The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

The adventurous action story of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins sets in the nation of Panem, or a place once known as North America. The nation of Panem is made of a Capitol surrounded by 12 districts which border it. To assure authority and keep districts in order, the Capitol forces all districts to send a boy and a girl, between the ages of 12 and 18, to participate in the annual Hunger Games, which is a fight to death between the 24 teenage tributes. The victor, or the last one standing, is heavily rewarded and his or her district is also showered with food and luxuries. On the day of picking, Katniss, the protagonist, takes her younger sister’s spot as she is chosen.
Though unwilling, Katniss begins an adventurous battle which fully portrays her bravery. With District 12 counting on her for prizes and food, her sister surviving with a single, half-depressed mother, and the expectations of the Capitol, Katniss is still determined to fight the odds of survival and win the Games. Under so much pressure, her ability to be able to manage problems is incredible and definitely admirable. However, the most intriguing part of Katniss is her overall character development through the story as a stubborn girl who ends up learning to trust.
Throughout the novel, the language used is fairly simple, but very effective. Collins’ use of simple words paint an imaginative, but clear story. Though sometimes over-imaginary and somewhat hard to believe, the story itself is very well thought out and plotted. Collins takes complete advantage of the story’s future setting as she expresses what a future world would look like. Through the eyes of a teenage girl, the novel presents a unique point of view that constantly gives a tense feeling, which keeps readers at the tips of their mind, ready to flip to the next page. With weird relationships clashing with physically bloody battles, the novel consistently keeps the reader sucked in. This book is definitely a five star book and is for action and suspense lovers!

This was a good read. I must say, it took me a while to get into it as I felt the preparation for the actual Hunger Games took up most of the book and slowed the pace a bit. The characters were well crafted, and I especially liked the budding relationship between Katniss and Peeta. It felt authentic. The story just didn't grab me as I had hoped it would have, but it was still a good read.

I was pulled into the excitement of this book, could not put it down, although I am usually turned off by violence. I immediately went out and bought books two and three, but by the end of the third book I was bored and disgusted.

I can finally say that I have left my rock and joined the “in-crowd.” I finally read The Hunger Games. It’s true that these books have been sitting on my shelves gathering dust for at least a year, maybe longer. I have no excuse to offer for why I haven’t read these books until now. I knew they were great (I’ve heard it constantly). I’ve been threatened by my friends to read the books “or else”—but they always seems to forgive me. =) But, alas, I can finally say I have read them… and boy am I glad I did!




While I was talking with one my friends yesterday, I asked if she had read this series. She said no, but she had the books in her classroom. I snickered. (out loud) I told her I finally read these books and she needed to do it pronto. Then I explained why…





First, the characters. I loved how different Peeta and Katniss were. You truly get the sense that Peeta is a genuine “nice guy” that you can’t help but like. He doesn’t seem weak or annoying. In fact, he warms my heart and made me smile. Katniss, on the other hand, is a little rough around the edges. She’s not unlikeable by any means. I really liked her. I am a sucker for books with strong female characters! (Not the typical whiny, boy crazy, hormonal nightmares that you normally read about.) The relationship between Prim and Katniss captivated me. For someone to volunteer for such horror to protect another… wow. Oh, and then there was Haymitch. Heh. He was grouchy, ornery, and an absolute riot. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to like him as much as I did, but I couldn’t help it.




I don’t think there is much to say about this book since just about everyone I know has read it already. I can only offer my insights into the book that has been given so much hype. I was fascinated by the games. Since there are three books, I already knew how the games would eventually end. That wasn’t a surprise, which I think took away from my experience. Somehow knowing that the two main characters survive took part of the thrill away. Of course, there were a few surprising twists to keep it interesting until the end.




I think it’s safe to say I am pleased that I finally read this book. Did it get a 5 star rating from me? No, and that’s probably because I knew too much about the book going in. This is a solid 4 (maybe a 4.5?), however. I devoured it in a day and instantly started on the second book. I can’t wait to see the movie now and see how the unique characters and settings are brought to life.

I think it could have been better. There wasn't much meaning in it. It was pretty good, but not the best book ever. Also, I didn't really like how the author made it into a love story. It made the book just another romance with scary things in it. I think that Katniss should've kept strong instead of falling in love. I mean, it's great that the hero is a girl for once, but of course, she has to fall in love.

This was a good read. I had a lot of expectations but was a little disappointed that I couldn't get into the book as much as I would have like to. The characters were well portrayed and I did like the budding romance between Katniss and Peeta, I just couldn't connect with them. They didn't fly off the page enough. The preparation for the Hunger Games took up most of the book, and I fet as though that slowed the pace a bit. It was a good read just not a great one.

Honestly, I didn't think I would like this book at first. I mean, come on, putting a bunch of kids in an arena to fight to the death? It just sounded so horribly wrong and gruesome, but man was it full of such suspense. The writing was so good that I felt like I was Katniss herself, the main character in the book. I literally could not put the book down. I was even late to work a few times (I like to read when I wake up) because I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. The chapters are like cliffhangers that beg you to keep reading.

The Hunger Games is about a girl named Katniss who takes her sister, Prim’s place as a tribute in the hunger games.The main character, Katniss, lives in District 12, in a poor mining community called the Seam with her mother and sister.Two children in each district are chosen randomly to compete with each other to the death in an arena. The event is televised for everyone in the Capitol to see. The winning tribute is given food for themselves and their families.Along with Katniss is a boy named Peeta Malark, who is also drawn to fight in the Games.Peeta Malark is the baker’s son that Katniss knows through school.

I read the Hunger Games trilogy a year ago, and I was absolutely amazed. Loved the characters and point of view. I admire how strong and confident Katniss was as a female lead. It was refreshing. Great detail and the plot is unique. Reading it all over again in preparation for the movie.

I admit, with the hype surrounding THE HUNGER GAMES, I was nervous to open the book. How could it possibly live up to all the amazing things people were saying?

It did.

Collins has a strong, compelling writing style, and this book grabs you from the beginning. When Katniss volunteers to go to the Hunger Games in her sister's place, I got chills. With that one selfless act, Katniss changed from a hard, not incredibly lovable character to someone sympathetic and worth cheering for.

The worldbuilding is fantastic and terrifying. I loved learning about the districts and the Capitol, and getting a peek at the crazy fashions and voyeuristic nature of the elite before we're thrown into the Games, which are terrifying and nightmare-inducing.

While I wanted more from Katniss -- for her to make changes and decisions -- this book was still a winner for me.