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, 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.
KIMBER’S THOUGHTS:
I read this book for several reasons; people I admire recommended it, my child asked me to, I enjoy Young Adult books every now and then, and I was determined to read the book before I saw the movie. I admit, reading about children/teenagers killing each other as the result of a sick game the government forces upon them for punishment, just gave me chills and not of the good variety. BUT, there is so much more to this story than that aspect. So, don’t be like me and put off reading it because of this.
Yes, the premise of the book was unsettling, but its futuristic fiction so I went in strictly for entertainment purposes knowing it is NOT real, though it was very hard not to put yourself in the main character’s place, or at my age, her mother’s. As a parent, it was at times disturbing, but always intriguing, and a very emotional book that once I started reading I didn’t want to put down. The characters were VERY well written and developed and the world Ms. Collins created was so believable it was at times difficult to believe I was reading fiction.
All the hype is exactly that, hype and I don’t normally pay it much attention anyway. Take my word for it when I say do not believe everything you may have heard or read, especially in regards to it being likened to Twilight. I am not putting down Twilight, I am a Twilight fan, but you simply CANNOT compare the two.
I highly recommend The Hunger Games for anyone who enjoys reading YA, very well written stories filled with creative world building, edge of your seat excitement and survival. It reminded me a lot of David and Goliath and who doesn’t love pulling for the underdog? It’s undeniably one of those books that will stick with you long after you finish. I will definitely read the next two in the series and I can’t wait to see the movie.
One warning: it is written in 1st person, not a problem for me, but I know some people don’t care for it. Make an exception, you won’t be sorry.
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I just read this series, yes the TV ads made me curious, and I really liked it. There was a bit of angst, but totally understandable considering the circumstances. Really enjoyed it. 🙂
My little brother (when I say little he is 20) recommended it to me and he isn’t a big reader. I just bought the book yesterday but I haven’t started it. Now I’m even more excited for it!
This is in my-never-ending-bottomless-pit-tbr-pile. I’ll get to in one of these days. Great review! I also have a pet peeve about peeps comparing Twilight to everything!! Grrrr
Just yesterday they had given Dracula’s review 1 star over and over again. All complaining it wasn’t/isn’t like Twilight! OMG! Head…meet desk. The NERVE!! Unbeleiveable!!!
I’ve read the books and reall enjoyed them. I saw the movie yesterday and liked it. I did not like the guy playing Peeta. Too little. Thanks
I finished this book recently because like you I made myself read it before the movie, and I was floored by how my life just literally stopped because I couldn’t put this book down at any spare moment I had! And btw the movie was awesome!! Great review Kimber!
Francesca
I have read the series. I went Friday morning to see the movie with my 6th grade daughter’s book club who read the book in September. I’m not sure I can say that I “liked” the books mainly because of what they are about. I think they were very well even if the story line is somewhat disturbing. If you read the first book then you will have to read the whole series because none of the books really end they just stop. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. I would definitely recommend reading the books and reading them before seeing the movie.
E. Thompson
thompsonem3(at)aol(dot)com
Sorry, it was supposed to say well written. And I am not sure why anyone would even compare them to Twilight.
I’ve heard alot about the books but haven’t read them yet. Thanks for the great review.
This series has been on my wishlist for quite awhile, hopefully I’ll get them this year!!!
These books are on my list to read, maybe this summer when things slow down. Thanks for the great review Kimber!