The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins. New York: Scholastic Press, 2008. 374 pages. $17.99 (Hardcover). ISBN 978-0-439-02348-1.

My Thoughts…

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! I had only heard positive things about The Hunger Games, and it was no surprise to me when I found it on this summer’s reading list. I first heard of this book at a live class session for Programming. The title came up in relation to the discussion group names, one of which was Katniss Everdeen. I had never heard of this character, but one of the other attendees said she was sad she wasn’t in that group because Katniss was AMAZING. At the onsite for this same class we had to present programs we designed for a library. One student’s focused on The Hunger Games. I got the impression that this was an awesome, yet potentially terrifying book. Since then I have heard lots of talk about the upcoming movie and even heard an NPR interview saying that The Hunger Games is going to be the next Harry Potter. I have heard, however, that the following books in the series are not as great as the first, but I will be the judge of that…just as soon as I finish the rest of my assigned readings.

Anyway, I was thrilled with this book and didn’t want to put it down. The setting alone, a kind of post apocalyptic American society, is intriguing, and I love how the districts were developed and unique.  I found it especially interesting how it seemed like the Capitol was thousands of years ahead in technology even to our current day life while the districts seemed to be living in a pre revolutionary time (with the exception of tvs). The characters were phenomenal, and I swear they were like my friends as the books when on. Yes, I cried when Rue died, and yes I cried when they changed the rules about victors…twice. The suspense and adventure was amazing! I can’t even go in to how engaged and enthralled with the story I was. Somehow even gathering roots and sleeping were fascinating adventures. As a girly girl I loved that there was a love story amidst all the barbarianism, but I was left heartbroken not knowing how it is going to end up.

This book is definitely geared toward an older or at least more mature audience (high school), but I still want to recommend it to EVERY person I see! I think this is a book like Harry Potter that will entice both boys and girls alike. Katniss is an amazing character, as is Peeta, and they are just as likeable as Harry, Hermione and Ron. When I learned what the Hunger Games actually was I was instantly reminded of the story “The Most Dangerous Game,” which I read as a freshman in high school. I would bet that Collins got some inspiration there. I know this long rant is not particularly critical, but I am still so excited about reading it that I don’t know what to say! I think it could be scary for some readers, but that is why is will be cautious in recommending it. I also think that the movie could be terrifying, but you best believe I will be there to see it! Definitely my favorite book of the summer!