The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
User reviews
Book Review
In the book, The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins first writes about Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year old girl from District 12, waking up in her bed on the day of the reaping. Her mother and her sister Prim get ready to go to the square to watch the annual name drawing for the 74th Hunger Games. The Hunger Games consists of 24 tributes, 2 from each district and they are not your ordinary, friendly competition games. Winning means surviving, also fame and fortune; losing means death. Prim Everdeens name is chosen to be a tribute until Katniss runs to the stage to volunteer to take her place. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are tributes for District 12 in the 74th Hunger Games. They will embark on a life changing journey to the Capitol to train, be interviewed, and compete in the Hunger Games.
At the beginning of Suzanne Collinss book, The Hunger Games, it starts off as an average day and then in the blink of an eye, everything changes. The two main characters head off on their life changing journey together and embark on the most terrifying and fierce battle for their lives. But its not until you reach part two in the book when all the action is set in motion and the gears start turning in this action packed machine of a book.
And then the action takes a back seat and romance takes control, but its not until right before part two where we actually see this romance develop. The book becomes more of a pretend romance as the two main characters pretend to be in love. Collins does a good job with the imagery that the romance creates, especially during the cave scenes. I felt as if I was actually watching the Hunger Games. She creates a mood that is terrifying yet romantic all at the same time.
But right when you think the book couldnt get more engrossing, a twist is introduced to the story. It involves a sad and horrifying way one can meet their demise as a tribute in the Hunger Games. Even though the topic is gruesome, Collins delivers the right amount of graphic detail without turning the book into a horror novel. She also makes the spilling of blood less gory by turning the death of a girl into a girl that falls asleep in a meadow surrounded by flowers.
So even though Suzanne Collins talks of death and bloodshed, she also talks of romance and how two lovers try to save each others life. The Hunger Games covers a variety of genres- Romance, Action, and a hint of Horror. But it is still a well written book. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes an adventure with little infusions of romance here and there or if one likes romance and action twisted into one little convenient book. I can surely guarantee that that most readers will be in for delightful surprise.
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 other districts in line by forcing them
to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the-death on live
TV. One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are
selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor to his
or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capitol wins:
one more year of fearful compliance with its rule. Sixteen-year-old
Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister,
regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her
impoverished district 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 weigh survival against humanity and life
against love. Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins, author of the New York
Times bestselling Underland Chronicles, delivers equal parts suspense
and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this stunning novel set in a
future with unsettling parallels to our present.
Last
week at Chapters I was faced with the difficult decision of whether to
buy "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins (Option #1) or "The Truth
About Forever" by Sarah Dessen and "The Dust of 100 Dogs" by A.S. King
(Option #2). You see, I had a $20 dollar limit and I couldn't buy a
penny over since I was using a gift card. Thankfully, the store had 20%
off on all kids and teens books which reduced the price.
Anyways,
after walking up to an employee and asking her what she thought I
should buy, together we googled "The Hunger Games" to see if it was
coming out in paperback anytime soon (it wasn't) and instead found some
fantastic reviews. That was probably what convinced me to buy "The
Hunger Games" and let me tell you - you don't know how glad I am that I
did!
Katniss is a strong character and very intelligent without
ever being a know-it-all. I could easily relate to her, too. I also
really liked Rue. Actually, now that I think about, the only
character(s) I didn't like were the Gamemakers because they killed so
many people and the author didn't introduce them properly into the book.
If
you're trying to convince your parents to buy you this book tell them
it's an ESSENTIAL novel for everyone. I mean really, where else am I
going to find out how to heal a bite stung by a mutant bee or crack a
puzzle without being killed by a bomb?
Go to the bookstore/library now and be prepared to agree with me on this A+ book.
WOW! The Hunger Games is an extraordinary book about survival, friendship and love. I think Katniss has to be one of my favorite female heroines ever. This is one book that will stay with you for a long time after you read it. The premise may creep some people out, because it does focus on an idea, which many may see as violent and barbaric. However, I read it for what it was, a work of fiction. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy young adult literature and everyone else! Like many other Hunger Games fans out there I eagerly await Book 2 Catching Fire which comes out in September. I also hear that movie ideas are in the works. I might not run to see it, so that it does not distort what I have already imagined about the characters and setting.
Review of the Hunger Games
In our lives today, most people tremble when they hear the news of a young adult passing away because of murder or accident. And usually the person who caused the child harm is blamed and frowned upon. But when you go back in history, different cultures have stories of their violence and the way they ruled. The time you live in determines your outlook on life. Back then, many civilizations sacrificed each other and killed without reason. We may still do the same today, but it is outlawed by many. But what if things changed and our future was like how our history was?
