Title: The Hunger Games Author: Suzanne Collins
ISBN: 9780439023481
Pages: 384
Release Date: September 14, 2008
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: Teen, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Source: Library
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
From the publisher’s website:
Twenty- four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.
Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Oh, The Hunger Games. I have to admit, I wasn’t even sure I was going to review this book after I finished reading it, just because I’ve seen so many reviews of it around the blogosphere. I wasn’t sure I really wanted to add to the hype. But of course, here I am writing the review anyways. I couldn’t resist – I really enjoyed The Hunger Games and I want to share why!
I loved, loved, loved the character of Katniss. I thought she was smart, clever, and amazingly resourceful. You couldn’t help but root for her during the course of the Hunger Games. She cared so much for her sister and would do anything to protect and take care of her family. Had Katniss not been an impeccably written and expertly developed character, this book would not have been worth reading. The fact that I could barely put it down speaks to Suzanne Collins’ talent as a writer.
I also liked both of the potential love interests introduced for Katniss during the course of The Hunger Games. On one hand, Gale is just as resourceful as Katniss. He is strong and knows how to take care of himself. He also knows Katniss better than anyone else knows her. But on the other hand, Peeta has made sacrifices for Katniss in the past. He is somewhat of a mystery to Katniss, but seems to care about her. I can’t wait for the full love story to unfold in the next two books.
Naturally, I thought the entire premise of The Hunger Games to be completely distasteful – not in a bad way, but in the way that the author intended. However, I was fascinated by Collins’ interpretation of the dystopian future. I thought she did a great job making this nightmare of a world come alive for the reader. I only wish she included more information about the history of this world; additionally, I’d love to learn more about the individual Districts. I suppose that will happen in the sequel, Catching Fire.
There is a good reason The Hunger Games is getting a lot of hype – it is really that good! While I don’t think it was perfect, this is one of those novels that the positive buzz can’t ruin. It lives up to all those great reviews; you should definitely give it a chance if you haven’t already!
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15 comments:
I agree that I wish there had been a bit more about how the world got to be the way it was. But the book definitely holds the reader's attention and I can't wait for Catching Fire (which I preordered, so it should be coming soon).
I'm excited for Catching Fire mainly because I am so curious about the backstory of the world. Exciting! I'm glad you enjoyed this - I really wasn't expecting to, but it was an excellent book!
I think I'm going to be the last person in the world to read this - even Carl's read it already. I'm really looking forward to it.
I have to wonder if the author will revisit some of the history in future novels because she does give some hints as to how it got that way. I just finished CATCHING FIRE and all I can say is watch out!
Like you, I didn't think The Hunger Games was perfect, but it was compelling. I liked Katniss, as well, for the same reason you said. I admired that she was willing to risk her life to protect her sibling. And I liked that I was never quite sure about her.
I'll probably be behind Bermudaonion.... But really the positive hype is getting overwhelming; I'm going to have to break down and get it!
I loved this book! I can't wait to read Catching Fire!
Like Beth F I preordered Catching Fire. I also put it on hold at the library, so wherever it arrives first, I'm grabbing it! I'm actually going to do a quick reread of The Hunger Games today in preparation.
I wasn't so sure about this book, but I did really enjoy it! I'm running out on my lunch break tomorrow to grab Catching Fire -- and all my other current reads will just have to wait! :)
I loved it, too, and I'm always leary of "hype" books. This one tooootally lived up, though. Can't wait to read Catching Fire!
I've read so many great reviews for this book, my expectations are sky high!
That was my only complaint, too, that I wanted to know more about the government and the districts. Glad you liked it, though.
--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric
I was one of the people that loved this story, but then again, I've not read Battle Royale. I love a good gore-fest, so I might prefer that one as well.
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