The Hunger Games

 Author: Suzanne Collins
Recommended Age: Young Adult
Publisher: Scholastic Press
ISBN-10: 0439023521
ISBN-13: 978-0439023528
Year Published: 2008
No. Pages: 374
Genre: Science Fiction/ Dystopian Fiction
Main Character Gender: Female
Read & Reviewed by: Austin



“There are much worse games to play.”

Ever wonder what would happen if teens were forced to participate in the ultimate reality T.V. show, in which they fight to the death? This is the premise of The Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games takes place in Panem, a country built on the ruins of North America. It contains a capital city that controls twelve adjoining districts. To keep the districts from uprising, they've created the annual Hunger Games, where one boy and one girl from each district, called tributes, are picked by lottery to fight to the death on live television. They face obstacles such as starvation, hypothermia and explosions. The last tribute left alive is named the victor.

The book begins when sixteen-year-old Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place in the games. She and her boy counter-part, Peeta are taken away to the capital to prepare for the games. On entering the arena, Katniss follows her instincts and the path she has always known- survival. Will this be enough to win the games?

Suzanne Collins writing style really drew me into the novel by using first person narrative. The use of Katniss' voice enabled me, the reader, to understand Katniss's thoughts and feelings. Katniss shows amazing courage in the arena and the way the author transfers this into actions really gave me someone to be with throughout the reading experience. Her urge to fight back against injustice gives the book its story and creates suspense. Katniss is a natural leader, and since she questions authority and measures rules against her own morals, the story is fast-paced.

The impressive technology of the arena and the nonstop action of the games really dragged me into the narrative. For example; “A few hours later, the stampede of feet wakes me from my slumber. I look around in bewilderment. It's not yet dawn, but my stinging eyes can see it. It would be hard to miss the wall of fire descending on me.”
 This is one of the many cliffhangers the author leaves at the end of every chapter, making the reader desperate to read on.

The idea behind The Hunger Games is frighting because the way we live now makes this futuristic depiction realistic. We do have wars waging. If there was a world war, it would be a nuclear war, and the destruction envisioned by Collins and experienced by the thirteenth district is possible. Not only are wars breaking out in individual countries, but more and more reality T.V. shows are being made. Isn't televised war for sport the ultimate reality T.V. show?

This book is the first in a trilogy, with Catching Fire, and Mockingjay continuing the series. I gave this book a well deserved 10/10. After I read this book, I immediately picked up the second, and the third book.