Marshmallow’s reviews – Page 20

Marshmallow reviews Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

A few weeks ago Marshmallow reviewed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the first of the famous Hunger Games trilogy. Today she talks to Sprinkles about the second book in the series, Catching Fire, first published in 2009.

Sprinkles: So Marshmallow, tell us a bit about this second book.

Marshmallow: Well, it starts more or less where the first book ended. So Katniss and Peeta won that year’s Hunger Games, and they go on a victory tour. But it is not really a real victory, because they are being coerced into performing like they are proud and also in love for the masses.

S: So it is really like a reality TV show.

M: Yes, but it is also based off the Roman gladiator games, like we said the last time. This became apparent to me when we see rich people who make themselves throw up so they can continue to gorge themselves with more food. Roman aristocrats also did this.

S: Such a waste of food.

M: Yes, but also keep in mind that there is real poverty in other parts of the country. So it is especially disturbing that they have too much to eat while others are almost starving.

S: I agree. Okay, so tell me more about the victory tour that is not a real victory tour bur rather a fancy photo op.

M: When Katniss and Peeta both survive, this is kind of against the wishes of the Capitol, and this leads to people having some rebellious ideas. So President Snow coerces Katniss to act as if she is really in love with Peeta and did not intend to start a rebellion. But still, they become the symbols of a rebellion against the Capitol.

S: That sounds like they might be in danger then.

M: Yes, eventually there is a new Hunger Game announced and this time they do not choose new champions. Instead teams of two from among the earlier victors will be put together. And of course since Katniss is the only female victor from her district, she has to play. Peeta joins her and they face an even more challenging game this time, because this time President Snow wants her dead.

Marshmallow is reading Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. — Marshmallow is reading *Catching Fire* by Suzanne Collins.

S: Okay, I think that sums up the plot of this second book quite well.

M: But wait there is a love triangle as well.

S: How so? Tell me.

M: Well, Katniss is developing feelings for Peeta, but also she has some lingering feelings for Gale, who was her friend from before the Games in the first book. So there is that, too.

S: I see. But I am guessing that it does not get too mushy, or you would not really love the book so much.

M: Yes, that is correct, so no, it does not get too mushy. Thankfully. There is some kissing and stuff, but it is not as central to the book as in some other books.

S: Okay, I know you want to move to the next book immediately, so does that mean you liked this one?

M: Yes! I’d rate it 100%, if only it did not end in a cliffhanger…

S: I guess you will just have to read the third book soon.

M: But first we have to watch the movie for this book!

S: Maybe.

M: At least maybe we can put the trailer here?

S: We can do that! Here it is:

Hunger Games: Catching Fire – official trailer (YouTube).

M: Thank you. I think that looks really good!

S: I agree. So maybe we should see it some time.

M: Yes!

S: But for now, it is time to wrap up this review.

M: Yes!

S: What do you want to tell our readers?

M: Stay tuned for more amazing reviews from the book bunnies!

Marshmallow would rate Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins 100% if it did not end in a cliffhanger. — Marshmallow would rate *Catching Fire* by Suzanne Collins 100% if it did not end in a cliffhanger.

Marshmallow reviews The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

Today Marshmallow reviews The Odyssey, the famed epic from about twenty-eight centuries ago attributed to Homer, in its graphic novel adaptation by Gareth Hinds, first published in 2010. Sprinkles is taking notes and asking questions.

Sprinkles: So Marshmallow, we know you are a big fan of mythology, and you have read a ton of books about Greek myths especially.

Marshmallow: You mean I read all the Rick Riordan books?

S: I guess. But besides his standard series based on Greek myths (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Heroes of Olympus and Trials of Apollo), you have also read and reviewed Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods and Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes. Those gave you quite a foundation on Greek mythology.

M: I guess you could say that. But I did not really read the myths from other sources …. until now!

S: Yes, that’s right. So when you told me your English class was reading The Odyssey by Homer, I was excited. And when I learned it was a graphic novel version, I knew you would find it absolutely fascinating!

M: That is exactly right. I really enjoyed reading about Odysseus and his adventures. I had read a lot about that world, as you said, but with the graphic novel version, I could see it!

S: So okay, maybe we can start there then. Can you tell us a bit about the illustrations and coloring?

M: Well, it is colorful. And distinct characters have distinct facial features. And there is a lot of action, and the action is depicted very effectively. I should also say though that there is a lot of nudity and graphic violence.

S: I guess it is not meant for very young bunnies.

M: No, I do not think so. For example on page 23, they are skinning an ox, and it is very much visible. And there is a scene or three when Odysseus and this lady are doing stuff. “Engaging in sexual acts”, one might say.

S: I see. I guess it is meant for more mature bunnies.

M: Yes.

Marshmallow is reading The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds. — Marshmallow is reading *The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel Adaptation* by Gareth Hinds.

