The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

Reader reviewed by Noah Blakely

In the near future, in a place once known as North America, children between the ages of twelve and eighteen battle each other for public entertainment in an annual fight to the death. Two tributes from each of the twelve districts of Panem are sent, one boy and one girl. They have no choice in the matter, because they must do what the Capitol says.

     This is the world of The Hunger Games, a sci-fi young adult novel by Suzanne Collins, the first installment in a breathtaking trilogy. In a brutal, dystopian era, 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen struggles to support her mother and sister in District 12 while the citizens of the Capitol roll around in their riches. The day her sister, Prim, gets her name called in the reaping- the ceremony that decides who will be a tribute in the Hunger Games, a yearly televised fight to the death- is the day her world begins to fall apart. In a split second decision, Katniss offers to go to the Games in place of Prim, an act that most consider a death sentence.

     But, as Katniss soon finds out, her entry into the Games is only the beginning. She is forced to make decisions between survival and life, killing and dying, and the love life she never thought shed have. Slowly, she begins to unearth the dark secrets of the Capitol and its corrupt government, headed by none other than President Snow, the vile, snake-like dictator of Panem. And as it turns out, the Games arent just about winning&

     At first glance, the book cover seems unassuming. A golden bird on a black cover with the title in bold white across the top. It is simple, but it symbolizes the book so much better than a complicated cover would have. Fans of the series know exactly what I mean, but for those that have not read the book, I can say no more, for fear of spoilers. But the cover isnt what draws you into The Hunger Games. It also isnt the synopsis on the inside flap, though that does play a very big part. Instead, what really reels the reader in is the short excerpt on the back showing off Suzanne Collins fast-paced, first-person present-tense style: Once Im on my feet, I realize escape might not be so simple. Panic begins to set in. I cant stay here. Flight is essential. But I cant let my fear show.

     Although there are some controversial themes in the book- I have to admit, children fighting to the death isnt exactly my favorite, either- they only add to this brilliantly crafted novel. There is always something happening to Katniss and the other contenders, and there is always something left for the reader to think about. It is exactly these questions that propel the story along, making it virtually impossible to tear yourself away from its pages. What is going to happen next? How is this going to play out? Even past the thought-provoking issues, The Hunger Games is one of those books you end up getting really emotional over. Since it is such an intimate viewpoint- first-person has that effect- you really get inside Katniss head and experience everything that she experiences, which means that the impact is that much stronger.

     Overall, The Hunger Games was a great read, despite a few sub-plots that got annoying after a while. Suzanne Collins writing style is intense and in your face, and the topic of the book adds to the whole insane mood of it. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a good read, but beware: One you start, theres no going back&

Reader reviewed by Linda L

*previously posted on my book blog, Most Important Letter*

The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic, Inc.
Release date: October 1, 2008
Copy: Paperback, bought

L: This book was one of my favorite dystopian books ever. And its believable. With its kick-ass protagonist Katniss Everdeen and her strange tie to her fellow tribute, Peeta Mellark, and her devotion to her sister Prim, I couldnt get enough of this book.

Rating: 5 out of 5 letter blocks

Sexual content: Theres only kissing. What do you think?
Profanity: None. Awesome. *thumbs up*
Violence: Come on, its a book about kids killing each other. Honestly.
Other notables: Mild drinking (blame Haymitch).

Reader reviewed by Brianna

I think everyone should read this book at some point in their life time it has suspence, chase scenes, and some romance. I can't believe how good it was. I garentee that if you like it you will be wanting more of the hunger games. The very best book i had ever saw. I REALLY THINK YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reader reviewed by Idris

If you are tired of reading books about vampires, werewolves, angels or
ghosts, maybe you should consider reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne
Collins. This story is about normal people who are forced to
participate in a deadly game& where the strongest will be the only
winner.



The story talks about Katniss Everdeen, a really strong girl of only
sixteen years old, who has learned to care for her family, and who
volunteers for the Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, Prim.
Katniss will have to start making choices against friendship and love
if she wants to come back home alive.



I just finished reading the first book of the Hunger Games Series& and
what can I say? Its just amazing. I couldn't stop reading until the
end. Suzanne Collins brings us a different story, an amazing and
breathtaking one& and sometimes cruel.



I highly recommend this book to everybody. Its a must-read.

Reader reviewed by kenz

The Hunger Games is a thrilling, adventurous book about a 17 year old girl

named Katniss Everdeen. Katniss lives with her mom and sister Primrose, in a place

called District 12. There are 13 districts and they are all within a place called Panem.

The capitol is where the president lives. Each district has its own mayor and they each

produce something important to the capitol. 12 produces coal and district 13 produced

nuclear weapons. A long time ago district 13 started a rebellion against the capitol, but

they ended up getting destroyed... district 13 no longer exists. Now every district

celebrates the annual hunger games, a battle to death between 24 tributes to remind

everyone of the rebellion and what can happen if you disobey the capitol. There are

two tributes from each of the 12 districts, a boy and a girl, between the ages of 12 and

17, your name gets taken out of the drawing when you are 18. Prim is now old enough

to enter the Hunger games and since her name is only entered once, all odds are in her

favor. But, during the ceremony, Prims name gets called along with a boy named

Peeta, and Katniss volunteers to take her place. She then promises Prim she will win.



