The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

Reader reviewed by BooksObsession

This is one of the best books I have ever read. Period.

I
have heard a lot of great talk about this book around the blogosphere,
so I didn't hesitate to go out and buy my own copy of the novel. Just
the summary alone had me hooked. I liked how this book had parts of
many genres - action, suspense, romance, science fiction, etc. It
covered just about everything.

For me, the story started out a
little slow and I was kind of disappointed by the first few chapters
since nothing big was happening yet. But now that I look back on it, I
realize that the author was just setting up the characters, time
period, and background information since it is set in a futuristic
world.

It took me a week or two to get really sucked into the
book, so I began to get in the habit of carrying it around with me
wherever I went in case I had a few minutes of reading time. Because of
the interesting cover, I was asked many times what the book was about.
However, once I started explaining the summary - I just couldn't stop!
So I'll try my best to give a short and to-the-point one. ;]

The
novel is set in a futuristic world in a place called Panem - what's
left of North America, which is run by the government called The
Capital. Each year, The Capital randomly chooses a boy and girl from
each of the 12 districts to compete in the deadly Hunger Games. It is a
televised gory fight to the death, where only one winner, or "victor"
survives in the end. After her younger sister's name was chosen to
fight in the Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen volunteers herself instead.

Now
I'll tell you - this book was unlike anything else I had ever read. The
creativity practically jumped off of each page, screaming in my face.
It's not until a couple of chapters in, once Katniss actually enters
the arena to start the Hunger Games, that it became addicting. I read
the book for the entire five hour drive home from the beach - refused
to put it down even during bathroom breaks and turned down dinner, too!
Even if this doesn't sound like your type of book, it'll be a mistake
if you turn it down. You are missing out on one heck of an amazing book.

I
fell in love with particular characters and cried along with Katniss
when they were brutally murdered by other competitors in the games. I
blushed during awkward moments with Peeta, the baker's son who was also
chosen from the same district to compete. My heart felt like it would
burst out of my chest during intense fighting scenes and I had no idea
what would happen next. Overall, I was completely absorbed in this book
and felt like I literally was in the arena with Katniss during the
Hunger Games. The sudden cliff-hanger ending was a shocker to me, and I
didn't see it coming at all. I am on the verge of outbreak since I have
to wait another month for the sequel to come out! This is by far one of
the most creative, addicting, well-written action and survival books
out there. This would make an AMAZING movie! 

Reader reviewed by Sab H. (Crystal Reviews)

This was way different than anything I have ever read. It is so
life-like it scared me sometimes. Thrilling and breathtaking. I
absolutely adore Katniss. It was so great to see a pants-on girl with
so much personality. She's my hero now. Probably what I liked the most
was her character.

The story was so original, it was hard for me
to imagine. But she really made it work. Collins creates a future world
that is way worse that our present, and maybe most of the past. But
nothing that could not happen. And what a wonderful way to create a
story. In my mind its like a reality show pasted on a book. What an
amazing book.

The cover is maybe my favorite one to date. I love
the fact that it doesn't tell you anything. That's what I love about
books with simple-no-picture covers. Nothing more to say than this one
goes down as one of my new favorite books of al time. Aiming for
Catching Fire!

Reader reviewed by Amy Ward

UNBELIEVABLE!!!  In a good way!!  I just couldn't put it down, read it in two days!  The action is so terrifying yet I couldn't stop reading!  I had to know what happens to Katniss and Peeta.  And the twists are truly amazing!  I can't gush enough about this book, the first in a trilogy!  It is very disturbing, sad, and violent, yet it can be very humorous and romantic.  I had this feeling of dread and terror the whole way through.  I didn't breathe until the final page.  I will not give anything away in this review, just read it for yourself.  I absolutely cannot wait until the next book!

Reader reviewed by Katie

Katniss Everdeen, a spunky and rebellious teenager has taken her sister's place in the annual, and deadly, Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is an annual event where two tributes are sent from each of the twelve districts surrounding the Capital to fight to the death in an arena of terror constructed by the Gamemakers. Only one will survive.

This is very bad news for Peeta, who has been in love with Katniss since she was five, because he is the other tribute from district twelve. After confessing his love in an interview before the tributes are thrust into the arena, the whole country falls in love with the star-crossed lovers.

In this epic adventure, the young pair must face death, gore and grief all while falling in love.

I absolutely love this book and reread it ALL THE TIME! I first heard of it on Stephenie Meyer's website and was a little nervous about reading it, the summary doesn't do it justice. If you read this book, you'll be glad you did!

So go get your own copy and start reading!

