Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Dede

First, I didn't think I would like this book, but I am so glad I read it because it just blew me away.  It's a story about the future of the United States after a war (that's not really explained but hinted at) where the capital owns the people of the world and once a year makes 2 people (1 boy and one girl) from each district (there are 12 disticts) perform in the Hunger Games.  The capital sets up an area, which could be anything from frozen wasteland to jungle habitat, and all of the people chosen for the Hunger Games have to fight eachother to the death.  The game is only over when only one person is left alive.  This person then goes on to live in luxury for the rest of their life.  Katniss is 16 and her younger sister Prim is 12.  Their father died in a mine explosion years ago and since then Katniss has had to provide for herself, her sister and her mother by illegally hunting with her best friend Gale in the woods outside their district.  There is never enough food and life is hard for almost everyone in the districts.  Since your name starts getting put in for the draw when you turn 12 and accumulates every year thereafter, Katniss is worried.  However, her anxiousness turns to fear when it's her little sisters name that is drawn.  Katniss volunteers to go in her sisters place.  The boy from her district Peeta, she knows, but only slightly.  Her life is thrown into disarray as she is shuffled to the capital to prepare for the Hunger Games.  The Games are televised and the capital makes it a requirement for everyone to watch to show off how much control they have over the people. 
This book was creepy in a way that really had me thinking - could this really happen?  Every character was well thought out, well described and provided for a wealth of emotions for the reader.  Katniss was the tough girl with a soft spot for those she loves, and when she loves - she loves fiercely.  Peeta is a bit of a wild card for me, I just can't quite get into him but I do understand his character.  Gale has been Katniss's friend forever and his bond with Katniss goes well beyond words.  Prim is the perfect model of a loving child who takes pleasure in the small things - which is great because there is not a whole lot to take pleasure in in her life.  Even the smaller players of the games, especially little Rue, had me interested and intrigued. 
As Katniss enters the game and fights for her life, she also tries to deal with the connection she forms with some of the players.  Who should she trust and how can you trust anyone when there can only be one winner?  She does not agree with the Hunger Games, but must do what she has to to survive.  There are a lot of twists and turns in this book and no matter what I say, I won't be able to do the book justice.  READ THIS!