The Panem Companion (The Hunger Games Companions) by V. Arrow

I must start this off by saying that I am a HUGE fan of all things Hunger Games! Yes the series and the movies (no criticism please!).

With the newest movie release coming up, I thought it the perfect time to refresh myself on all things Panem, especially since it's been a few years since I (binge) read the series. *cough: before I watched the first movie, when it was coming out on DVD cough*

When I first started reading this book, I was mainly picking up on all the differences between the books and the movies that I overlooked. However, this book brings up so many things that I didn't pick up on during my binge read of the series. 

This book digs in deep! It combc through Panem's structure, from its geography, socioeconomic system, race, gender, classism... It even looks at the actual odds that Peeta and Prim would be drawn for the reaping for the 74th Hunger Games! Then, subsequently explores family makeup and values in all of the districts and the Capitol. 

I am amazed at the depth that Susan Collins went in telling this story and the depths that the author had to dig to collect even the subtlest hints in each book. The book even examines the origin of each character's name! I had no idea of the references to Greek mythology and the Roman Empire conveyed throughout the Hunger Games trilogy. 

Usually, I would not have enjoyed, and truthfully, probably would not have even finished a book like this. However, my love of all things Hunger Games made this an exciting read! It made me want to read the series again, and I am curious how my new-found knowledge will change the reading experience. I know I will be looking much more closely at how the next movie includes many of the things I learned in this book. 

I received a copy of this book for free from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.