Is there a little feral ‘Kat’ in all of us?

Babbs in the Woods

So, I was talking to Stacey Huston last week, and mentioned that I was going to start reading the first book of the trilogy by Suzanne Collins, titled “The Hunger Games.” Stacey said, “The Hunger Games? That’s what I’ve played all my life!” Meaning, she has been trapping and killing her own food for most of her life.

And not because she was (or nowadays is) forced to, but because she — like Katniss Everdeen, the heroine — chooses to feed her family using wild game available. Granted the settings are very different: Katniss lives in apocalyptic North America, in District 12 while Stacey lives in Wyoming. (Somedays, though, with 80-mile-per-hour wind- and dust-storms, Stacey’s neck of the woods sounds a bit apocalyptic to me!)

Stacey Huston hunts only with primitive bows. Photo courtesy of StaceyHuston.com

I think, though, that one of the reasons my pals in the outdoor world like the book — OK, love the book — is because of Katniss’s approach to hunting and how she takes home food to her single mom’s table. She is the type of huntress we strive to be.

  • Hunt hard.
  • Eat what you kill.
  • Respect what you do.
  • Just do it, with no frills or fru-frus or girly attachments or disclaimers or apologies.

So, have you read “The Hunger Games?” If so, what is one thing you’ve discovered about yourself since reading the book?

 

 

  • About Barbara Baird

    Publisher/Editor Barbara Baird is a freelance writer in hunting, shooting and outdoor markets. Her bylines are found at several top hunting and shooting publications. She also is a travel writer, and you can follow her at https://www.ozarkian.com.

     

The Conversation

15 Comments
  • Tammy says: March 27, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    I haven’t read them or seen the movie either, but am looking forward to doing both! Thanks for giving us some insight, Barb!!

  • Mia Anstine says: March 27, 2012 at 6:20 am

    The Little Gal just started reading the book as well Barb. Maybe you two can review and discuss in in June?!

    • Barbara Baird says: March 27, 2012 at 7:53 am

      That will be great on two counts: to meet The Little Gal and to talk about the book! Special thoughts with you during this difficult time, too, my friend. Hope you’re family is well …

  • kirstie pike says: March 26, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    I love the books. Truly. On the one hand, I find them very entertaining. On the other hand, I find Katniss an extraordinary character of strength, insight and composure…despite the fact this is fiction..l find that there are small parts of Katniss that I can relate to…and others that I wish I could be! Even at my age!!!

    • Cathi Bray says: March 26, 2012 at 9:45 pm

      Thanks for the review, Kirstie. It sounds like something I’m going to like, although I’ve heard a few people poo poo it, that apparently don’t even really know what it’s about. It’s good to hear from people that have actually read the books.

    • Barbara Baird says: March 27, 2012 at 7:56 am

      Even at your “age?” What?
      You are one of the most sprightly and chipper middle-aged teenagers that I’ve ever met, KP. Must be those Hungry Saskwatch meat sticks from the local convenience store and Red Solo cups with whatever it is in them that you’re drinking these days? 😉 I see a lot of you in Kat and vice versa — and that’s a compliment!

  • Cathi Bray says: March 26, 2012 at 4:21 pm

    Haven’t read the books yet – and am hoping to see the movie next weekend at our Date Night at the Range. It sounds, and looks (according to the trailer) like a great movie, though.

    • Cathi Bray says: March 26, 2012 at 4:23 pm

      Also, I will not read the books until I’ve seen the movie – usually too disappointing to do it in that order 🙂

      • Barbara Baird says: March 26, 2012 at 7:30 pm

        Cathi!
        You are one-of-a-kind. Reading the books AFTER the movie? I like it!

        • Cathi Bray says: March 26, 2012 at 9:42 pm

          Well, the book is always better – more details – so if I read the book first I’m always disappointed that they left something out when they made the movie. It all makes sense in my head 🙂

          • Cheri Denton says: March 30, 2012 at 11:07 pm

            My son researched the feedback on the movie after people watched it. He said those that read the book loved the movie, but it seemed that those who didn’t read the book either didn’t like it or didn’t like it like those who read the books.

  • Marti Davis says: March 26, 2012 at 1:13 pm

    I haven’t read the books or seen the movie yet. In fact, wasn’t even sure what they were about until I read your blog. Definitely sounds like a movie I’ll be going to see soon, and read the books!