In the ruins of a place known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounding by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death 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 delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this searing novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.” WOW!!! From this moment on, The Hunger Games will be on my list of favorite books. I can honestly say that I have only good things to write about in this review, (which I’m sure you readers know, does not happen often). Katniss Everdeen is by far, one of the best fictional heroines out there. Her spunk and determination keep her going in the fight to save what is most important to her: her family. These qualities are ones that, after reading this, ever girl will strive for. Every single character was well-developed and you couldn’t help but get attached to them all. For example, even though the characters of Katniss’ mother, sister Prim, and best friend Gale, are only present at the beginning of the book, the reader learns so much about them in the following pages, that it is as if they right there next to Katniss. The story itself is a frightening one, with a horrifying premise. I couldn’t help comparing The Hunger Games to The Olympics; how they conduct opening ceremonies, trying to outdo each other’s costumes, and interviews, helping the viewers get to know the contestants. It’s a terrifying though that this is what our country could turn into. When thinking about how much money is spent on the entertainment of movies such as Saw or The Hills Have Eyes, it’s possible to imagine that we could stoop so low as to find watching the live sacrifices of human beings entertaining. The book had just the right amount of gore and violence, with a touch of romance to even things out. When I reached the last page, and saw the words “End of Book One” I felt both elated and frustrated. I am so glad that the world of The Hunger Games will continue, but I don’t think I will be able to wait until the next chapter! I would pay a million dollars to have the next book in my hands right now! But, I guess I’ll have to wait like everyone else…*sigh*
