Suzanne Collins
Scholastic Press
978-0-439-02348-1
384 Pages, $19.99US/$19.99CAN
Review by Wisteria Leigh
I must be the last person to have read THE HUNGER GAMES, and so I will be brief with the summary.
In future North America in a nation called Panem. It consists of twelve districts that surround the Capitol. After an attempted coup came the Dark Days. Originally there were thirteen districts. After the uprising one was decimated and the other twelve were held accountable by the Capitol city. In order to maintain order and firm control over the people they devised an annual competion called The Hunger Games. Once a year at the Reaping, a lottery was held in each district where one girl and one boy between the ages of twelve and eighteen were chosen to compete at the games. It was not a time to celebrate as these games were deadly. The youths were made to fight to the death in an arena televised to the entire country of Panem. It was for the entertainment of the leaders of the Capitol. There could only be one winner.
You may think as I did that this book is gruesome and of no interest to me. Surprisingly, this is not true at all. This book is wonderful. The characters are so well defined that despite the premise of the games, you will be a nail-biting spectator. You can't help but empathize with the sacrifice that a sister makes for her sibling. Disgust and loathing for the game organizers is natural and makes you shutter with disbelief. The plot is highly engaging and will satisfy the most reluctant young reader. Adults and teachers will find lessons abound in this thriller.
It is forecast of the future, a dystopian society that offers a window through media entertainment with a first hand look at human nature, the good and bad. This book rivets you in place as you speed through the thrilling action provided by Suzanne Collins' remarkably original story. Fortunately, I have both CATCHING FIRE and MOCKINGJAY on my bookshelf. Don't miss your opportunity to read this one. You will love it!
Disclosure: The copy of this book was provided by Scholastic Press
© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2011].
6 comments:
I read this not too long ago. When I picked it up I said to myself, "I'll read it but I am sure I won't like it even though the whole population loves it!" Ha, was I ever wrong! I loved it! The only problem for me is I don't have the next two books and the waiting list at the library is endless! I may just have to buy them both.
Hi Beth...I so know what you mean. I had the same thoughts. That is why it took me so long to get to it. It was as good as all the reviews I heard.
Thanks for your comment.
Definitely one of the best young adult books ever written! Glad you finally tried it and liked it!
Me too! Now I'm on to Catching Fire. Maybe this week. :)
Thanks for stopping.
This is one of those books that you can quite comfortably give to non YA readers and be confident that they will like it!
Hunger Games is an exceptional trilogy, almost definitely worth your time if you at least a little fantasy/scifi fan.
Post a Comment