Usually, I’m the one who’s always asking my avid-book-reader friends how closely a movie resembles the book. But I just triumphantly finished The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins — I say triumphantly because when you’re a movie critic, any free time you have is usually spent watching movies. But in this case, I’ll be able to draw my own conclusions when the movie comes out March 23, 2012.
I spent many hours reading when I was younger and less weighed down by such things as mortgages and electric bills, so I’m pretty excited to actually get all the way through a book — and in just a few days’ time, no less.
Every so often, I would think, Jane! You’re reading a book about children killing each other! What is wrong with you?! But I couldn’t put it down, and you know the story must be good for me to zip through it that fast. I’ve already got the second book of the series, Catching Fire, sitting here ready to dive into.
You can read the full scoop on the movie thus far, along with casting news, over at my Hunger Games 101 piece. To the right is theĀ Entertainment Weekly cover with the perfectly-cast Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen.
Here are five few new images to add into the mix, along with the Burning Mockingjay poster at the bottom.
Excited for this movie? Have you read the books?

Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss Everdeen) and Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne) in The Hunger Games | Lionsgate
OTHER HUNGER GAMES SITES OF INTEREST:
- Scholastic Books
- Mockingjay.net
- The Hunger Games Wiki
- The Hunger Games Official Site
- The Hunger Games on Wikipedia
- The Hunger Games Trilogy Fansite
- The Hunger Games on IMDB
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I hadn’t even heard of this book until now. Thanks for keeping me in the loop of pop culture.

Living Large recently posted..Ghost Hunting Away from Our Little House
Another person raising their hand for being out of the loop. It must be a great book for you to get through it so quickly!
Sheryl recently posted..The Only Upper Body Exercises You’ll Ever Need…Without Stepping Foot in a Gym!
I’ve been hearing about the book for yonks but can’t get it for my Kindle in the Asia Pacific region. Driving me bonkers. I hope I can read it before the movie comes out!
Melanie recently posted..2nd Blogoversary Week: Chicken Saga
Another movie I will not go and see and book I will not read. But I’m glad to know about both through this blog.
Alexandra recently posted..GreenCAPE Holds Successful Press Conference on NStar’s Plan for Herbicidal Spraying Under Power Lines
Love the poster/pics. My daughter is so excited to see this.
MyKidsEatSquid recently posted..Potato chip brownie sundaes
I love the book and I can’t wait for the movie..I hope it is well adapted from the book..
fhei recently posted..angry birds for handy
I haven’t read the books but thanks for keeping me in the loop. Do you think the movie will stay true to the written word?
Donna Hull recently posted..Three Hours in Milan
Twitter: reellifejane
August 24, 2011 at 9:16 pm
I really hope the film stays true to the books (I think the second and third books are already in line for films). The story seems like it would translate well to the screen without having to leave out a lot of stuff.
I’ve heard great reports on the books, too, but still haven’t gotten to them. Thanks for reminding me.
ruth pennebaker recently posted..Read This!
My daughters really want me to read these books, which they loved. I started one, but it was so dark; I think the younger generation has a higher tolerance for despair and violence than I do! (Something that also occurs to me every time I try to watch Falling Skies…) I will try again, though, so I’m up to speed for the movies.
Melanie Haiken recently posted..5 Foods to Help You Sleep
Twitter: reellifejane
August 24, 2011 at 9:18 pm
You know, I tried watching Falling Skies a few times, but couldn’t get into it. Just didn’t grab me, for some reason. I know what you mean about the despair and violence. The Walking Dead is a pretty good production, but depressed the heck out of me, so I gave it up.
Twitter: reellifejane
August 24, 2011 at 9:20 pm
On the other hand, The Hunger Games hasn’t depressed me too much (so far – I just started the second book). Maybe because Katniss is such a strong female character. That definitely helps.
Excited to read the trilogy. My oldest LOVED these books. Not even looking in the direction of the movie until I’ve read ‘em all!