Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games
Author:  Suzanne Collins
Published:  2008
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Pages:  374
Genre:  Dystopian fiction
ISBN  9780439023528

www.scholastic.com

"WINNING MEANS FAME AND FORTUNE.
LOSING MEANS CERTAIN DEATH.
THE HUNGER GAMES HAVE BEGUN....

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 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 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 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."

My review:

I first read of this book and series on Facebook.  A friend was reading it and continually commented on just how terrific a read The Hunger Games is!  At least a year passed and it wasn't until I had read several positive reviews and saw the movie trailer that my interest was piqued sufficiently that I had to read The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins to see for myself if it truly was worth all the hype.

Katniss Everdeen's father died in a coal mine blast and her mother slid into a deep hole of depression, leaving Katniss to fend for the family of three, her mother, sister Prim and herself.  The only way to do that was to sneak under the wire fence surrounding their district and hunt for food; both actions considered illegal.  Katniss, though, was determined to do whatever it took to feed her family and herself.  The times are bleak, the government controlling, the food scarce.  Each district has an industry for which it is known and District 12, Katniss' home, is coal mining.  The air is littered with the greasy mists of coal dust.  All in all, one's existence is day to day.  

The Hunger Games is just another cruelty the Capitol inflicts upon its residents.  Each year one boy and one girl from each of the twelve districts is chosen to enter the televised games.  Only one will survive.  One victor.  One tribune.  When Prim is selected, Katniss volunteers herself in her stead, knowing her life is about to change and perhaps be short-lived.  The "fun" is about to begin!

I wholeheartedly admit to LOVING this book!!  I read it on the transit to and from work, during my breaks, including my lunch breaks.  I was so involved in the story that I longed for lunch time just so I could pick up the book again!  It's been a while since I've read a book of this magnitude!  I am just sorry it took so long for me to discover The Hunger Games.  The plot is unique, the characters well-fleshed out and realistic, their emotions and thought processes genuine.  It's an "on the edge of your seat" kind of read. One that stays with you and makes you long incessantly for the next book in the series, which is Catching Fire.  

"I take his hand, holding on tightly, preparing for the cameras, and dreading the moment when I will finally have to let go."

Would I recommend this book?  Without hesitation, yes!  Rated 5/5!!!

Second book in the series is Catching Fire
Third book in the series is Mockingjay

Watch the movie trailer here.