Review by Jill Williamson
In the ruins of what was once North America, The Capitol keeps its people in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on National TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss is horrified when her little sister’s name comes up in the reaping. She rushed to the stage, volunteering to take her sister’s place. Twenty-four boys and girls enter, only one survives. How will Katniss fare in the Hunger Games? And how could she possibly kill Peeta, a boy who once saved her life?
I had to read this, as so many others were, and I was not disappointed. A clever premise in today’s world of reality TV shows. What if your nation forced its people to participate in such a gladiator-like event? It’s a bit of an appalling premise, really, knowing that you’re going to read a book where twenty-three teenagers will be killed. Suzanne Collins does a good job toning down the violence and focusing on her characters, Katniss and Peeta.
I was intrigued to see Katniss go through this process. How she, and some of the other contestants, had good hearts and refused to give in to The Capitol’s merciless and controlling ways. It’s a very entertaining, action-packed story. I’d like to read book two, but since book three doesn’t come out for a while, I may hold off a bit.
Age Range: 14 and up
Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure
Part of a Series: book one in the Hunger Games series
Pages: 374
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Released: 2008
I have read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. I can’t wait to grab a copy of the third book. Hope you check out The Hunger Games Trilogy Fansite
It is a shame that such a brilliant writer is writing such garbage! Kids killing kids! Is this really what we want our kids reading about! Were you just doing it because you know violence sells. Is it really worth the money?
There is a underlying message of hope in The Hunger Games. I think that some things could be changed, but I would NEVER call my favorite books trash.
I had mixed feelings about this book.. they were mostly negative, though. I didn’t find myself interested. Check out this review on my blog if you want.. http://ppbooks.wordpress.com/2010/11/14/review-the-hunger-games-by-suzanne-collins/
AWESOME series! i have read many books and i must say this 3 book series is my favorite! i could NOT put them down. While reading the first book, i stayed up till 2 AM. i def. recommend this series!
I loved this book.. The violince was a lot but she put so much passion into those scenes that I couldn’t put it down. Katniss was amazing I wanted to be like her… not the arena part but the way she sacrificed herself for her sister. I loved it.
Me too, Katie. 🙂
I just read Matched, which is another dystpoian novel similar to Hunger Games. It was pretty good. Another first book in a series, though. And the second book isn’t out yet… Sigh.
Jill
Personally, at first I was intrigued by the plot when I first heard it, but then as I thought about it, I realized it was just about teens killing each other. Is there any reason? It’s just gladiators in a futuristic setting.
It’s just an overrated book like “Twilight”. Why can’t there be any good books with a girl that’s the hero. Katniss isn’t even a hero when you think about it.
Anyways you wrote a good review. I just don’t understand how Katnisss is a “hero”. Anyways if a girl is ever a hero it’s all sappy and romantic. Why can’t a girl hero be like one who rises to defeat odds with romance as a side note? Anyways hopefully someone will
Unicorns and Rainbows,
Me
Why is this listed as a result for ‘Christian Books’ in your ‘Advanced Search’ box? Is this a christian book?
Thanks,
Emilee 😀
Hmm, I have no idea, Emilee. No, it’s certainly not a Christian book. I’ll see if I can change that.
Thank you!
🙂