The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
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Book Reviews of The Hunger Games
Book Review: The Hunger Games
Summary: 5 Stars
The Hunger Games is clearly meant for marathon reading. When I started, I originally thought that I would get bored and stop reading, but it proved me wrong. It is set in futuristic Panem, a post apocalyptic country in what used to be North America. The Capitol, in the Rocky Mountains, controls everything in the 12 Districts. Each district produces a certain thing' for example, District 4 is on the coast and has fishers, District 12 is on the other side of the country, in the Appalachian Mountains, and has coal miners, District 11 is in the Plains and farms, etc. In the past, there was also a District 13, in present-day New England. District 13 was destroyed 75 years before in the resistance against the government.
The story begins in District 12, the poorest of all, with Katniss Everdeen preparing for the annual Reaping. After the resistance, the Capitol came up with a yearly televised event called The Hunger Games. 2 girls and 2 boys from each district are chosen as tributes at random each year at the Reaping and are forced into an Arena in the Capitol to fight to the death. The last tribute standing is the winner, and them and their district is showered with gifts and food. Katniss's younger sister, Prim, is 12 and is about to go to her first Reaping. Although her name is only in the mix once out of hundreds, Prim's name is called. Immediately, Katniss rushes to the stage to fill in. The male tribute, the baker's son Peeta, helped Katniss years before when she and her family were literally starving by giving her a loave of bread although it meant a beating for him. She says goodbye to everyone and is presented with a small pin of a Mockingjay, a Capitol created bird used to hear and replay what rebelling districts were saying. This becomes her one district symbol to wear inside the Arena.
She is then whisked off to a train and taken with Peeta to the Capitol. On the train, they formally meet only surviving winner from District 12, a drunken Haymitch. He agrees to become sober long enough to help one of them win. When they finally arrive, they are overwhelmed by the abundance of food and wealth in the Capitol when most districts are starving. With only a few days until the Games begin, they have a lot to do, starting with the parade of all tributes on chariots riding through the Capitol. Each district must dress their tributes according to the job of that district. Most years, District 12 tributes dress in miner's suits, but this year the stylist has a different idea. Peeta and Katniss dress in black shirts and pants, and once it's dark, an illusion of flames flies up on the black. The crowd loves them, and labels Katniss as the girl who was on fire. At the training sessions, they are told to save their best abilities for the private training sessions, during which the Gamemakers give the tributes a number-1 being the worst or least likely to win, and 12 being the best or most likely to win. Katniss grew up illegally hunting with a homemade bow and arrow that her now dead father made for her, so she is exceptionally skilled in archery. She shows that in the private session, but becomes annoyed with the Gamemakers being more interested in their lunch than her and shoots an arrow at their food. She then smiles and walks out. Surprisingly, she gets an 11-the highest score out of all of the tributes. At the interview, Katniss and Peeta are dressed in formal wear with another fire theme; she wears a jeweled yellow, orange, and red dress and he wears a suit with fire accents. When it's her turn, she spins and the crowd loves her even more. When it's his turn, he bravely confesses his love for her.
The cameras go to her to see a shocked and slightly offended face. Peeta and Katniss are now known as star crossed lovers, as either one or both must die by the end of the Games. Now, they must pretend to be in love to get sponsors. When it begins, the Arena is revealed as a forest. The Cornucopia is in the center, filled with weapons, food, and supplies, with items of lesser value the further away you get. When the gong rings, Katniss takes a sheet of plastic and a backpack and runs into the trees to get away from the bloodbath and find water and shelter. She sleeps in a tree in the sleeping bag that was in her bag. In the night, she hears Peeta with a group of careers, rich tributes that have been training their entire life for this. She feels he's betrayed her but manages to survive. Soon, she befriends a 12 year old tribute named Rue, who helps her stay away from danger and find food. While planning on raiding the Career's camp full of food and supplies, a mine goes off and Katniss loses hearing in one ear. When she finds Rue, she is being attacked by a boy. Rue is stabbed and soon dies in Katniss's arms. Katniss shoots the boy with an arrow she got when she indirectly killed a girl with poisonous bugs. She finds shelter when an announcement comes on saying there may be 2 winners if the last 2 tributes are from the same district. She searches for Peeta and finds him incapacitated by a river. They make camp in a cave. At this point, only Katniss, Peeta, a boy, a girl, and a career named Cato are left. They are called to the Cornucopia to retrieve something "very important to them." With Peeta dying from blood poisoning, Katniss goes and is stabbed but makes it back. Healed, Peeta accidently kills a girl by leaving poisonous berries out. Finally, the final battle takes place and Cato is killed. The announcer comes back on saying the previous announcement was revoked and there can only be one victor, forcing either Katniss or Peeta to die. They decide to each eat the poison berries and both die, but at the last second they are stopped and taken up as co-victors. At the interview, Katniss finds out that the leg that Peeta had blood poisoning in was replaced with a fake leg. The government is furious with Katniss for trying to mock the Capitol's games by almost committing suicide. She claims to have been driven crazy by love and making bad judgments. On the train back home, Haymitch lets it slip that Katniss never really loved Peeta and it was just an act for publicity. He is furious and continues the act just for the public. The book ends with them leaving the train holding hands.
