The Hunger Games

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A few years ago, I saw a trail of the film, The Hunger Games, on TV. My immediate instinct was to feel distaste at the premise of this film. When we think of the Romans watching gladiators killing each other for entertainment, we imagine that things have changed, since then. Not in The Hunger Games, set in the near future, however. In this dystopian future, in the country of Panem, the population watch on giant screens, the 12 participants (tributes) in the Hunger Games fight for their lives, until there’s only one survivor.An unlikely situation? When we can see how viewers avidly watch reality programmes, frequently to observe others being humiliated, isn’t the next step a return to Roman times, and watching these victims die? Let’s hope not. Perhaps recent events in the reality world, will put a stop to this - none too soon.At any rate, when the reading circle selected this book, I put aside my feelings, and in the main, my conclusions were very positive. Firstly, the author cleverly spaces out the introductions to the characters in such a way that we can get to know them, and when we do, we find that many of them are appealing and worthy of affection. The main character in particular, Katniss, is very likeable. Seen through her own eyes, she is frequently grumpy, and doesn’t show affection to those closest to her, but in her behaviour, it is possible to see her as heroic and altruistic and a good person. She forms attachments to members of the group of ‘tributes’ and does not want to kill them. The author allows her to remain heroic, and when she does kill, it appears to be justified. Her affection for her young sister and for Rue, another young character, also makes one warm to her.The book is also full of action and only on a couple of occasions did I feel it was getting wearing. Once was just before the end of the first part, when I found the amount of hardship inflicted on the two main protagonists was becoming relentless, and also towards the end, it seemed to once again be just too much. On the whole, though, I thought it was well structured.It seemed to me surprising that a book with this theme would be written for teenagers, and published by Scholastic, the children’s book publisher, (Spoiler Alert) but the romance between Katniss and Peeta is very innocent. I couldn’t quite believe in Katniss’s disbelief in Peeta’s love for her. But perhaps that enables her to feel able to act a part. I was hurrying to finish the book and was a bit disappointed with the end - which also seemed to go on a bit too long, I thought. I had hoped for something more definite, and it was quite ambivalent.On the whole, I good read, though. I'd give it four stars.

I have just finished rereading this book for the third time and let's just say, it did not disappoint. In my opinion, 'The Hunger Games' trilogy just tops every other dystopian teen series out there, and that is saying a lot, considering how many there are nowadays.The story takes place in Panem, a divided country once known as North America. It has twelve districts which surround a big central city called The Capitol. Every year, each district is required to send one male and one female tribute (between the ages of 12 and 18) to The Capitol, to compete in the annual Hunger Games- a grisly fight to the death to remind the people of the districts of the punishment they now face for a rebellion that was fought almost 75 years ago.The heroine of the story is 16 year old Katniss Everdeen from District 12. When she finds herself a tribute in The Games, she is whisked away to The Capitol where she experiences delicious food, beautiful costumes and a week of strenuous training as the day when she will be launched into the arena draws ever closer. She may live, and be crowned victor, but the likelihood is, she will die. And that's all there is to it. Only, things are never quite that simple....Katniss finds herself in a romantic relationship with fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mellark, which is unfortunate, since only one can live. But what's real, and what's just for the cameras?That is the question both you and Katniss will be asking yourselves throughout the entirety of the series.I just love this book, so much. Doubtless, it's better the first time you read it. I've just read it for the third time, and it doesn't compare to the first time when you're on the edge of your seat, with no idea what's coming next, but it's good the third time, nevertheless.My favourite character is Katniss, because she is such a truthful and engaging narrator. You really feel what she feels and it's like you're there in the arena with her. The little flashbacks she has throughout the book really build her up as a character until you feel like you know her so well, she could be your best friend. Throughout the novel, she keeps you interested in the story, which is really important to me. So saying, though, I really love ALL the characters.I adore Peeta, because he's so lovely and charming to Katniss, and would do anything for her. It kinds of leaves you with that feeling of 'Oh, I wish I could meet a guy like that someday'. I probably won't though. But I'm not giving up hope. The relationship that develops between him and Katniss is really great, but you're still left scratching your heads as to whether either of them actually mean any of their romantic gestures, or whether they were just acting for the cameras.My other favourite characters were Rue, Haymitch and Effie. All three of them were totally unique characters who made me feel different things. They made me laugh, they made me cry, and for that, I love them.Like I said, both the narrative and the way in which it was written were very gripping. The book felt like it was literally glued into my hands, despite the fact that I already knew what was going to happen.I thought that Suzanne Collins managed to get the combination of action, adventure and romance just right and included the right amount of each.I also liked the different contrasts displayed throughout the book, from Katniss' life in District 12, to the extravagant empire which is The Capitol, to the kill-or-be-killed world of the arena.So, what I'm trying to say is that it is an amazing book, which leads to an amazing series, one that I cannot find fault with, and would recommend to absolutely ANYONE, because there is something that will appeal to every type of person. Liked Divergent? Liked The Maze Runner? Then I promise, you will like this EVEN MORE.I would rate this book....10 stars out of 10 (Yep, I really can't find any fault, so full marks it is).