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is centered on the 16 year old Katniss Everdeen. Every year, a boy and a girl from the ages 12 to 18 from each District is chosen to fight to the death in an arena their government designed. Volunteering for to take her sisters place, Katniss is thrown into the world where every move you make matters. Its the world where you have to train for the worst and make allies that you know you will have to kill off in the end.
Going into the games, our main character is faced with 23 other contestants that are out to kill and the arena itself. Katniss becomes allies with the boy from her District, Peeta Mellark, who will do anything to keep her alive. She is lucky because she has some skills herself that she can use to target others. But fighting to the death can even take its toll on the strongest of souls.
This captivating story of a dystopian society brings out the worst nightmare for families everywhere. Just the idea of having children and teens alike being thrown into an arena to fight to the death is just unimaginable. But in this book, Collins tells the merciful story of a young girl experiencing the worst of it all.
The characters, major and minor alike, will capture your attention and possibly your heart. Katniss is a strong, determined girl who would do anything to keep her family safe from harm. Shes the girl who speaks her mind and breaks the rules if needed. Instead of being selfish and lazy, Katniss is one to keep going without trying to harm others first. Shes the girl that many would look up too. Peeta, the main guy, is loving and sensitive. Although some consider him weak, he is easy to love. Even the lesser characters have personalities like some of the people you know. Selfish, funny, and sarcastic, each character has his or her own unique personality that brings the story along.
The thrill of the novel will keep you up until the ungodly hours of the night, turning the page just to find out more. Every conversation heard to every move made in the arena is unpredictable. And when you think something is over, it really isnt. The novel has enough action in the story to keep to the reader from becoming bored and ends it with you wanting more.
For hopeless romantics out there, there is just enough romance in the story to keep up with todays love fantasies. The boys in this novel will even leave the ladies picking teams. All in all, The Hunger Games is a novel that even the pickiest of readers will not be able to put down.
This book O My GoSH!!!! it was absolutely amazing!!! It is a little think but totally worth it!!! Katniss, Peta, Gale, Prim, there all amazing!! I just love the book. If you are into adventerous romance, amazing books. Read Hungeer Games!!!! just its astonishing and made me freaking happy because it was that amazing!!!!!!!
*previously posted on my book blog, Most Important Letter*
The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Release date: October 1, 2008
Copy: Paperback, bought
L: This book was one of my favorite dystopian books ever. And its believable. With its kick-ass protagonist Katniss Everdeen and her strange tie to her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, and her devotion to her sister Prim, I couldnt get enough of this book.
Rating: 5 out of 5 letter blocks
Sexual content: Theres only kissing. What do you think?
Profanity: None. Awesome. *thumbs up*
Violence: Come on, its a book about kids killing each other. Honestly.
Other notables: Mild drinking (blame Haymitch).
Probably one of the most exciting YA books in long time...The Hunger Games provides excitement with every page! In a future world, the Capital keeps its control over the 12 districts by holding the annual Hunger Games. By random drawing, Katniss is forced to participate in a barbaric competition where she will need to fight, to the death, other teens. During the battles, Katniss befriends Peeta and the two try to find a way to make it out alive--together.
Ideas expressed/message/plot: From book jacket: COULD YOU SURVIVE ON YOUR OWN IN THE WILD WITH EVERY ONE OUT TO MAKE SURE YOU DONT 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 sisters 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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Favorite characters, quotes/lines: Katniss: She was the perfect heroine for this book& strong, smart, and compassionate!; Rue: She was an interesting character brave and smart for her age I was very sorry to see her go; Peeta: Hmm. What can I say about him? Except that he was amazing! I wanted Katniss to see how much he loved her and I felt so sorry for him when she only saw his feelings as part of the game. He was so different from Katniss, but exactly what she needs.
When I finished this book I felt: I never thought I would like this book, so whenever I saw it, I just passed right by it. Now, Im really regretting that! This is one of my all-time favorite books and I cant wait to read the next one. The idea of Panem is terrifying and I like to imagine that it could never happen at least not in such extremes as in the book. But there are some definite parallels that can be drawn between the world today and Panem. The love story in this book was perfect. I never really expected to see a love plot in this type of book but it was there and it was one of my favorites. It was so perfect because Peeta is obvious about his love for Katniss, she thinks its just part of the Games, and she doesnt recognize her own return of those feelings. Im definitely rooting for Katniss and Peeta. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book!
Other books to read by this author: The Underland Chronicles, Catching Fire (Sept. 2009) (next Hunger bk)
I would recommend this book to: Guys and girls with a liking for adventure and a touch of romance (the love story isnt overwhelming so even my little brother will like it)
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.
Latest Additions
GET A YABC BUTTON!
We have all sorts of YABC buttons for your website. Grab one here and link to YABC!
