/2011 - 12/23/2011)

The final book in the Hunger Games series provides a strong and satisfying ending to the trilogy and I really enjoyed it.

Again, if you are just starting with this post for some reason, Mockingjay is the third book in The Hunger Games series, and I will definitely have spoilers in this post.  So: Spoiler Alert! If you have not read this book, don't keep reading this post. Go to your library or bookstore, get a copy of the series, and get started reading.

After reuniting with her family in District 13, Katniss must undertake the rebellion's mission of placing her as the figurehead. She goes through a lot of inner turmoil; parts of this book  perfectly illustrate the idea of "internal conflict."  But when she eventually joins the rebellion officially, she insists that she be part of the on-the-ground work.  The Capitol obviously wants her dead, badly, and so she is always a target -- it seems like every mission she's on undergoes some sort of battle or siege in an attempt to kill her.  While this is going on, Peeta is being rescued from the Capital, where he was left behind when the rebellion saved Katniss.  He has been tortured in a unique way: all of his good memories of Katniss have been destroyed or mutilated. Anytime he sees her, he is instantly driven into a murderous rage.  Needless to say, this does not go over well.  Throughout the book, Katniss is constantly drawn back and forth between Peeta and Gale still, even after Peeta tries to kill her.  There is so much going on in this book!

Between the constant battles, murderous plots, romance, and an amazing Capitol-centered finale, I could not put this book down.  Frankly, even though I like Catching Fire better, this is an incredible end to the Hunger Games trilogy.  I would recommend it to almost any reader.