Synopsis: In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.
Where do I start? Well, When I first read the synopsis of this book, I immediately thought of the Japanese move Battle Royale. The idea of teenagers being put into a fight to the death was the same, so I put off reading it for a long time. Big mistake. I can't believe I deprived myself of this book! The characters were very well developed and believable. There is action, violence, and a little romance. The book works as a standalone, and doesn't feel like it needs a sequel although it's the first in a trilogy. As soon as I finished, I HAD to go out and buy book two, Catching Fire. It's probably best to read them back to back, because the second one picks up right where book one left off. There is a movie planned for release in late 2010, so read it now so you're ahead of the game!
The Cover: The cover really didn't do much for me at first. I thought it was kind of bland at first, but after reading the book, I thought it fit the tone perfectly. If I had to choose the book based entirely on the cover, I would give it a pass.
Recommended if you like: Uglies series, Battle Royale, Skinned, Unwind
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Review: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
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Well, what can I say.... I'm actually reading this book now for my summer reading. And i would go with your opinion. I thought it was bland from the cover of the book at first but as you read further on into, like, chapter 3 or 4, I'd say the book is very... very riveting. There's the mix of a bit violence and romance. And if I were to rank it, I'd give it a 10.99 with an bar notation. I mean, where do you find authors like these? If I am right, I'd say that Suzanne Collins is a very educated and talented woman. And I'm not even finished with MIDDLE SCHOOL yet, but when I read a good book, I can tell that it'll be good. And this book was beyond good it was outstanding! And I'm looking forward to being an author when I could and I am also looking forward to reading the rest of the Hunger Games Saga. Reply if you would. Oh, and by the way, your website is very helpful. =D
ReplyDeleteIf you continue with the series, the final book is very different from the first and second. You can tell from Mockingjay that Collins is very intelligent. Some people don't like the last book, but I loved it.
ReplyDeleteThe best advice that I can give you about writing, is stuff I've picked up from the various authors I know:
1. Read a LOT.
2. Write a lot. Write everyday. Even when you don't feel like writing. It may seem like crap, but every first draft of anything sucks.
Thanks for saying my site is helpful! You just made my day. :)