Book Review: Wow!
Summary: 5 Stars
There has been so much hype around THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins that I knew I had to read it -- everyone seems to be raving about it! I have to admit that it's not a book that I probably would have picked up prior to associating with some many book bloggers because 1) it's YA and that's just not a genre I read much of, and 2) it's technically science fiction and that's not a genre I usually read either. However, since everyone is so excited about this book, I decided to check it out of my library and see what all the fuss was about. I was more than a little concerned that it couldn't possibly live up to everyone's praise, but guess what? It did -- I absolutely loved this book!
I knew I was in trouble when I started this book on Mother's Day. I probably should have been spending some quality time with my family, but I had to read THE HUNGER GAMES. I simply could not put this book down. And, it's not one of those books that takes awhile to get into -- no sir, from the very first page, I was hooked! I became so caught up in this action-packed, fact-paced novel that I had to keep reading to find out what happened.
The plot of this book is just an amazing story -- 24 kids fighting to their deaths until there is only one remaining. What makes this story is more insane is that the event is "televised" to all the citizens of Panem -- it is a reality show that knows no bounds. While parts of the story seemed a bit like the Olympics, especially the pageantry of the opening cermonies and the special interest stories, other parts were more like the ultimate Survivor show (only this time it was a case of life and death.) From just a plot standpoint, this book was fascinating and there was never a dull moment.
However, there were so many more great things about this novel than just the storyline. I loved how the author developed the characters, especially sixteen year old Katniss. When the story begins, Katniss came across to me as very harsh and bitter -- of course, her father died in a mine explosion, her mother basically shut down, and she was responsible for taking care of and feeding her little sister so I guess she had a right to be a little angst-ridden. I appreciated that the author allowed us to see a gentler side of Katniss when she was out hunting in the woods and talking with her friend Gale. I also saw signs of Katniss' more compassionate side when she sacrificed herself for an almost certain death rather then letting her younger sister compete in The Hunger Games. Had I not seen this caring side of Katniss, I'm not sure I would have felt such an affinity to Katniss.
I absolutely loved how Katniss matured throughout the course of this novel. I can imagine that fighting for your life would make you grow up quickly. Katniss was a pretty real character for me -- a teenager who at times thought and acted like an adult, and other times who was absolutely clueless. I appreciated how she learned not only to trust her own instincts, but eventually learned how to trust others. I also liked how she came to really understand herself and her strengths (and even her weaknesses); and, I definitely think she showed signs of being a "normal" teenager when it comes to her confusion about boys!
In addition to developing the character of Katniss, I thought the author did an amazing job with showing human characteristics -- both good and bad -- in all of the other characters in the book. She created characters who had very real and honest feelings such as compassion and hope, but also greed and anger. I can only imagine how fighting for your life can bring out the best and worst of human behavior.
Another thing I really liked was how Ms. Collins wove so much insight into individuals and society into this novel. She did a great job of showing how discrimination and bias exists among people, and how the upper classes can take advantage of their situation in life. I also appreciated how she showed the effects that war has on a society especially when it comes to the children. Those are just a few examples of the thought-provoking themes that run through this book.
THE HUNGER GAMES is the first in a series, and I can't wait for Book 2 CATCHING FIRE which will be available on September 1st. When I finished this book, there were quite a few loose ends which I'm sure will be addressed in the next novel. And while Katniss did grow up a lot throughout the course of this book, I'm anxious to see what happens to her when she goes back home. She has some unresolved issues from her relationships, and I'm curious to see how she handles them.
There is a very cool website devoted to THE HUNGER GAMES. Even though the site is not geared towards me, I had a lot of fun playing around on it! There are downloadable games, excerpts from the book, and even a message board so you can discuss the story with others.
