The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
One of the strengths of Hunger Games is that it is definately a page-turner. i couldn't put this book down! It's a quick read and the Suzanna gives a story a great pace. The main character does a great job narrating the story, and the televised battle gives the book a "reality TV" feel that young readers will enjoy. The characters are believable and the main characters are well developed.
The book doesn't have many weaknesses. One weakness is that it like the main character, Katniss, seems unsentimental and out of touch with morality. Also, during the battle, it seems that Katniss is more focused on the audience rather than on the people trying to kill her.
"Survivor meets "The Lottery" as the author of the popular Underland Chronicles returns with what promises to be an even better series...The plot is front and center here -- the twists and turns are addictive, particularly when the romantic subplot ups the ante -- yet the Capitol's oppression and exploitation of the districts always simmers just below the surface, waiting to be more fully explored in future volumes. Collins has written a compulsively readable blend of science fiction, survival story, unlikely romance, and social commentary."
Booklist Review, 2008
"Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance."
"...Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator." Book one of a planned trilogy." -Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
Sixteen year old, Katniss Everdeen is a tough hunter who puts food on her family's table. Her father is dead and she lives with her mother and sister Prim in District 12 in the country of Panem. Every year the Capitol of Panem hosts an event called the Hunger Games where two "tributes" – a boy and a girl – are drafted from each of the twelve districts to be brought to an arena and fight to the death, where only only one person can win. This year, Katniss's little sister is selected for the Hunger Games, so Katniss volunteers to take her place. After the reaping, Katniss and Peeta, the baker's son, are whisked away to the Capitol to prepare for the Games and meet their support team, in a series of changing of rules, they are pitted against each other, where only one can survive. However, knowing that they cannot possibly kill each other, they make a show of taking poisonous berries in an act of double suicide. Fortunately, the announcer comes back on before they can kill themselves, and says that they win. Obviously, if they revealed the truth about only playing the part of lovers, they would be punished. So, they continue their lovers routine for the post-games reunion and interview. However, Peeta now knows that Katniss doesn't really love him, and Katniss now knows that Peeta really loves her.
Hunger Games takes place in a futuristic setting.
Panem is the name of the country where Katniss lives with her family. Panem is said to have risen from the ashes of North America. We learn the history of Panem, and the Hunger Games, and the thirteen districts in the first chapter from the mayor. We also learn that the uprising of the Districts is known as the "Dark Days". After the destruction of District 13, the Treaty of Treason was signed to end the conflict, and the Hunger Games were instituted to remind the districts that the uprising must never be repeated.
District 12 is a very poor coal-mining district located in the region formerly known as Appalachia. Katniss and her family live in the Seam, the poor section of District 12 where the coal-miners live and work. There is also the Hob, the black market. The district is surrounded by a sometimes-electrified fence from woodlands. District 12 is often contrasted with the wealth of the Capitol.
The Capitol is a shining city of wealth and grandeur city located where the Rockies used to be. The people of the Capitol are shallow, speak in a funny, affected accent and value surface appearances, plastic surgery, and entertainment. Being one of the richer districts, they also view the Games as television entertainment. Katniss, of course, despises the place.
Now, the book that everyone loves will finally be made into a movie! Check out the movie trailer here!