Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Book Review: THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins


Title: The Hunger Games
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Format: Kindle Novel
Source: Purchased
Genre: YA Dystopian

Description: 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 Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's 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 will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins exploits the ultimate battle between the classes in this intense novel.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen’s twelve-year-old sister is chosen for the Hunger Games, she steps forward to take her place. Thrown together with the sweet boy who’d once given her bread, Katniss must find a way to survive against twenty-three other competitors. Because in the Hunger Games, there is only one victor. To lose, means death.

The Hunger Games is a fast-paced read. Collins’ greatest talent with this book is the underlying tension throughout. As a reader, I had to keep turning page after page to find out what would happen. The plot reminds me of the Athenian tributes to Crete in Greek mythology. Katniss is such a strong, hard character with a glimpse of a softer side. Peeta’s love for her is endearing. I loved the use of Roman and Greek myths and motifs throughout. The world building is brilliant with the take on a futuristic American (a.k.a. Panem) as well as the interesting creatures, such as the mocking-jay. This novel is one-part social commentary, one-part reality TV show-ish, and one part love story.

Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games is an intense read, and I can’t wait to read books two and three. May the odds be ever in Suzanne Collins’ favor.

Five Bookworms = I loved it!