The Hunger Games
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
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Community Reviews
With reality TV shows like Survivor, it's a very interesting look at what we as a culture can become should things get so bleak that we don't have enough food. Katniss, the main character, is cunning, lives by her wits and skills and jaded by life. Yet it is through Peeta that shows her how to retain Katniss' humanity. Really good so far.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, the start to The Hunger Games Trilogy, has proven to be one of the best books I have read in a long time.
Iâve always wondered about the hype with this series. Books are adapted into movies quite often, but why this one? Battle Royal for teens? Sure, Iâll give it a shot. I couldnât be happier about that decision. Actually I can, the decision to read the book before the movie was even smarter.
I read this almost non-stop because I could not put it down. Intricate yet well defined dystopian society, characters with real depth, suspense, conflict, excitement, and plenty of action.
Warning: Spoilers!
Set in a branched society located in and around the Rocky Mountains, Panem is a country with a terrible caste system. The Capitol reigns over all 12 Districts, each one assigned to provided a specific good or service.
The book begins lightly with the protagonistâs (Katniss Everdeen) daily life. Each moment a struggle as she tries to keep her family alive day after day. This really helps get a feel for her home, District 12, and how the people there are faring. Itâs obviously in a bad state and the only way Katniss is even surviving is by hunting illegally with her best friend Gale. Sadly the day of The Reaping is upon us, where 1 boy and 1 girl between the ages of 12 and 18 is taken from each district to participate in a televised fight to the death.
(â__ââ)
The Reaping begins by introducing 2 more main characters, Effie (their escort) and Haymitch (their mentor and previous District 12 victor). Katniss ends up taking the place of her 12 year old sister and sheâs soon joined by the only person to ever intrigue her, Peeta Mellark. Ah, the boy with the bread. I really enjoyed the history the author gave these two. It was simple yet meaningful.
Each person is provided distinctive character traits which balance out while supporting Katniss and Peeta along the way. I felt this was very important because without a concrete supporting cast, the struggle they face wouldnât be nearly as significant.
The Capitol is described with bright colors, vast technology, and excitement all around. They make the most lasting impression on the crowd during the opening ceremony by not only blazing with synthetic flames, but holding hands as well. Even though this was suggested by one of the main designers, Cinna, Katniss is comforted by having something to keep her steady. This was refreshing. She had to be so strict and detached to provide for her family, but sheâs not without weakness.
After allowing herself that closeness with Peeta, he breaks off to train separately, only to later announce to all of Panem his love for her. Yay conflict! She might love Gale, Peeta is an enemy in the games, but she might love Peetaâ¦
Now, let the games begin! (´>_â)ã¡(â_<ï½)
This is where all of the built up anticipation is turned in nailing biting suspense. Even knowing itâs book 1 in a trilogy and seeing all of the media surrounding the movie, I know she lives but it canât stop my excitement. Nor does it stop the all the other emotions between her and the remaining tributes.
I noticed some people claiming to expect the twist at the end of the game, but I did not. Yes, of course I saw the game makers retracting the rule of letting a team win. The final act of rebellion, I did not. Especially since it wasnât meant to be insurgence, only a means of keeping them both alive. Followed by the genuine panic over losing Peeta, the final act was my favorite.
If you havenât read this, which is probably rare with itâs popularity, definitely give it a chance. I absolutely loved it and on to my favorites shelf is went.
Iâve always wondered about the hype with this series. Books are adapted into movies quite often, but why this one? Battle Royal for teens? Sure, Iâll give it a shot. I couldnât be happier about that decision. Actually I can, the decision to read the book before the movie was even smarter.
I read this almost non-stop because I could not put it down. Intricate yet well defined dystopian society, characters with real depth, suspense, conflict, excitement, and plenty of action.
Warning: Spoilers!
Set in a branched society located in and around the Rocky Mountains, Panem is a country with a terrible caste system. The Capitol reigns over all 12 Districts, each one assigned to provided a specific good or service.
The book begins lightly with the protagonistâs (Katniss Everdeen) daily life. Each moment a struggle as she tries to keep her family alive day after day. This really helps get a feel for her home, District 12, and how the people there are faring. Itâs obviously in a bad state and the only way Katniss is even surviving is by hunting illegally with her best friend Gale. Sadly the day of The Reaping is upon us, where 1 boy and 1 girl between the ages of 12 and 18 is taken from each district to participate in a televised fight to the death.
(â__ââ)
The Reaping begins by introducing 2 more main characters, Effie (their escort) and Haymitch (their mentor and previous District 12 victor). Katniss ends up taking the place of her 12 year old sister and sheâs soon joined by the only person to ever intrigue her, Peeta Mellark. Ah, the boy with the bread. I really enjoyed the history the author gave these two. It was simple yet meaningful.
Each person is provided distinctive character traits which balance out while supporting Katniss and Peeta along the way. I felt this was very important because without a concrete supporting cast, the struggle they face wouldnât be nearly as significant.
The Capitol is described with bright colors, vast technology, and excitement all around. They make the most lasting impression on the crowd during the opening ceremony by not only blazing with synthetic flames, but holding hands as well. Even though this was suggested by one of the main designers, Cinna, Katniss is comforted by having something to keep her steady. This was refreshing. She had to be so strict and detached to provide for her family, but sheâs not without weakness.
After allowing herself that closeness with Peeta, he breaks off to train separately, only to later announce to all of Panem his love for her. Yay conflict! She might love Gale, Peeta is an enemy in the games, but she might love Peetaâ¦
Now, let the games begin! (´>_â)ã¡(â_<ï½)
This is where all of the built up anticipation is turned in nailing biting suspense. Even knowing itâs book 1 in a trilogy and seeing all of the media surrounding the movie, I know she lives but it canât stop my excitement. Nor does it stop the all the other emotions between her and the remaining tributes.
I noticed some people claiming to expect the twist at the end of the game, but I did not. Yes, of course I saw the game makers retracting the rule of letting a team win. The final act of rebellion, I did not. Especially since it wasnât meant to be insurgence, only a means of keeping them both alive. Followed by the genuine panic over losing Peeta, the final act was my favorite.
If you havenât read this, which is probably rare with itâs popularity, definitely give it a chance. I absolutely loved it and on to my favorites shelf is went.
The Hunger Games...how do I describe it? Hmm...it was Amazing!!! So Good! It was action packed and I felt as if I was with Katniss for the whole torturous, long, painful adventure. Cannot wait for the second installment!!!
If this is a young adult book I can't imagine what Ms. Collins could come up with for an adult crowd. It was full of adventure from the onset. An incredible book- I can hardly wait to read something else by her.
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