Given it's slightly ludicrous premise[1], the Hunger Games is much, much better than it has any right to be. I saw the movie first, and so I'm not entirely sure how much that impacted on my enjoyment[2] - but I didn't so much read it as devour it. The writing is crisp, engaging, and infused with life. The characters, save ironically for most of the tributes themselves, are well developed and rounded. The lead-up to the Games is suitably tense, and the Games themselves are tenser still. Were it not for the fact that there are two sequels prominently advertised after the last page though, I'd have said that the ending was unsatisfactorily abrupt - it doesn't hide the fact though that this is a larger tale told through three books and I can forgive that very minor failing. Often after reading a book (or watching a season of a TV show) I want to leave a bit of time to reflect before I move on to the next one. I'll be starting Catching Fire though this evening.[1] A premise which becomes less ludicrous, through explanation, as we progress through the series. But taking it just from the first book and how it's presented, it's not really all that well contextualised.[2] Jennifer Lawrence is exactly how I visualise the Katniss when reading the book, too.

So.....Book 1 : The Hunger GamesWrote by Suzanne Collins and introducing us to a dystopian world, set in the future, where living in the Capital is opulent and decadent and the communities of the other Districts live under their rules.The Hunger Games; a way for the Capital to commemorate the uprising that happened in the past. The very reason that the districts were formed. To 'honour' the peace, each District has to offer up sacrifices, of sorts. One boy and one girl from each District are picked.The Games? Well, it's kill or be killed. The winner, for want of a better term, is the one left standing. They get to live out their lives in some degree of comfort.So, this year is the 74th Anniversary.....It's a bit of a lottery who gets picked; if you're indebted to the Capitol in any way then the possibility of getting picked is increased.Katniss Everdeen, 16, knows this, which is why she's trying to support her family the best she can, to protect her mother and sister.The chosen ones, from District 12, were Prim Everdeen and Peeta Mellark. Prim is only 12 years old and Katniss's sister.Immediately Katniss offers herself in Prim's place....and so the story begins.Katniss and Peeta have got 'previous'.....We meet Gale, Katniss's best friend and someone she has deep feelings for, Effie Trinket, who's from the Capitol and Katniss'a chaperone, Haymitch, a previous winner of the Hunger Games and more people later on....It's a gripping story, written from Katniss's perspective; her thoughts and feelings, and is very much a 'coming of age' tale.Suzanne writes in a very entertaining way, full of feelings and imagination....and the story goes at quite a pace.It all leads up to the games themselves and what happens. Katniss is smart and uses her hunting skills to good use. She starts weakly and helpless, as the character is coming to terms with her situation and dealing with it, and grows in statue as it goes on.One moment's actions causing ripples throughout the nation.A clever little twist at the end....:-)To recap; a clever little book, well written and with characters that have depth to them and are people that you end up really caring about. A great story and, I personally, could see this as quite believable and possible.An essential book. It's not just for young adults. There's lots of emotional, social, political and psychological points that this book puts out there for people to get their teeth into....

First off, I must say that this book is not for young children. It's quite graphic in parts, without being gross. The Hunger Games is simply one of the best books I have ever read, and I have read many books over the course of my 39 years. It's not a twee romance, although there is a love story, it's well written, and doesn't detract from the story.That's why we read - to find good stories, and I was engrossed from the first page to the last. The last book to affect me that was was Stephen King's Desperation, and yet, while that was one of King's best, this is even better.I'm happy to say I missed the film in the cinema, because reading the book was such a joy, I'm notw looking forward to the film on DVD. Suzanne Collins has wrote believable characters in a world we can understand. I would describe the story as a mix between Orwell's Nineteen Eighty Four, King's (writing as Bachman) The Running Man, and TV's the Crystal Maze.Much has been said about the rather grisly theme of children killing children - true, although the story is so good, you almost forget about it.The twists and turns are magnificently paced and introduced, creating a non stop tension throughout the book. My heart beat quickened at some scenes, such was the quality of the writing here.Bravo to Suzanne Collins. This slots into my top ten books ever. Thank you, Ms Collins!