Saturday, March 14, 2009

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: October 2008
Number of Pages: 374


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 other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the-death on live TV. One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor to his or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capitol wins: one more year of fearful compliance with its rule. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district 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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love. Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins, author of the New York Times bestselling Underland Chronicles, delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.

Last week at Chapters I was faced with the difficult decision of whether to buy "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins (Option #1) or "The Truth About Forever" by Sarah Dessen and "The Dust of 100 Dogs" by A.S. King (Option #2). You see, I had a $20 dollar limit and I couldn't buy a penny over since I was using a gift card. Thankfully, the store had 20% off on all kids and teens books which reduced the price.

Anyways, after walking up to an employee and asking her what she thought I should buy, together we googled "The Hunger Games" to see if it was coming out in paperback anytime soon (it wasn't) and instead found some fantastic reviews. That was probably what convinced me to buy "The Hunger Games" and let me tell you - you don't know how glad I am that I did!

Katniss is a strong character and very intelligent without ever being a know-it-all. I could easily relate to her, too. I also really liked Rue. Actually, now that I think about, the only character(s) I didn't like were the Gamemakers because they killed so many people and the author didn't introduce them properly into the book.

If you're trying to convince your parents to buy you this book tell them it's an ESSENTIAL novel for everyone. I mean really, where else am I going to find out how to heal a bite stung by a mutant bee or crack a puzzle without being killed by a bomb?

Go to the bookstore/library now and be prepared to agree with me on this A+ book.

9 comments:

Senfaye said...

I Loved the Hunger Games!!!! Fantastic review Iryna!

-Senfaye

Anonymous said...

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down so I read it in one day.

Iryna said...

Thanks for the compliment Senfaye!

Insert Book Title Here, the same went for me! I sat down on the couch and read it all the way through. I remember when I was down, I stood up and my back cracked (it didn't actually break, it just made that sound).

Jen said...

I love your reveiw!

Thank god for that Chapters sale!

Lenore Appelhans said...

I also loved The Hunger Games! But you have to get The Dust of 100 Dogs too. Just as great!

Sadako said...

I've heard really good things about the Hunger Games--might have to wait for it to come in at the library, though.

Iryna said...

Jen: I know! I don't know what I would have done without it. . . :)

Lenore: Actually, I did get The Dust of 100 Dogs! I'm going to post a review soon!

Sadako: Thanks for commenting! You HAVE to read The Hunger Games!

deltay said...

AHHHHH! THE HUNGER GAMES!!! AHHHH.

Just... so good. so speechless. ;)

Great review!

Jordie19 said...

i had just come upon your site and saw that you had grading labels. i click on a+ and when i saw the hunger games, i knew you must have good taste in books. haha. i love the hunger games, and your site it pretty awesome too. try reading the immortal instruments series, it's funny.