"It was this believable premise of the Hunger Games…that drew me into this book."
The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Genre: Young Adult
Book 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.Bec's Rating
Bec's Review
It is sometimes scary to read a book set in the future and sit there, on finishing it, thinking how probable that future is. For me, the Hunger Games is that book. In a world where we have reality television shows on everything from Teen mums, to Survivor, the Hunger Games is just the reality tv show of the future, a fight to the death organised by those who hold all the power and money, and thus need something to entertain them, forcing those who serve them to compete.
It was this believable premise of the Hunger Games, of a Capitol demanding such obedience of its servants that it demands they send their children to this slaughter of a reality television series, in return for the promise of food and supplies for the winners district, that drew me into this book. But it was Suzanne’s Collin’s superb writing which kept me there, which had me devouring page after page until, barely a day later, I was surprised to find I had finished the book. It was a struggle to step away from the story, so desperate was I to find out whether our protagonist, and the other tribute from her district, Peeta, would survive against all the other districts, including those with more time to train their tributes.
Keep in mind that while this book is aimed at young adults, one of its main themes is the Hunger Games, the fight to the death reality style game. Naturally there is death, killing and fighting, but this is nothing overly graphic. If you are worried about whether it is suited for your child, have a read yourself. Though be warned, you may find yourself wanting to keep the book all to yourself as you fall in love with the characters and the series itself.
Like many other stories, this story contains a love triangle. However while some love triangles can become highly distracting from a story, or even just plain silly, this one only adds to the plotline, and keeps you glued to the page. And I have to admit, while I found myself rooting for one of the boys in this love triangle, I soon found myself backing the other entirely, which is not often the case for me.
Disclaimer: May not be appropriate for children due to violence.
