I’m over 40, I read the series long after the movies came out. Personally I enjoy both for different reasons. But what surprised me and what I enjoy about the books is that the author didn’t go too heavy-handed in the books. There’s plenty of room for being maudlin, for going to a really dark place in the narrative. Katniss is very, very damaged by the events but in a kind of PTSD -esque way the author doesn’t make her, and us, dwell on the horrible things that happened to her and other characters.

I love Shogun! It’s one of my favorite books, though it’s been a long time since I read it. I am LIVING for that trailer and I can’t wait for the series!

I read The Catcher in the Rye when I was in my early teens. I remember nothing about it. For years I’ve wondered why it’s so controversial. If/when I can get my hands on another copy it’ll be interesting to see how I feel about it as an adult.

Also I was 14-15 (9th grade US) when I read The Thorn Birds. I read it in my Honor’s English for the nth time instead of reading Silas Marner and doing any homework.