The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

Reader reviewed by Shea Burnett

Absoulutly fantastic!!  This book is amazing it takes place in the futer when the government has taken over and instead of states it is all districts, this book is about a girl and her family and when her sister is picked from a drawing that means you will go and fight with other districts and probley die fighting she goes in her place. One boy and one girl is picked from each disrict and turns out the boy who will be fighting is one of her friends! In the end her and her friend are the final two and must fight will each other, one of them might get killed and for what, a years supply of food! Who will die? Will anyone die? Who will win? This book is breathtaking gladiator-like but all around great!

 

 

Reader reviewed by Iryna

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.

Reader reviewed by Lauren

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a book taking place in the future North America in the nation of Panem. Panem has twelve districts, and each year when the Hunger Games take place, two from each are chosen to compete in an epic event: fighting to the death. The lone winner will get fame and fortune, and everyone else dies.

Katniss lives with her mother and younger sister (her father died in a mining accident). When her little sister gets nominated, she takes her place and leaves the 12th and poorest district to a futuristic city with more luxeries than she could imagine. The other competitor from her district's name is Peeta, and the two weren't ever really friends, but they get along.

When the Games finally begin, Katniss is on her own against 23 other girls and boys who are all striving for the same thing: to survive. Groups from higher level districts team up for the beginning, and somehow Peeta gets in, working along side them. However, Katniss learns that it's all an act when he saves her life later on.

Katniss and Peeta's trainer can send them helpful items if need be. Because of this he has some leverage over what he wants the pair to do, and he wants them to act like they're in love with each other. Katniss and Peeta act well, working as a team when a sudden rule states that you can work with your district teammate. The problem is that Peeta is mortally wounded.

This book is very well constructed and completly original. I'd reccomend it to absolutly everyone!

Reader reviewed by Amy

Set in the future two teens from each "division" are selected to participate in The Hunger Games annually.  Rules are only one teen comes out alive in this game.  Take a trip into the Hunger Game and participate in all the deadly action sure to keep you flipping pages.  Who wins?  Read to find out!

Reader reviewed by Iryna

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.

Reader reviewed by Aryanna

The Hunger Games By: Suzanne Collins was a fantastic read. It was full of suspense, romance, adventure, and action. I loved Katniss,Rue, and Peeta. They all had depth and weren't one dimensional at all. The story was amazing and you feel like you are there with Katniss. Some parts were gross but I couldn't stop reading. All in all this is one of my favorite books of all time!

Reader reviewed by Chantele

When I first got this book from the library and read the front flap of
the cover, I was really hesitant to read it. The thought of kids
killing each other made me want to take it back. However, I read some
spoiler free reviews of the book, and decided to try it out.
Wow.
That is about the only word that comes to mind. This book makes you
think. The main character, Katniss, is believable, emotional, real, and
determined to go out fighting if it comes to it. The book was intense,
and kept my attention. It had plenty of twists and turns, and I really
could not put it down. I was amazed at how the author projected reality
t.v. in the setting of the book. It had come down to watching people
kill each other, and the audience loved it! What would happen if the
world was really like that? I loved that the main character did not
appreciate anything the audience liked, or the fact that the Hunger
Games even existed.
It was interesting to see her change
throughout the book though. She cared about people, and constantly put
her own life in danger to help someone else. There were a few laughs in
the book, and I actually had tears at one point. Honestly it is really
hard for me to cry over a book, but the writing was beautiful, and the
scene so emotional.
Younger people might have a hard time with this
book. There are deaths. You know there will be from reading the inside
cover. I do think the author wrote about the deaths in a tasteful way.
Not too gory, and really, there was not a lot of detail, which was
good, but it might shock people still.
Overall, I thought this book
was excellent, romantic, crazy, and disturbing. That about sums it up!
I loved it, and I can't wait to read the sequel. Also, for the record,
I am rooting for Peeta!;)

Reader reviewed by thea

The
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was the best book I've read all year.
On second thought, it's only the eleventh day of 2009, so it's the best
book I've read in two years!

The storyline was so detailed and
complex that I really felt I was in another world. It was so intriguing
that I can't even begin to tell the plot. There were many surprises and
no slow parts. It takes a great writer to write a book with no slow
parts at all. I'm going to buy all the books in this series and add
them to my collection of science fiction/fantasy bookshelf. It reminded
me of my favorite television show: Big Brother. It was very
psychological and suspenseful. BUY THIS BOOK! Please. Just do it.

Reader reviewed by an_d

If I could give this book more stars, I would.  I can't begin to even tap into the genius of this book.  In a world of reality shows and virtual reality games, where do you go next?  Can fictional entertainment still contain our attention when we find entertainment in such extreme ideas and past times?  Movies and video games continue to become more violent in an attempt to shock, thrill and entertain us.    Is there a cap off?  In Suzanne Collin's tale, she creates a world so much different than ours in so many ways and so much similar at the same time.  The Hunger Games is an actual reality show with one EXTREME twist, you must fight to the death.  The last one living wins!  These are KIDS, mind you.  It's such a horrific concept that blows my mind each time I think about it.  I started this book one Sunday afternoon and could not put it down until I turned the last page!  It is such a thought provoking novel that I think encourages the reader to delve deeper into the writing and explore more than just the fiction in the pages, but the life that we are living.  I recommend this to anyone over the age of 12!  It is perfect for reluctant readers, as well.  The sequel comes out 9/09.

Reader reviewed by Meghan W.

The Hunger Games was an amazing book. It nearly left me speechless. It was obvious that Kat was going to end up in the competition, but i was still mortified when it happened. There wouldnt have been a story if she hadnt been. Before the names were chosen I was sure it would be Katniss and Gale would be chosen, and have to kill one another. But instead it was Peeta. That was a little twist. I never did figure it out. Did Peeta genuinely have a crush on her or not? Whichever, it was an incredible book. I felt so bad when Rue died, but I guess it had to happen. One of the amazing characters had to die, so everyone would feel sympathetic. And Cinna was an awesome character. So creative. I loved the flames on them, and her dress. Haymitch wasnt so bad. He was a drunk, but he knew what he was doing. The Games themselves really pushed the characters to their limits. You need allies to help you. You cant get attached to them, because eventually youve got to kill them, or theyre going to kill you. its a loose- loose situation. You die or your friends die. Or you could do what Peeta and Katniss did, and make it to the final two, and threaten to both commit suicide, and then they would have no winners. They were very smart that way. They took a chance though, because they may not have been stopped in time. This book really made you think, and it was one of the best books Ive read lately.