The only thing that disappointed me about this book is that my daughter is too young to read it. There is some violence and cruelty that might upset younger readers and probably would disturb her. It's not that she couldn't read it, but I think to fully appreciate the book, she should wait a few years. Plus, I'm not really ready to answer some of her questions that are sure to pop up.
I definitely recommend THE HUNGER GAMES to every teen (boys and girls alike) because I'm sure they will love it as much as I do; but I also think adults will appreciate the story for some different reasons. I think this novel would make an excellent discussion book for a teen book club or even a mother daughter book club; and I firmly intend to have our girls read it in a few years. Besides being a great story, there are so many things to think about -- namely, the effects of war on our society and especially our children.
Book Review: The Hunger Games: Spoiler-Free, Christian-Based Review
Summary: 5 Stars
Here's how it started:
"You have to read The Hunger Games," my little sister said over the phone. "I just finished the first one, and the last book just came out."
"Of course I'll read it," I said, and put it on my mental list. I just didn't think I'd pull out that mental list so soon.
Inside Barnes and Noble's coffee shop with 30mph winds outside and a hot chai in my hands, I pick up the bent copy of The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. Clearly, someone read it before me.
For some reason, I imagine this book is about animals. It's a weird title and not very catching (same with the cover....). I shrug. My sister liked it and this wasn't the first time I'd heard the book title. When I hear a book mentioned more than 3 times, I need to read it. It's growing popular. Reviews are needed for those parents who will soon be peppered with, "Mom, can I read The Hunger Games?" and "Dad, but Bobby's reading it. Why can't I?"
Inevitably, the reply is usually, "Because I don't know what it's about." or "I don't know if it's safe."
The Hunger Games is unique. It pulls an idea from books like, We (Yevgeny Zamyatin)and 1984 (George Orwell), and movies like Equilibrium--the idea of a overruling government--and makes a similar story with thrilling twists, a very believable character, and geared toward teens.
North America has returned to a somewhat primitive state years in the future due to revolts, natural disasters, and the growth of the all-powerful government. The common people live in 12 different Districts surrounding The Capitol. To keep the people in line and in fear, the Capitol created The Hunger Games 74 years ago, forcing each district to send one boy and one girl into an arena to fight to the death. Each district is required under law to watch the entire game on television live as the contestants (called "tributes") are forced to battle each other and the government-programmed environment for survival.
How do you win? Be the last one alive.
Katniss Everdeen, an eligible teenager and our heroine, ends up in the games through a cruel twist of fate. We follow her as she struggles with the idea of killing someone, but feel her desperation to return home alive as promised to her 12-year-old sister, Prim. Can she resist the strong hand of the Capitol, or does she need to play into it to win?
This is a serious book with its funny moments. The main character is very likable and, as the book is written brilliantly in first person, it's hard not to feel like you are Katniss Everdeen. I almost cried in the second chapter, not because it was hugely sad, but because it was intense and well written.
I've never cried reading a book, and I can only remember one time that I've come close. The fact that The Hunger Games got me to the point of tears when I was in the middle of a crowded Barnes and Noble and only on the second chapter (it did it again in chapter 9), says a lot about the book. Now if a tear actually drops, then this book has accomplished the impossible.
The writing is exceptional and Katniss's character development is very thorough. The reader understands her drive, her reasons behind things, her thinking. I enjoy being in her point of view. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I sat in Barnes and Noble for over 6 hours and read through the whole thing--clearly it's a page-turner (book two is already in the mail on its way to my itching hands).
The author has a habit of backtracking--stepping back into Katniss's thoughts and reliving a bit of history. I have always found backtracking horibbly annoying in books--all books but this one. Collins does it in a way where I think, "Oh good, I wanted this information." I've never seen a book accomplish that so far.
*deep breath*
Now for the negatives:
This book has many violent areas. Look back to the plotline--it's a battle to the death with 24 teenager contestants. Many are going to die. There is fighting, brutality, blood, death, wounds, some poison-induced hallucinations, etc. It's harsh and I cringed a few times, but Collins never goes into grotesque detail. She always keeps it at an age-appropriate level. PG-13.
There is also romance--only kissing so far, but there are several instances of it. Also, at one point in the book, Katniss shares a sleeping bag with the boy from her same district in order to keep warm. Nothing happens and there's not even insinuation, but it's good to be aware of it.
I do not recommend this book for young readers (13 and under). Think of it as an appropriately rated PG-13 movie and whether or not you like to watch/read that content.
There are no Christian themes or mentions of God (or any other "worshipped" source), but the novel carries good themes of fighting for freedom. The next few books continue on to address the issue of the overruling Capitol.
