The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)

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.

Reader reviewed by VFang

The Hunger Games is an amazing book. I could not stop reading it and have in fact have read it more times than I can count. The story is set around a girl who to save her little sister and a chance to end her family's poverty enters the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a deadly battle of wit, skill, and luck. Their can only be one winner and that is the person left alive. The book is filled with struggles and accomplishment. About a girl finding herself and revolting against an unjust system. Amazing book!!!

Reader reviewed by MssJos

I can't be sure what inspired Collins to write this, but I am very thankful that she did. Set in the future, in the ruins of a place once called North America, Katniss Everdeen embarks on an adventure like no other. Katniss's community unwillinging participates in something mandated by the government called the Hunger Games. Similar to Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, the Hunger Games begin with a drawing that places 24 adolescents, ages 12-18, against each other in a televised fight to the death.

While I was initially unsure of how I would feel about this futuristic far-fetched plot, I ended up reading the entire novel from start to finish in one sitting.I simply could not put it down. Katniss is a believable and admirable character that draws readers in, and keeps them cheering for her in the deadly competition all through the novel. What Katniss finds in the wilderness-style death arena, is surprising. Love, compassion, and revenge help Katniss remain a contestant in the competiton far longer than even she expected.

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

THE HUNGER GAMES is without doubt one of the best books I have ever read. 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen lives with her family and friends in what used to be North America. Now, its divided up into 12 impoverished fenced-in Districts and ruled by the faraway Capitol of Panem. The Capitol keeps all the Districts in line by hosting the annual Hunger Games. One boy and one girlcalled tributesare randomly selected to fight all the other tributes to the death on live TV.

Katniss frantically volunteers in place of her beloved and delicate young sister, Prim, when Prim is chosen. While Prim would not have stood a chance, Katniss is strong and resourceful. Often she has hunted illegally in the woods outside of their district to provide food for her family.

She is joined in the Hunger Games by Peeta Mellark, the bakers son. Katniss is a coal miners daughters and thus their socioeconomically different lives have never crossed, except once when Peeta basically saved her life. But now she knows that they must kill each other if they want to get out of the Hunger Games alive&even if they may or may not have feelings for each other.

THE HUNGER GAMES is suspenseful, action-packed, and well-written, with an endearing love story. Suzanne Collins spins a terrifying dystopian world for readers. I was only sad when the book ended too soon and left some important issueswill anything be done about the totalitarian government?unanswered. However, the ending seems to promise a sequel, which I will anxiously await.

Reader reviewed by Chey

I absolutely could not put this book down. I ended up reading it in one sitting because it was that good! Its unique, heartwrenching and interestingly morbid. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time fearing for Katniss' life. I smiled and even cried reading this one. The Hunger Games is one of the most unique books I've ever read and I recommend it to anyone who doesn't mind a bit of gore and murder!