Our book clubs met last week to discuss their latest reads: The Good Thieves and The Hunger Games trilogy.

Katherine Rundell’s latest novel, set in prohibition New York City, was the subject of the Thirds’ discussion this week. It met with resounding approval, and we were particularly impressed with Rundell’s descriptive prowess that helped us to be truly immersed in the adventure, especially the depiction of the “feverish”, “kaleidoscope” party, which successfully conveyed a sense of apprehension and fear before we meet the story’s villain. We also talked about how Rundell illustrated power dynamics and stereotypes in her novel. 

Our Lower Fourth also considered stereotypes as they discussed the depiction of Katniss in Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games – the novel’s famous female protagonist, who is definitely not a passive princess awaiting a prince. We discussed how Collins’ variety of language draws the reader into the story quickly and helps to establish a dynamic pass, a skill we were keen to adopt in our own writing, and how she contrasts characters to investigate themes of revenge, compassion and justice. 

Next we will be continuing with similar genres as we read Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk and Wilder Girls by Rory Power.