Reader reviewed by Mariah

So many people have been talking about how excited they are about the
second book in the Hunger Games series called Catching Fire that comes
out in September that I decided to see what all the fuss was about and
read Hunger Games. I loved it!

It is a great story about the
nation of Panem which consists of a Capitol surrounded by 12 districts,
each year one girl and one boy are chosen from each district to
participate in the Hunger Games where they fight to the death for the
amusement of the people, as well as to show the dominance that the
capitol has over the people.

This book consists of three things
I personally love to see in a book. Edge of your seat adventure,
compelling characters, and a strong female main character.

In
this action filled novel there are hints of romance, feelings of
allegance and caring about another person almost as much as you care
for yourself. Suzanne Collins has created a winning story with the
characters of Katniss, Gale, and Peeta.

Reprinted with author's permission

Reader reviewed by WilowRaven

First off - I loved this book! So many many people have been gushing
about it that honestly, I was afraid I was going to be a little
disappointed. It couldn't be that good, I told myself. I was wrong.
Fabulously written, with a plot line that sucks you in from page one. I
literally could not put this book down until I was finished with every
last fantastic morsel...and then I wanted more! I envy all of you out
there who have snagged ARCs of Chasing Fire! There is so much depth to
this book -- Primitive living conditions set amongst modern technology;
social implications to the indifference to human life; struggle for
survival against the ruling class; the power of manipulation; the power
of both real and imagined love...I could go on and on but instead I'll
say - READ THIS BOOK!
Seriously good - highly recommended - 5 shinning stars

Reader reviewed by Sarah

This book was so incredible. It takes you to a place you never would have imagined, a world thats cruel and brutal, where the citizens have to take place annually in The Hunger Games. A event in which 24 children from the ages of 12 to 18 are taken and dropped into an arena and forced to kill each other until there is one winner. The Hunger Games are used to remind the districts of their place under the capitols rule. When Katniss bravely steps up and volunteers to take the place of her 12 year old sister, she is thrown into a heart-breaking fight for survival and she is also thrown into love.

This book was impossible to put down while reading it. It truly is inspiring and you will be left begging for more when it is over. This book is truly genius.

Reader reviewed by Jessica

Katniss's life has never been easy. After her father was killed in a deadly mine explosion, her mother turned a blind eye from her and her younger sister Prim who were in need of taking care of. Forced to grow up quickly, Katniss struggled to care for her sister while her mother sat emotionless, struggling to live after the death of her husband. Illegally hunting outside of their small District 12, Katniss and her friend, Gale, hunt for anything that they can eat, or use as trade in order to keep food on the table at home.

But when the Hunger Games rolls around, an annual fight to the death to show that the Capitol is in control, and Prim's name is called to compete, Katniss has no other choice but to volunteer and take her sister's place in the fighting. As the games begin, Katniss finds herself falling for the other tribute from her district, Peeta, the boy who had a making in Katniss's survival as a child. When she is destined to kill him in order to survive, how does love come into play?

A shocking novel with startling realities, "The Hunger Games" will leave readers at the edges of their seats, begging for more. A page turner and a quick read, this novel will leave the reader with a different outlook on their own life.

Reader reviewed by tay

this book is about katniss everdeen who lives in district 12 of panem the future of North America. once a year each of the 12 districts has to send one boy and one girl tribute between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete in the hunger games.A fight to the death in an arena where they have to use the elements to survive.the rules are simple the last tribute alive is the winner. When Katniss finds herself as a tribute she must do everything she can to win.
I thought this bookwas amazing. even though the hunger games do not exist I felt like i could relate tothe characters and thier feelings.i would recommend this book to anyone who is ready for an adventure and i cant wait for the sequel.

Reader reviewed by fayeflame

synopsis

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother
and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of
what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the
Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each
district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual
televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and
level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant:
kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up
to go in her place.

The hungers games, just Wow. If you haven't
read it i Strongly recommend it(wow that rhythms). I loved every bit of
it.It was EXCITING, FULL of ADVENTURE, ACTION PACKED, put a little
ROMANCE in the Mix, and you got a great book. I love Katniss as a
heroine,strong, caring and unique individual.Who has a wicked arm with
the bow and arrow. I felt like i was a citizen in the book
watching every bit of it happen.I was rooting for Katniss and Peeta the
whole time. It was funny because when i read i tend to just say
something random and out the blue, well i was kind of yelling at
Katniss the whole time. I yelled "runaway!!!" and my sister just looked
at me like i was crazy and was like shut up. I love this book. The sad
thing is i have to wait for Catching Fire :(