Age-appropriate? Yes. Uplifting and spiritually feeding? No.
I enjoyed this book because I enjoy the thought of overthrowing bondage. I love the search for freedom because it is built into our souls--and I have the ultimate freedom through Christ. The idea of "freedom" has always been a favorite topic of mine--to read, to write, to watch...and so I enjoyed The Hunger Games.
If you choose to read it, I hope you enjoy it and share your opinion in the comments area. I look forward to hearing other views on the subject matter and writing. And I thank you for allowing me to share my completely honest opinion with you.
(For those still wondering, I did not drop a tear. But I still haven't read books 2 & 3).
Book Review: ...the girl who was on fire...
Summary: 5 Stars
Post-apocalyptic stories never get old. And when they're as good and gripping and moving as THE HUNGER GAMES, well, no other sci-fi conceit gets even close (okay, maybe time travel). Anyway, THE HUNGER GAMES is the first in Susanne Collins's proposed YA trilogy. After reading this one, I'm saying: Why stop at a trilogy?
In the wake of a holocaust which reshaped the world and made North America extinct, the Panem nation rose from the ashes and became the de facto power. Panem consists of the ruling Capitol, surrounded by the outlying twelve districts. Many, many years ago, there were actually thirteen districts, all of which rebelled but then were put down, with the thirteenth district being mercilessly annihilated. Ever since then, as punishment and a constant reminder to not eff with the Capitol, each of the remaining twelve districts holds annual lotteries to send a girl and a boy, between the ages of 12 and 18, to the Capitol to compete in the Hunger Games, a broadcasted event in which the children, now called tributes, are placed in a vast, bleak arena and forced to fight each other to the death, until only one is left.
This book tells the story of one contestant - 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who comes from the destitute and backwards 12th District - and how she fares in the Hunger Games. You will not, will not, will not forget her soon.
Katniss doesn't believe she has what it takes to survive the deadly competition. Yes, she's a hunter and thick into woodscraft, but she realizes that the emissaries from the other, wealthier districts are bigger, stronger, and more vicious. It's partly this underdog element which hooked me but quick. Katniss is one of the best protagonists I've ever come across in fiction, male or female, and a character which will resonate deeply with you. Katniss certainly has her flaws, but she's written so sympathetically that, within the first few pages, I knew I'd caught on to what possibly could be one of my all-time favorite reading experiences. I've read a lot of stuff in my time, and, yes, THE HUNGER GAMES is that good!
I honestly haven't heard of Suzanne Collins before, but she's for dang sure a storyteller. There's a whiff of THE RUNNING MAN and THE LONG WALK (both by Stephen King, The Bachman Books : Four Early Novels by Richard Bachman (Rage / The Long Walk / Roadwork / The Running Man)), but THE HUNGER GAMES is very much its own intense entity. Yes, it's a blend of reality television and gladiator films, two things the author cites as inspiration for this book, along with the myth of the Minotaur. Regarding the reality TV angle, I was particularly fixated with Katniss's strategy in the arena, which heavily relies on her playing up to the audience, in part because gaining sponsorship could mean possible life-saving gifts (food, medicine, whatever) parachuting from the sky. The book provides edge-of-your-seat suspense, what with there being enough violent encounters and desperate bids for survival to sate any action fan. Not only are there the fellow contenders to deal with, but the landscape hides enhanced killer wasps, mutated "werewolves," and whatever else the Gamemakers can contrive to make the bloodthirsty contest even more "audience-friendly." And the rules can change in a moment, and then changed again.
Certainly, there's no shortage of highlight moments to keep you feverishly turning pages (Katniss's memorable fiery entrance during the opening ceremonies; what Katniss does to earn her training score; what happens when Katniss is caught up in a tree; etc.). There are two particularly powerful and poignant moments - one early on, the other just a bit past halfway thru the book - which will reduce you to a messed-up, choked-up state. Guaranteed.
To me, THE HUNGER GAMES is a love story, even more so than it is an adventure thriller. And I'm not referring to the romantic triangle which crops up (honestly, to me, that was the least interesting story arc). The most touching part of the book is Katniss's relationship with her younger sister, Prim, and how she's so very fiercely protective of her. Katniss's affection for Prim would later be extended by proxy to one of the younger, more vulnerable tributes. What also gets me emotionally is how the struggling coal mining community of the 12th District says goodbye to Katniss and, later, how the 11th District pays her back for a kindness done.
