Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games - Library Edition
Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Where I Got The Book: Library

Why I Read It: Mostly because everyone else is/was going on and on about how good this book/series is. I wanted to find out for myself.

Rating: B


Well guys... I finally did it. I finally read The Hunger Games. My first impression, as I was first starting to book was that it was horribly written, boring, and lacking interest. I know, I'm sure all of you are screaming at your computers right now asking me if I'm crazy. But, as I kept reading, kept pushing my way through the book, I found myself getting more and more into the story, couldn't put the book down, and found myself wanting to reach the end quick to see what happens.

I'm sure 80% of you know what the Hunger Games is about, but just in case, I will tell you.

The Hunger Games takes place in a country with 12 districts. Each district is poor in their own way, but most of them don't ever have any food, and no money to get food. They have to go out each day, risk their lives, and hunt for game, find roots, berries, nuts, etc. just to live. Well, in this country, they have this thing called The Hunger Games. From each district, 1 through 12, two people are drawn from a big ball of names to fight to the death against each other to win the games and the winner of the district wins food for their entire area. Hence the name The Hunger Games. The two people from each district are put into an arena where they have limited supplies of food, water, clothing, etc. and they have to kill each other to find a winner. The two main characters, Peeta and Katniss are from District 12, and they're fighting to be the first two winners ever in the games. This book reminds me of a reality tv show, much like Suvivor. I feel like my decription of the book isn't doing it justice. But I don't want to give too much away at the same time. So, I'm going to post the description from Good reads below:

"Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? 

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."

That does help a little bit in describing the story. As I said, I felt like this book was boring, lacking interest, and wasn't as good as everyone said when I first started reading it. But as the book went on, and it got closer to the actual Hunger Games, the book was amazing. It was hard to put down, it was compelling, and you found yourself routing for the characters. The only reason I'm giving it a B and not an A is because I felt like it took too long for the book to really get started and get interesting. While some books you read, you can kind of predict the ending, this book had you second guessing yourself mutliple times because you thought you had the ending figured out, but then the author would throw you off and you'd wonder if you're right or not. When I first started the book, I wasn't sure if I was going to read the rest of the series, but the ending leaves you wanting more, and wanting to find out what happens next between Peeta and Katniss. So, I will be reading and reviewing book 2 ASAP!

This is definitely a must read and a book that I think deserves all of the popularity, praise and attention that it has been receiving. While there's a debate going on if this series is the next Twilight, I'm not sure if I agree there. But do see some comparisons. Now, if you haven't already, go read this book!!

6 comments:

Jen said...

Maybe there is just too much hype about the trilogy now? So you went into it expecting it to be completely amazing (which I thought it was) but since there's been so much talk about the books lately you're expectations were higher? I could be completely wrong though!

Stephany said...

No, you're right. My expectations were a lot higher. Which happens quite a bit when I hear a lot about books/series and what not. Kind of like when I read To Kill A Mockingbird. So much hype, but I was very disappointed. However, with Hunger Games, while my expectations were higher, I wasn't completely disappointed. I don't think it's as good as I was expecting, but I would definitely read it again and/or recommend it to others!

Bonnie said...

Hi! Long time no visit! I know the series is really popular bt I haven't had an interest. Maybe I'll consider it now that I've read your review. It kind of reminds me of an old Arnold S. movie The Running Man.

Have a great week, Bonnie

Stephany said...

Hi Bonnie! I would definitely recommend you at least TRY to read it! You can do what I did.. try the first book, and decide whether or not you're going to continue with the other two books in the series. While it was a slow start, it was definitely worth getting through the "boring" part. Let me know if you read it!

Anonymous said...

Hia. Am visiting from the hop.

I've seen loads of good reviews of The Hunger Games but it's good too see some negative points too. I haven't read it myself but seeing all the good reviews made me feel like I should.

Stephany said...

Lucybirdbooks.. I highly recommend the book. It wasn't horrible, but I don't think it was as good as expected. But it was definitely good enough to recommend. As a reader, you should read it! Let me know what you think when/if you do!

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