In an epic adventure filled with romance and sorrow, i found this book to be

absolutely AMAZING. From the setting and plot down to the dialogue, everything was perfect. This book is great for any gender boy or girl because its filled with violence and mushy romance. I found its so good i ended up reading all three books within 2 days! I wouldnt suggest this book for anyone under ninth grade, maybe eighth, because it is a bit hard to follow sometimes, but definitely the best book for teens. There was also a good meaning behind the story. What i got out of it was that you need to have faith and stand up for yourself. If someone is treating you unfairly or threatening you, stand up to them. Katniss is a brilliant character and I think a lot of teens will be able to relate well to her. Everyone expects Katniss to be this brilliant rebel but she doesnt really believe in herself. A lot of teens out there feel the same way... like they dont have the confidence, but as Katniss finds it within herself, others can too. I read all three books cover to cover without stopping, I suggest you pick up this book and read it.



As I said before, readers my age will absolutely love this book. I can honestly say it was the best book I have ever read, and i didnt expect it to outdo twilight but it did! I would like to suggest to start reading all three books because there is a movie coming out soon which should be exciting because even if you dont like reading, you can at least watch the book. But seriously, read read read ! I guarantee you will love it.

Reader reviewed by Chandler Jarrels

    Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, is about a young girl named Katniss surviving the cold, gloomy coal town she lives in known as District Twelve.  The futuristic world that Katniss lives in is now divided into twelve districts.  All these districts are run by the strict Capitol District that lives off the industries of the other capitols.  As if running all the districts was not enough, every year the Capitol puts on the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a game of survival of the fittest.  Each district is expected to come up with two contestants, a boy and a girl, who are supposed to fight to the death while killing off the other contestants.  The last one standing wins the games and is set for life with anything that could be imagined.  These contestants are chosen every year through what is known as a Reaping.  A Reaping is like a city wide raffle for ages twelve to eighteen.  As a citizen of any district your name is put in every year.  This year Katniss little sister, Prim, is picked for the Hunger Games.  Since Prim is barley twelve years old she is assured death. Katniss is in shock, for Prim to be chosen out of the thousands of teens in District Twelve chances were so slim but still possible.  Katniss steps in front of her and volunteers to save her sisters life in turn of her own.  She is scared and sad at the same time, Katniss can barley keep from crying as Prim holds on to her, remembering that the reapings of each district are televised she keeps her compsure. After she is picked, the contestants are put into a controlled forest and sent to fight to the death to win the Hunger Games. The games take many twists and turns, through romantic love scenes to bloody battles.
    Hunger Games is more than just a girl fighting for her life. It has deeper meanings and themes that run in through the book. One such theme being that adults cannot control kids so effortlessly as they think. This theme means that kids do have a choice in not only their future but their present time as well.Today parents play a huge role in the lives of kids. Having good parental influence is a great thing in a maturing child, but sometimes parents can become over controlling not letting a kid have a stress free childhood.In some scenarios kids end up having not respect for there parents but either fear or discouraging feelings around there parents. Parents or authority figures are supposed to be someone your not afraid of but respect them them for their caring and affectionate attitudes to a child. An example of this is how Katniss and Peeta are able to outsmart the Capitol and fake their suicides in an attempt to both survive the games.  Another deeper meaning in the book is Katniss lack of confidence in herself.  She believes she is going to die.  As she trains, however, she becomes more aware of her talents. One great tool she discovers is her talent with a bow and arrow.  Like Katniss, so do many kids too often underestimate themselves in certain aspects of their life. Katniss learns to let go and allow herself to believe in her skills to potentially survive the Hunger Games. Underestimating ones self creates many downfalls. People need to be confident in themselves, if confidents is not there then success can not happen. Also when people underestimate themselves it does not let them reach there fullest potential to rise above and succeed.
    This book has definitely targeted teenagers between the ages of fourteen to eighteen years old. It has dramatic violence, illusionary romance and a theatrical storyline thats grabs and keeps the interest of the reader. The twisted love triangle between Peeta and Katniss creates drama and tension in the games and the violence is enough to keep any action junky satisfied.  Hunger Games is well deserving of the highest five star rating and highly recommended for any fortunate reader. 

