It has been almost a year since the release of Suzanne Collins’ latest book, “Sunrise on the Reaping.” The release was highly anticipated, selling 1.2 million copies in the first week, and many fans of “The Hunger Games” series have been waiting a long time for this book. Since the publication of the original series, fans have wanted a book from character Haymitch’s point of view, and they’ve finally got it!
In this latest sequel to “The Hunger Games,” we follow the life of Haymitch Abernathy, Katniss’s mentor in the original books, as he struggles with life in the Seam after being unfairly reaped into the games. Since it is a Quarter Quell, there are twice as many tributes as normal, so right from the start, the games are already different. It shows his struggles with friendship, love, and rebellion, all while trying to survive the games. In the book, we see Haymitch’s character develop and grow into the person that we have come to love.
The book starts off similarly to the other books in the series, with the reaping and then traveling to the Capitol. Although the time in the Capitol preparing for the games may feel a little slow in some parts, it still grabs your attention and lures you into continuing the book.
There are other parallels to the original books, such as one of Haymitch’s best friends is Burdock Everdeen, Katniss’s father, and Haymitch’s girlfriend, Lenore Dove, is a Covey girl, a family we learn about in “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes.” We also see the appearance of more familiar characters in their younger years, like Plutarch Heavensbee and Effie Trinket. This allows Collins the opportunity to not only expand on Haymitch’s character, but it also provides background on other characters.
Overall, the book is fast-paced and fascinating. It gives a new perspective on “The Hunger Games” universe, and if you enjoyed the original books, you’re sure to love this one.
