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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Scholastic Press; First Edition edition (September 14, 2008)
Goodreads Description:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
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I FINALLY had the opportunity to read The Hunger Games, the first book in the series that everyone seems to be talking about. It is a favorite for many, and that now includes myself. North America is in ruins, but from those ruins arises Panem, a new nation, a capitol that is surrounded by 12 districts. At one time their were 13 districts but there was an uprising. After the Capitol quelled the rebellion and destroyed the 13th district they created the Hunger Games as a reminder to the people of just who was in control. There are 2 competitors from each district, one boy and one girl, who are chosen from a lottery. All the competitors are taken to a location where they are released and expected to kill each other off because there can only be one winner. All the while they are being filmed so that everyone can watch the bloodsport on their televisions. The winner will get a life of ease after the games and their district will be showered with gifts.
The story follows Katniss and her progression through the games. I instantly liked her character. She is intelligent and has a great survival instinct that gives the reader hope for her to win. I am going to have to immediately delve into Catching Fire, the second book in the series, to read what happens after the games. I sense a possible love triangle and am anxious to see how that pans out.

5/5

2 comments:

Amelia said...

yay! I'm so glad you liked it! It took me forever to finally read it, too :)
And hey, you don't have much longer to wait until MOCKINGJAY--very smart move :P

Karen said...

My favorite YA series!! yay glad you liked it too!