MockingJay Will Not Disappoint

I've just finished reading the final book in Collins' Hunger Games series. The first two books were great, but Collins takes this one to a new level.This one, like the previous two, sings of the on-the-edge-of-your-seat-can't-put-the-book-down-because-I-have-to-find-out-what-happens-next syndrome.What's different, I think, is her probing much deeper into some very complicated issues.

She tackles war, for example, questioning whether there are really good and evil or good guys and bad guys. Katniss and Gale, fighting for the Rebels,  find themselves entangled in a war against the Capitol. But, as Katniss discovers, deciding who are the good guys can be complicated. People who often appear good are sometimes corrupted by selfish motives and ambitions. The "good" sometimes commit atrocious acts in the name of war. Collins seems to question the depths humanity will sink to in the face of war. Katniss, herself, is not immune to examining her own actions, committed in the name of war, questioning whether even war legitimizes torturing or taking innocent lives.

Collins also explores the very complexity of human nature. Gale, Katniss, and even do-gooder Peeta (yes, he's still alive!), find themselves faced with unconscionable choices that test the fiber of their characters. Gale seems content with the violence he feels is necessary to win the war, and tries to convince Katniss to accept it. But, Katniss (and Peeta) seem to never reconcile the ugliness of war.

In the end, once again, Katniss must once and for all end the love triangle that started in book one. She must choose between Peeta and Gale--not an easy choice. I won't spoil it for you: You'll have to read the book to discover which one she chooses. For myself, I'm anticipating a movie. This trilogy would make a great one.