S: Okay, then, maybe let us move on to the plot. The story of The Odyssey is relatively well known in some places, but not all our readers might know or remember. Can you tell us a bit about what this odyssey is about?

M: Odysseus fought in the Trojan War, which was described in detail in The Iliad. The Odyssey happens after the wars and tells the story of Odysseus going back home to Ithaca. He meets a lot of challenges and distractions along the way, so the trip takes him about ten years, but he eventually makes it home to his wife Penelope in one piece.

S: The way you described Odysseus and his journey reminded me of one of my favorite poems, Ithaka, by Greek poet Constantine P. Kavafy. Kind of like the journey is the point, the arrival a goal set to start the action, but not really the central meaning of everything.

M: Well, I guess that fits the book I have just read. Odysseus has so many adventures, and he is sometimes quite easily distracted, experiencing and exploring and learning and so on. And the home that he is heading to appears only at the very end.

S: You had met some of the characters in this story earlier in some of the Percy Jackson books, right?

M: Yes, cyclops and the sirens, and so on, they all showed up at various points in the Percy Jackson books. So it was really neat to see where all those stories came from originally, and also to see how this one artist, Gareth Hinds, visualizes them in his head.

S: You know that he has also published a graphic novel version of The Iliad, right? Are you going to read that one, too?

M: Yes, I want to.

S: Great! So maybe you will review it for the book bunnies blog some time in the near future.

M: Probably! I’d rate this book 100%, so I am hopeful about the other one.

S: That will be wonderful! Alright, Marshmallow, this is probably a good place to wrap up our review. What would you like to tell our readers?

M: Stay tuned for more amazing reviews from the book bunnies!

Marshmallow rates The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds 100%. — Marshmallow rates *The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel Adaptation* by Gareth Hinds 100%.

Marshmallow reviews The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Today Marshmallow reviews The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, first published in 2008. Sprinkles has watched the movie version and is chatting with Marshmallow about the book.

Sprinkles: So Marshmallow, let us start with a brief overview. Can you tell us a bit about the plot of Hunger Games?

Marshmallow: The book is set in a dystopian future, in North America. There are twelve districts and a Capitol city that make up a country named Panem. Katniss Everdeen is the main character. She lives in District 12 with her mother and younger sister Prim. All the districts are very poor, or maybe, I should say, everyone is very poor, except for the people of the Capitol. Every year, the Capitol hosts the Hunger Games, which are a big spectacle. Two children are selected from each district, a boy and a girl, ages 12 to 18. And they are brought to the Capitol and are to fight to the death in these Hunger Games.

S: That sounds pretty vicious. Children fighting to the death.

M: Yeah. It is really vicious. Also because it is kind of as a revenge of sorts. The twelve districts rebelled against the Capitol a while ago, and so they are paying tribute for their betrayal.

S: That sounds terrible actually.

M. Well, I did say it was dystopian.

S: You did.

M: Anyways, so Katniss ends up being the girl representing her district in that year’s Games. Along with a boy named Peeta. The book is about their trip to the Capitol and their time during the Games. The Games are rough, violent, and sadistic. They are almost like the gladiator games in the Roman Colosseum. The audience is watching and keeping track of who is surviving and the children playing the game are creating alliances and such. However, since there is only supposed to be one winner, everyone is actually working against everyone else, and they are all trying to kill each other.

S: So some of this reminds me of the Triwizard Tournament from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling.

M: Yes, but actually I think it is more similar to the Purging Trials in Powerless by Lauren Roberts. They are both more vicious and are made to honor horrific events. The Triwizard Tournament is not supposed to be lethal even though it ends up being that way in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Marshmallow is reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. — Marshmallow is reading *The Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins.

S: I know this book made a huge splash when it came out and it and its sequels were made into movies. I have not read the books yet, and only watched the first movie so far. But I think the plot and the setting of the book are quite fascinating. You watched the first movie with me. Can you tell me a bit about how the book compares with the movie?

M: I read the book before watching the movie. So I had a pretty good idea what the plot would be. But even then, the suspense built in the movie was very deep, and I really liked the way Katniss Everdeen’s world was portrayed on screen. I think the film was very well done. Maybe we can put a link to the trailer for the movie here.

S: Sure. Here it is:

The Hunger Games (2012 Movie) – Official Theatrical Trailer (YouTube).

M: Great, thanks!

S: So were there any significant differences between the book and the movie you noticed?

M: I did not notice really, but the book is written in present tense and in first person, so of course they could not really depict that style. However, I think they did a really good job creating the world Katniss is living in, and I would recommend the movie to bunnies who enjoy the book.

S: But they should read the book first?

M: Well, you did not. So maybe it does not matter too much.

S: Hmm, this is a book blog, remember?

M: Well, then maybe I should say read the book first. But the movie is pretty good too.

S: Okay, then, maybe this is a good time to wrap up this review. What would you rate the book?

