The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
Synopsis (Goodreads)
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, 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 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 will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
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 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 will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Quote
"Kind people have a way of working their way inside me and rooting there." — Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games)
Review
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I was a bit hesitant to dive into it; the dystopian genre isn't one of my favourites.
Although the first half of this novel was rather slow, I became entirely captivated by this original plot.
The very concept of "The Hunger Games" is cruel, thrilling, and action-packed. The main character of Katniss Everdeen lived up to my "kick-ass" heroine standard and embodied a very rare strength. Furthermore, I found myself caring for the many characters despite the threat of their certain deaths.
This book, however, is not a romance. Although it dabbles in the beginnings of a possible love triangle, it is mostly about the twisted existence of a world controlled by the elite classes. It is about how the underdogs are given the chance to fight back against injustice. "The Hunger Games" is heart-breaking, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming.
Although the first half of this novel was rather slow, I became entirely captivated by this original plot.
The very concept of "The Hunger Games" is cruel, thrilling, and action-packed. The main character of Katniss Everdeen lived up to my "kick-ass" heroine standard and embodied a very rare strength. Furthermore, I found myself caring for the many characters despite the threat of their certain deaths.
This book, however, is not a romance. Although it dabbles in the beginnings of a possible love triangle, it is mostly about the twisted existence of a world controlled by the elite classes. It is about how the underdogs are given the chance to fight back against injustice. "The Hunger Games" is heart-breaking, heart-wrenching, and heart-warming.
The Movie
I'm kind of excited for the movie adaptation of this book, but I'm not sure about some of the casting choices :S
Katniss
Gale and Peeta
*I have been a bad, bad, bad blogger for the summer months...Horrific actually...I'm trying to get back on the book-blogging wagon...If that makes any sense :P
I loved this entire trilogy, as a whole. It was thought-provoking and scary and gritty. I'm so glad you enjoyed THG. Great review!
ReplyDeleteGale or Peeta? :D
Oh my God I feel ANCIENT. I recognised the guy on the right and was like, "Hang on! It's that sweet little boy! But he's all grown up!" Sigh .. time sure flies while you're wading through middle age :-)
ReplyDeleteNice blog by the way! Will come back to read more!
Awesome blog and I love the post!
ReplyDelete-Lauren http://lrjohnson13.blogspot.com