Lest we forget, Panem is an oppresive entity and will brook no resistance. Katniss manages to demonstrate a rebellious streak against the Panem government, but since her mutinous acts aren't that overt, she gets away with them. But I get the feeling that, as the sequels go on, Katniss Everdeen will play a key part in upending this unjust dystopian culture. THE HUNGER GAMES closes with many things unresolved, all the more reason, no doubt, for readers to pick up the sequel. Me, I am so very curious and excited to see how this whole thing plays out... And I'll say it again: why stop at a trilogy?
Book Review: Addicting & Dangerous
Summary: 5 Stars
Katniss Everdeen is poor, hungry, and struggling to keep her mother and little sister alive. Stuck in District 12, the furthest district from the Capitol (if you don't count an irradiated District 13, ruined by rebellion), Katniss and her family live in one of the poorest districts, where coal is the main export and good food is hard to come by. Lucky for Katniss, she learned how to hunt for game and edible foliage from her father before he died. In this way, she, along with her partner in crime, Gale, can gather enough to trade for other necessities at the black market and keep her family fed and taken care of.
Only, it's against the law to enter the fields beyond District 12; to hunt is doubly illegal and Panem's government would be less than thrilled at the subversion should the proper authorities be notified. But no one could care less in the coal district, a district left largely to their own devices, and so, no one knows Katniss is an excellent archer and secretly undermines Panem's strict, unfair economy.
Without realizing it, they're about to take revenge on Katniss when the time comes once again for names to be drawn, two from each district (one boy, one girl), to compete head-to-head in a wicked and cruel survival challenge broadcast live and fed to the citizens across all districts where only one will come back alive: The Hunger Games.
Panem is a North America far into the future (actually, with the way it's described here, it's just the United States, not Mexico or Canada), a dystopian future. The Hunger Games are annual reminders that the districts live under the scrutiny of the Capitol. They were devised to mimic a joint rebellion intended to take down the Capital that failed. Now, the Games are a brutal, over-drawn punishment intended to break apart families and dampen fighting spirit.
When Prim, Katniss' little sister has her name drawn, Katniss jumps at the opportunity to take her place. The first 150 or so pages of The Hunger Games are used to prepare Katniss and the other District 12 competitor, Peeta Mellark, for their debut at the opening ceremonies, honing their skills to please potential sponsors. The Games are a dark, orchestrated form of entertainment that takes reality TV to a frightening level. While all the prep is interesting, the book didn't grab me as much until the Games finally began.
Collins has a way of pulling you in with Katniss' anticipation and fears--she's a relatable protagonist with a relatable co-star; Peeta is honest and endearing from the start. I also liked the periphery characters who manage to shine without stealing the spotlight away from Katniss. Haymitch, the only winner District 12 has had, is a drunken mess and at first, it's debatable whether or not he has any value coaching Katniss and Peeta. I think his character had the most surprising growth if only the revelatory kind. Katniss begins to see Haymitch beneath his drunken stupor: a man having to face training tributes every year since his victory that have gone on to their deaths.
Panem is a frightening reality; cameras are everywhere, microphones pick up wayward conversations, even birds at one point were used as spies until they localized and used their vocal mimicry to mock the Capitol with falsely fed information--Katniss wears a pin of one of these birds, the mockingjay. There are so many moments of disbelief in The Hunger Games. Citizens of Panem are treated with less than stellar civility and kept like animals, caged in their districts and separated from one another by electrical fences. It's the perfect breeding ground for another rebellion, but with the Hunger Games as clear and long-standing reminders of what it means to speak or act against the Capitol, people have found creative ways to manipulate and fool their leaders.
What ultimately grabbed me about this book was the story combined with the writing; I was quick to get addicted and had a hard time putting it down. Collins' is one of those authors that can make you want to keep turning the page even when you've reached the next chapter, a perfect place to stop for a break. I never wanted to stop and the ending made that need for more much, much worse. It just ends. Abruptly. Turn the page, no new chapter. The end. Wait for book two. How awesome/cruel is that? The good news is, I don't have long to wait, but I can imagine what it would have been like reading this as a new release. It would have been torture.
I'd really recommend this to anyone, even people who don't usually read YA. It's got romance, action, gore, horror, suspense, fashionable stylists, great food, a boy and a girl lead--whose All Things Dense About Boys attitude never once annoyed me--and a goat. What more could you want? Lucky for you, the sequel, Catching Fire is already out. I'm sure by the end of both books, the satisfaction of having been lucky enough to read two installments in one go will be overshadowed by the killer cliffhanger ending Collins has no doubt written for Catching Fire, but won't it be worth it?