Book Reviews

    Sunrise on the Reaping: A Hunger Games Prequel 

 by Iris Mizrahi

Another amazing novel by Suzanne Collins, Sunrise on the Reaping takes place 24 years before the original Hunger Games series and focuses on the second Quarter Quell—the year Haymitch Abernathy won. 

If you don’t know what The Hunger Games are, the basic premise is pretty simple: a boy and a girl from each of the twelve districts of Panem are sent into an arena to fight to the death until only one remains. But this book is a bit different. Why? Because this is the 50th Hunger Games, the second Quarter Quell, meaning twice as many kids are sent into the arena. 

The first thing you should know about this book is that it can get quite emotional at times. If you’re the type of person who cries when reading, you have been warned. 

What I really liked about this book is the characters, especially the other tributes from District 12. Maysilee was so awesome, Wyatt was really nice, and Louella… well, you'll see for yourself. Some other characters I really liked were Ampert, Wellie, and especially Lou Lou. 

The plot is fast-paced, but again, very sad. This book also has some interesting themes, including propaganda and societal control. There were also parts that were very funny, interesting, and sweet. 

What I didn't like was that the main love interest, Lenore Dove, wasn’t written that well. She just wasn’t well-developed, although part of that may be because she only appears in a few scenes throughout the book. 

Another thing I found unnecessary was the frequent quoting of Poe's poem “The Raven,” which became tiring. 

Overall, I give this book 9 out of 10 stars. You should definitely read it—but be prepared to cry.