Review: Hunger Games

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
ISBN/Publisher: 978-0-439-023481/Scholastic Press
Age Group/Genre: Young Adult

This book puts our familiar reality-type television into a pretty terrifying future. And this future is kind of scary because the Hunger Games are a way for the controlling government of the twelve districts to entertain and scare its people. Each district picks one boy and one girl to represent them in the games. And these representatives need to survive...literally the one left alive is the winner.

Katniss Everdeen is a sixteen-year old and decides to take the place as representative for her district instead of letting her little sister (the one originally chosen) do it. Now, Katniss and Peeta ( a boy she has always felt a need to pay back because of a nice deed he did when they were children) are representing District 12.

Wow, what a book. I wasn't so sure about this one from the start because of all the hype around it. But, the book really did live up to it all. The Hunger Games provides so much action and emotional aspects for the reader that it really can be for all types of readers.

It is filled with action, but the characters are so wonderful and well written. We get Katniss, a wonderful heroine, who is willing to die for her family. She loves her sister so much and it really is beautiful to read a story about such a strong family bond. And then there is Peeta (it took me awhile, but I eventually got the whole Peeta name...pita bread and his dad's a baker...was that on purpose?) He is a sweet kid and thought provoking, that it makes you wonder how he'll survive in the "games." Lastly, there is Gale...the sweet friend that has always been there for Katniss and promised to help look out for her mother and sister. From the get-go, he was my guy. Now I wonder what will happen throughout the series...who does she choose? Does she choose anyone?

I absolutely loved this book and totally recommend it to everyone. This book is getting so much praise and YES it really does deserve all of the wonderful praise! Go get it and be prepared to be surprised a the end of almost every chapter...you won't be able to put it down!!!

A few favorite parts...

I loved the gestures in this book...
At first one, then another, then almost every member of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out tom me. It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district, occasionally seen at funerals. It means thanks, it means admiration, it means good-bye to someone you love. page 24

There is a song in the book that was sooo sweet...here is a bit of it...
Here your dreams are sweet and tomorrow brings them true. Here is the place where I love you. page 235

My Rating

(This was won from a contest on Teens Read and Write)

***Now go and grab your fave cup of tea or because it's Maureen Johnson's month, grab her fave: iced tea...or anything with ginger...or mint (or whatever beverage you prefer) and HAPPY readings***