Review: The Hunger Games; Suzanne Collins
Submitted by Doll Day on August 22, 2010 – 8:00 am32 Comments
[The Hunger Games 1]
Katniss Everdeen is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games.” The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.
I resisted reading this book for a long time. The thought of reading a fictional story based on children being sent into an arena to fight to the death had very little appeal to me. However, the more my friends pestered me about it the more curious I grew until I couldn’t stand it any longer and *had* to see what the fuss was all about.
*WARNING- Contains very light spoilers*
Oh. My. Goodness. This story took hold of me and consumed me in it’s pages. It is one of the most beautifully written contemporary books I’ve read…forget the little factor that it is written for Young Adults, this book speaks to any mature reader. The protagonist Katniss Everdeen is wise beyond her years due to her harsh upbringing, loss of a parent and living situation. She is a survivor, a prime example of overcoming hardship and rising from the ashes. Yet, with all her knowledge and killer hunter instincts, she is still just a young girl. She is innocent in ways that most young girls are. Ignorant of flirtations and green in the ways of the world, she is a walking contradiction that is utterly fascinating.
But what is really the hook, is the relationship between Katniss and her fellow tribute (a boy from her district that she must kill to win) Peeta Mellark. As Peeta proclaims his life long crush and undying love for Katniss, she is unsure how to react. Is it just a gimmick? Something cooked up by her mentor to entice the capitol viewers into watching and sponsoring her and Peeta or is it something more? Katniss has no idea. In truth, it is easier for her to believe that it is all a game–that way she doesn’t have to work out the awful details…like the boy who is her best friend she left behind, or the fact that she has to kill Peeta to return home and if the feelings she feels towards him are real how complicated that makes things. We really see the inner struggle that Katniss battles. One minute she admits to herself that she feels something and the next her survivor and self preservation instincts are overpowering those emotions and we see her talk her self out of those romantic thoughts. After all, they are in an arena to battle for their lives for the entertainment of the almighty Capitol and it’s citizens- not the best time to decide to go steady with a boy.;)
Underneath the entire romantic tones is the underlying current of a secret rebellion and the growing distaste for the Capitol and their treatment of the oppressed districts. Imagine if you will, 12 districts that are working as slaves to provide for one “Shining City”. You aren’t allowed to leave your district and conditions are so rough that you have to add your name to a “living lottery” to earn extra fuel and grain during the slim months. Now imagine that every year two youth are selected from that ”lottery” and sent to kill or be killed in a televised show for all of your country to see, and whats worse…that ”Shining City’s” citizens place bets on which child will kill or die first. It is safe to assume that if given an opportunity to make a change, the districts would, it’s just a matter of time before something would happen-right? As readers we never are quite positive whats going on but Collins has written the book in such a “show don’t tell” way that you really feel it brewing. Between, Katniss’ designer (the amazingly talented and normal man Cinna) volunteering to represent Katniss and district 12, which has never had a good designer and all of a sudden *poof* Katniss and Peeta are gleaming in the arena and getting noticed thanks to Cinna (and Company), to Haymitch, the mentor and his off handed remarks. Something is going on, but what? How does Katniss play into this and what does it all mean?
This book is brilliant. I can not say enough good things about it or it’s writer. The Hunger Games is everything a spectacular story should be and what Collins has achieved with it’s telling is amazing. I have re-read it several times and listened to the audio over and over again…it never gets old. This is by far one of the greatest books I’ve ever read, and just between you and me so is Catching Fire and Mockingjay!;)
Check out For What It’s Worth reviews for an excellent review on Hunger Games and Catching Fire.
The Hunger Games Trilogy
The Hunger Games-September 2008
Catching Fire-September 2009
Mockingjay-August 24, 2010
Find Suzanne Collins Website |
This book was purchased by Day.
Day is a dreamer who has never met a stranger. She is fearless and will talk to anyone and read anything! She taught music and dance and was a singer/actress for years, performing on stages both nationally and overseas. Now married with children, she spends less time singing on stage and more time writing songs at home. But, family life has not completely slowed this chick down. She still loves an adventure and learning new things. She resides in Texas with her family, Great Dane (Sophie), Labradoodles (George & Cosmo) and Chihuahua (Juan Carlos).
OMG!!! I totally cannot wait for MOCKINGJAY!!! All these reviews and features are making me more excited!
Thank you!
This review is well written. Everything listed above is so true, you feel the rebellion brewing, one can relate to the innocence yet power of Katniss, the love from Peeta, you are just attracted to this book like a extra strong magnet. I can't wait for Mockingjay!
This is why I got the first book in the series right there!
Well Done Day! I have you to blame for my Charlaine Harris, Lee Child and Suzanne Collins obsession!
Ever since you raved about it in January I can't get enough of this series!!!
I *really* need to get to reading this series! Thanks for sharing an awesome review.
Agreed!
Day – what a wonderful review! This series is truly remarkable, I can't wait for the Mockingjay!