Reader reviewed by nicole

The Hunger Games:

Book review

            In the book the Hunger Games there is a teenage girl named Katniss, she has the privilege of having to provide for her sister and mother by hunting in the forbidden forest and trading through the black market. Katniss is a well trained warrior, trained by her dad, and knows how to work her way around a bow and arrow. She risks her life every day to make sure her family can stay alive. There are 12 districts in this country that they live in and a powerful government called the Capitol holds all the power. Every year two members from each district will participate in a little thing called the Hunger Games. The drawings are chosen randomly but by the time you are twelve you are eligible to be in the games, it s cruelty. One boy and one girl are chosen from each district and all 24 of them have to fight till the death. They have to fight for their lives and use every tactic they know to stay alive. In the games you have to really watch your back because you never know what will happen next. The games are televised on TV to keep all the districts in check. The reason in the first place for the hunger games is so that what happened to district thirteen never happens again. There are many things you can do during these games but most all of them involve taking a big risk. Only one person survives in the end.

            I believe that this book I well written and the author did a great job with characters. She made the people stand out and make you try to understand what the characters were going through in the book. She made everything appeal to your senses. This book makes you stop and think that as much as we complain about a lot of things we have it pretty much made, we dont necessary have to wonder where our next meal will come from or if our government just decide to kill us all one day. Those things are not in our imagination and that is what Katniss has to go through every day.

            I do suggest that teenagers read this, it is a great book. It makes you slow down and think; maybe appreciate life a little more each day. Next time when you feel like your life sucks, stop and think about the kids who are suffering.

Reader reviewed by Kayleigh

Book Review

            In the book, The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins first writes about Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year old girl from District 12, waking up in her bed on the day of the reaping. Her mother and her sister Prim get ready to go to the square to watch the annual name drawing for the 74^th Hunger Games. The Hunger Games consists of 24 tributes, 2 from each district and they are not your ordinary, friendly competition games. Winning means surviving, also fame and fortune; losing means death. Prim Everdeens name is chosen to be a tribute until Katniss runs to the stage to volunteer to take her place. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark are tributes for District 12 in the 74^th Hunger Games. They will embark on a life changing journey to the Capitol to train, be interviewed, and compete in the Hunger Games.

            At the beginning of Suzanne Collinss book, The Hunger Games, it starts off as an average day and then in the blink of an eye, everything changes. The two main characters head off on their life changing journey together and embark on the most terrifying and fierce battle for their lives. But its not until you reach part two in the book when all the action is set in motion and the gears start turning in this action packed machine of a book.

And then the action takes a back seat and romance takes control, but its not until right before part two where we actually see this romance develop. The book becomes more of a pretend romance as the two main characters pretend to be in love. Collins does a good job with the imagery that the romance creates, especially during the cave scenes. I felt as if I was actually watching the Hunger Games. She creates a mood that is terrifying yet romantic all at the same time.  

But right when you think the book couldnt get more engrossing, a twist is introduced to the story. It involves a sad and horrifying way one can meet their demise as a tribute in the Hunger Games. Even though the topic is gruesome, Collins delivers the right amount of graphic detail without turning the book into a horror novel. She also makes the spilling of blood less gory by turning the death of a girl into a girl that falls asleep in a meadow surrounded by flowers.

So even though Suzanne Collins talks of death and bloodshed, she also talks of romance and how two lovers try to save each others life. The Hunger Games covers a variety of genres- Romance, Action, and a hint of Horror. But it is still a well written book. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes an adventure with little infusions of romance here and there or if one likes romance and action twisted into one little convenient book. I can surely guarantee that that most readers will be in for delightful surprise.

Reader reviewed by Stefanovich

The book  is about a
girl named Katness.  She and her friend, Gale,
hunt and fish outside their poor village. 
They eat what they catch and sell the rest to make money for their
families.   The country she lives in is called Panema; it's where North America once was.  The government
is really strong; it broadcasts a show called The Hunger Games.  One person
from each region is picked to be in the game. 
In the reality show 24 contestants from the same country fight against
each other.   The games are broadcast all over the country and
everyone watches the brutal show. You never know what will happen next.  Katness was the first  in her region to ever volunteer.   Why
would anyone volunteer?   Who was she protecting?
 Youll have to read the book to answer
those questions.

The book  was written
very well; once you got to the games you never wanted to put it down.  In fact the only change I would make is to
get to the games right away.  I felt it
started out slow, but was easy to get into because the reaping" happened so
fast;  all of a sudden she's volunteered  for a  game show that would change and could even end
her life.  It's action packed from then
on.  The whole aspect of her fighting for
her life on a game show was really an interesting idea.  The writer does a great job describing how it
must feel to fight other people from your country who all want to win.  It makes you think about the world we live in
and how different it could be.  The book
goes into detail and really gets your attention.

This book is great for ages 12 and up because it
moves fast.  It also talks about reality
shows which are popular.  I
think that that most readers will be able to imagine themselves in the
story.  Its also good to read books that
make you think.  You can learn a lot from
The Hunger Games, and it isnt boring, so give it a chance.  

Reader reviewed by Danielle

You don't even understand how great this book is!!! I had to read it for a class and I wasn't too excited about it but then once I started reading it I got so into it I just couldn't put it down!! When I finished the book I picked up the second one right away and started reading it...It's so catchy and I love the love setting and the hidden love story it has. It's a great book and if you like books that will keep you attached, you'll love The Hunger Games! <3