The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

HUNGER GAMES
by Suzanne Collins
Reviewed by Jenny McWha, September 2009

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This book is a lot different than the ones I have written about in the past. It was so edge-of-your-seat intriguing that I could hardly put it down. It’s not for everyone, but if you can handle super-scary movies you may love this book like I did!

So imagine a world where you live in a reality TV show. Not the kind we’re used to but a life or death one where hunger, explosions and death are part of the ‘game’. One day, it will be your turn! The weird part is, it’s all being broadcast on national television for the nation to watch.

Welcome to the world of The Hunger Games, a world named Palem, existing in the area formerly known as North America. At the centre of it all is the ‘Capitol’—a city full of fun and luxury surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year they send one boy and one girl to the Hunger Games, where contestants are left to fend for themselves and try to survive. The book follows Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year-old who volunteers to go to the Games when her beloved younger sister’s name is drawn.

THE GOOD: I really enjoyed reading The Hunger Games, especially because of the world building that Suzanne Collins does in it. She took our society’s obsession with reality TV and pushed it to the limit! I couldn’t believe some of the horrible things that were happening in Katniss’s world. I was just amazed by the fact that she even came up with the idea of the Games, especially as a tool that the Capitol uses to keep the districts in line.

Katniss was also an awesome character, one whom you love just as much for her flaws as for her good characteristics. Her ability to survive was magnificent, and her observations about everything around her really painted an interesting picture of the world she lives in. Overall, her story kept me mesmerized page after page, and I find myself dying to read the next book.

DOWNSIDE: Although I loved The Hunger Games, there were a few low points. The writing was quick and easy to read, but I found some of the dialogue to be a bit awkward and contrived. However, I feel that Suzanne Collins will be one of those writers whose writing will get better and better as her books go on. There is also a hint of a love triangle in the book that I fear will become long and drawn out in future books. However, Collins has surprised me before and she just may surprise me again. Lastly, I would have loved to learn more about Parem, the country the book takes place in, for instance its governmental and societal structure. The book is in first-person narrative though, so we can only see and know what Katniss herself does.

GENRE: Definitely a science-fiction/fantasy book.

AGE: A mature 12 and up, and a warning that some parts are violent! We’re talking about a highly desensitized society here, where killing is seen as entertainment.

OTHER BOOKS: Keep a lookout for the next two books in the series—yep, it’s a trilogy! And if you want to get your hands on some more great science fiction, check out the Uglies series by Scott Westerfield (Uglies, Pretties, and Specials).

RATING: Two thumbs up.

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Comment

Jarod

This was the best book i could not put it down. i could acutally picture everything that was going on if the book was a person that was getting scored after the private session it would get an 14

Heather 15

This book is truely a good read. Its adventerous, romantic, and extremely exiting. I just couldn't stop reading!! It can be so shocking that you really feel for the characters. And when i was done I wanted more!! I am soooo excited for the second book! :) Two thumbs WAY up!

NikkiDee

This book was honestly the very first I had ever pulled an all-nighter to read... And it was a school night! I'm an avid reader, read all the Harry Potter books, the Twilight series, and this book was the only one that kept me awake, on the edge of my seat, waiting to find out what happens to the heroine. This book is an excellent example of female strength in the face of danger, romance, and desperation. It was skillfully written, and displayed emotions beautifully. More than once i caught myself tearing up at the heroine's plight. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone, boy or girl, young or old. These books are something anyone can sink their teeth into and enjoy. Bravo, Suzanne!

Marissa, 15

Wow. That's what I kept saying to myself throughout this whole book. It's not like anything I've ever read before and it just makes you go wow, did that seriously just happen? I was so excited about the second one coming out and well, you'll see my review over there. Jenny picks the BEST BOOKS!!! Two thumbs up!

Jessica, 15

This was an amazing book! Definitely one of my top 3 favourites I've ever read. The idea is scary when you think about it but it makes it all more exciting to read. I couldn't WAIT to read the second one!!

Britt 15, ON

I totally love this book!! I read it in like 2 nights it was so good! LOVEE IT!! :) 2 thumbs up!

Megan, Ontario, 15

This book was the best book I ever read! I could not stop reading it. The book was very descriptive and gave a lot of detailed images in my mind. Some parts where sad and others had action. Overall I believe it was an awsome read. TWO THUMBS UP GCDA readers!!

Jasmine

OMG THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lecia

this is an awesome book sure it has slow parts but it has ALOT of really good parts too that want to keep you reading. It has alot of surprises that i didnt expect to see and alot of sad moments that i actually cried!

M 15, Ontario

I loooove this book. I couldn't believe what I was reading and i couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the next one! i give it2 thumbs up.