I swear all these reviews about The Hunger Games and Catching Fire have me pulling my hair out! Never have I been so anxious to read a book before, which is saying something because I anticipate many books every year. Your review wonderfully captures the essence of The Hunger Games. You're able to put your feelings about this book into beautiful words. Thanks for the fantastic review!
Thanks everyone;)
I am completely serious when I say that I have listened to the audio over and over and over…(like every night just about)
I think I'm addicted to the story;)
It is exceptional!
Great Review! Hunger Games deseveres all the praise it gets! Your review makes me want Mockingjay even more!
Misha
I so can't wait for MOCKINGJAY to arrive in the mail :)! Love this series.
Wonderful review, Day! (",) This book really is amazing … I'd heard so many great things about it, but didn't read it for a long time because I just thought it sounded bizarre! I expected the games to be the worst parts, but they were the best (in Catching Fire, too) … the adventure and bravery and struggle for survival, while finding allies in the most unlikely places … it's just that amazing kind of book that you have to read to understand what the fuss is all about :)
However, I am convinced that Katniss is going to end up with Gale :D I mean – she's been thrown at Peeta for ages now and has had to pretend to love him … surely if she really DID, she'd know by now? She must have made out with him a bazillion times :P
Can't wait for Mockingjay!!! :D
I totally agree with you, this book is fantastic! I loved everything about it, since the very beginning till the end! The story is original and amazing*_______*
Bella- I know!!! I am so confused;)
In The Hunger Games I was captivated by the entire story arc, and really tuned in to the Peeta/Katniss dynamic. In Catching Fire is where I started to waver a bit…there is more Gale in CF and the ending…WOW!
Awesome. I just love the Hunger Games! And Can't Wait to see what happens in the last book.
I'm going to go ahead and say that this is one of the best book series ever written! Everything about the story is captivating and I can only imagine how incredible Mockingjay is going to be.
I agree about her writing–she is phenomenal. The relationships she builds in this horrible world is amazing. Katniss/Prim and Katniss/Rue makes me cry every time! Thanks for the review :)
Wow, the idea of having to kill someone you care about to survive is sad. It certainly makes me interested to read the book to find out how she resolves this issue.
Hi Day,
I'm sorry, but I had to stop reading your review, I haven't read any of the books yet. They are on my to get list. What I did read has me ready to start reading them. They sound great. I love stories that pull you into them and hold you to the end.
Contest
Great review! I would have liked to have read these books again before Mockingjay comes out but I ran out of time. I agree with you about Katniss' character. Love her!
I like your review – it's really making me want to re-read The Hunger Games again. ^^
I think I need to re-read it.
I also need Mockingjay. Now!
*Contest
I like what you said about Katniss being a contradiction in wisdom and and naivete, that's what I liked about her so much.
My favorite thing about the book, aside from amazing story telling and unforgettable characters, was the hyper-present tense. Reading this book is like balancing on the edge of a razor or leaning over a precipice. Intense!
I absolutely LOVE this book. The Hunger Games took me by surprise. I read it last year, and was begging for Catching Fire to be released! What a great review. If I didn't already read and love this book, I would have picked it up after reading your point of view! Thanks:)
I loved the hunger games it's well written and amazing the careers scene was my favourite all the action is like adrenaline and the characters are really likeable and it's like your in the book with katniss .Really glad u enjoyed it fantastic review
I should have re-read Hunger Games and Catching Fire!! I was so amazed at how GREAT this book is! :) Loved the review!
I read the Hunger Games a little while ago, I had to pick it up thanks to your review! And I was lucky enough to find it again. Not only couldn't I put the book down, I actually returned it and borrowed it from the library again (was to envious on sharing the book :-p).
But I did – eventually – return it because when I got to Borders and saw the series, I practically squealed like a 7-year-old. I managed to love the books even more, though I don't get how it was possible, and around the ending of the 1st where she hurt Peeta (if I wasn't mistaken) I felt like fainting, and I almost did. Got to reading the rest, though and I couldn't want that Mockingjay more!
[I'm in the mega giveaway :)]
This book is really great. I just finish reading it and I'm feeling a little emotional.
What I loved the most is how Suzanne C. was able to create a whole intriguing atmosphere and such interesting characters.
I can't wait to start Catching Fire and then Mockingjay.
Thanks for the great review!
I keep hearing good things about this book. First caught wind of it through a blurb by Stephen King. The whole thing reminds me of Lord of the Flies and Battle Royale, both of which I liked a lot.
And if you haven't read either, I recommend them strongly.
One of my favorite books EVER
Like you,I had it left in the shelf for a lot of months but one night I couldn't sleep I took it and… OMG *O* It was so incredible, so addictive, I couldn't stop reading it.
Great review :)
One of the best books I've ever read. The way she draws us in on the very FIRST paragraph! It's so well written and I just love it!Great review!
I agree with every part of your review. What would you rate it, from 1-10? hmmm I'm guessing definitely a 10? hahaha same for me. I have re-read The Hunger Games and Catching fire multiple times. And I agree, it never gets old!