The Hunger Games - A Book Review
Sunday, April 26, 2009
This book was absolutely incredible! Suzanne Collins has created a mind boggling post "humanity" world. The United States is gone and what is left is the country of Panem, divided into 12 colonies or districts. The government is controlling the various districts and wants them to always remember who has the ultimate power-- them, the government.
They create The Hunger Games where each district sends tributes: 2 children a boy and a girl to fight ala gladiator style-- to the death. All of this televised on TV-- with people cheering on their favorites and taking bets. The winner getting glory and much needed supplies sent to their district.
Its the latest, greatest version of "reality TV"... gone wrong.
The book is intense, mind boggling and gut wrenching. Yet there were times where I laughed right out loud. I was nervous for the games to begin. How can a society that watches children killing children be humane?
I was completely hypnotized. The book is addicting-- I had to keep reading. I had to continue to see how it all plays out. I knew it wasn't real, and and yet I was completely transported into the land of Panem and truly believed that I was there-- in the arena with Kat, fighting for my life.
It has been a long time since a book as grabbed me and transported me into its world. The Hunger Games did just that. For days after, I would find myself thinking about Kat and Peeta. I would hear a strain of familiar music and immediately think that it would be perfect in this scene, or that.
It has enough suspense, horror and the requisite love triangle to make for a perfect read. I could have turned around and started again with this book-- finding new discoveries with each turn of the page.
The author has created a believable future. I found myself often thinking "Just how far are we from something like this? What will 100 more years bring?" Don't believe me? Take a look at the reality shows on cable.
This book is billed for "young adult" readers, but that would imply that it was "meat head" reading, or that you would not need a brain to follow along. (Which is how a lot of people view young adult fiction.) Collins writing is smart. How else do you explain the humor that Katniss displays; a person being stung to death by gigantic wasps and adult compassion as Katniss "saves" someone from mutant werewolves?
Collins, like J.K.Rowling, is not your typical, predictable young adult author. I for one, cannot wait for Book Two.
View all my reviews.
4/26/09 12:12 PM
OOh I can't wait to go and check it out. I might have to go and buy it on amazon right now... Thanks for the heads up. I always love a good read.
4/26/09 12:55 PM
I am looking forward to book two as well. This book was so good. I could really feel for Kat. I love that in this book has a female heroine. Strong and smart....after Bella in the Twilight series...Kat is a breath of fresh air.
4/26/09 2:13 PM
Your review was perfect timing - this is the next book my book club is reading. I really had no idea what it is about. Now I really excited to read it. I'm going to take your review to bookclub Wednesday and read it to them - I'm sure they'll love the preview.
Thanks!
4/26/09 2:43 PM
Stephenie Meyer (Twilight author) recommended this book on her website...it didn't grab me at the beginning but by the middle, I was hooked!
4/26/09 3:58 PM
Thanks, I am always looking for a good book. I am reading Mister Pip right now. m
4/26/09 10:26 PM
My neighbor was just talking about this one. She said it was both completely compelling and captivating and horrifying all at the same time. She would agree that the writing is excellent but didn't recommend it unless you wanted to experience the intense emotions it evoked.
I'm a fluff reader. I'll own it. I am. I'll probably skip this book but not because I haven't heard it's incredible.
4/26/09 11:18 PM
I loved this book!! Just as soon as I got over how morbid it is that someone actually thought up a plot where kids had to kill other kids...
Seriously though - a good book.
4/27/09 11:16 AM
I'm so glad you reviewed this book because I have it on my "to get" list. It sounds AWESOME!
4/27/09 1:50 PM
I am excited to read this. I'm on the waiting list at the library. I enjoyed your thoughts.
4/27/09 2:01 PM
So, today I was driving through an intersection near your home. My kids were screaming and fighting in the back seat. I was talking on my cell phone with my sister. (I know - safe, alert driving. :) . . . When someone honked at me! It scared me to death! I thought I was just about to cause an accident. Then, I noticed someone waving at me. I was so frazzled that I don't even think I waved back. I think that someone may have been you. :) Thanks for saying, "hi." Ha. Ha.
4/27/09 7:14 PM
Me. Want. Book. Now.
I gotta start a list or something ...
4/27/09 10:59 PM
wow--I wasn't going to read this--but I will go with your reccomendation! Thanx for sharing!
4/28/09 2:05 PM
I just finished reading this. It was absolutely incredible! I read it in less than 24 hours, couldnt put it down.
5/4/09 3:34 PM
Loved...LuVd...LOvEd this book.