M: I’d rate it 100%. It is really good. But it might be a bit too mature for some younger bunnies. It is about a very grim topic, a violent world and terrible tragedy.

S: I see. What would you say to our readers as we wrap things up?

M: Stay tuned for more amazing reviews from the book bunnies!

Marshmallow rates The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 100%. — Marshmallow rates *The Hunger Games* by Suzanne Collins 100%.

Marshmallow reviews All-American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Today Marshmallow reviews All-American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, first published in 2015.

Marshmallow’s Quick Take: If you would like to read a book about social justice, friendship, bravery, and family, then this might be the book for you.

Marshmallow’s Summary (with Spoilers): Rashad Butler has worked hard to be an All-American boy. His father believes that the military is the best option for a young Black man in America, so Rashad is in the ROTC drill team at Springfield Central High School. One Friday, Rashad is preparing to go to a party. While he is buying chips in a store, he leans down and reaches into his bag on the floor to get his phone to text his brother. A woman trips over him, and a police officer comes over to see what’s happening. He presumes that Rashad is trying to steal the chips. He drags him outside, handcuffs him, pushes him to the ground, and starts beating him. Rashad is arrested and sent to the hospital with a broken nose, several broken ribs, and internal bleeding.

Quinn also goes to Rashad’s school. Quinn’s father died in Afghanistan and is viewed as a hero. Quinn feels constantly pressured to be a perfect All-American boy, living under his father’s shadow, even after his death. He’s doing a pretty good job, however, playing on the school’s basketball team competitively. Within a couple weeks, scouts from colleges and universities will be watching their games, and Quinn is determined to be seen.

That very Friday, Quinn and his friends are at the same store, waiting outside to find an adult who could buy them alcohol. Quinn is still there when the police officer beats Rashad viciously and remains there long enough to recognize the officer, Paul, who is like a father figure to him. After his father died, Quinn was taken care of, taught, and protected by Paul who filled the part of a family for Quinn that his mother and brother didn’t. Quinn and his friends flee the scene, and Quinn tells his friend Guzzo (Paul’s brother) what he saw.

Soon, Rashad’s beating is covered by the news, so much so that Rashad sees this all over the TV while in the hospital. He is confused as to what to do next. His brother Spooney is enraged and helps organize a protest about police brutality. His mother is devastated and tries to stay strong. His father, on the other hand, is conflicted. His father, who was in the military and in the police force, believes that Black men should be disciplined and look like it, because that will prevent anything bad from happening to them. He doesn’t even believe Rashad in the beginning when he says he wasn’t stealing the chips.

Quinn is also conflicted. He has known Paul for such a long time, and his mind cannot connect the violent officer he saw to the caring, protective figure he’s known for so long. As a family friend to Paul and Guzzo’s family, his “allegiance” to Paul is presumed, but inside he is unsure. He knows that Rashad didn’t deserve to be beaten.

After that Friday, the city of Springfield is torn into chaos. Sides are taken and lines are drawn. “Loyalties” are put into question while citizens work to fight against social injustice and stereotypes. Meanwhile, Rashad and Quinn live in two different worlds, in two different situations, struggling to make sense of what just happened.

Marshmallow is reading All-American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely. — Marshmallow is reading *All-American Boys* by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely.

Marshmallow’s Review: I think All-American Boys is a very meaningful book. I have read and reviewed a book about police brutality from the perspective of a witness before (The Hate U Give). However, All-American Boys is unique because it is written in two different perspectives: the victim’s and the witness’s. So we see the narrative through the eyes of people with fundamentally different experiences. Rashad is Black and gets beaten by Paul, while Quinn is White and had been raised loving and respecting Paul. As expected, the two boys have a fundamentally different experience with racism. Each chapter is written from either Rashad’s or Quinn’s perspective, and they mostly alternate between the two narratives. Rashad’s chapters are written by Reynolds and Quinn’s are by Kiely, which adds depth and more detail to the storyline. The characters have a very realistic, down-to-earth feel (for example we get to connect with Rashad beyond his victimization as a young person who draws to express himself), as well as the school and small-town environment created by the authors. I find it impressive how the two authors wrote such a cohesive book together.

I have read another book by one of the authors (Jason Reynolds) before: Long Way Down. I have deeply enjoyed reading both, and I think this book, as well as that one, should be read by all. It is important for everyone to read and understand the perspectives of others, especially given how some situations are experienced in extremely different ways by different people based on their race.

All-American Boys might be more appropriate for bunnies older than ten because it has a lot of cursing, and the topic might be a bit heavy for younger ones. Otherwise, I would definitely recommend this book to all because of its well-written storyline, characters, and important message.

Marshmallow’s Rating: 100%.

Marshmallow rates All-American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely 100%. — Marshmallow rates *All-American Boys* by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely 100%.