Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summary: 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 is forced to represent her district 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 Thoughts: I feel like I have to start this review defensively. I’ve heard so much buzz about it, and 99.9% of it has been nothing but gushing reviews. I don’t think I know a single person who has not LOVED this book – or the whole series for that matter. Unlike with the Twilight saga, I was not purposely avoiding this series – I just didn’t have the time to get into it. I’m not so sure I have the time NOW, but I’m willing to make it to finish the series!

Yes, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is very, very good. Very good. If you have not read it, you MUST! It really is an amazing, and quite emotional, tale. However, I have to wonder where the idea for this rather gruesome premise came from! LOL It does make a good story, though.

Peeta. Love him. Love him. I haven’t seen enough of Gale to know how I feel about him, but I’m guessing I’ll see a lot more of him soon enough. So, in the absence of much Gale time, I gotta say I really wanna see Katniss with Peeta. But, of course, that’s subject to change – I’ll let you know how I feel after I read Catching Fire!

Anyway … Katniss a fabulous character. Absolutely fabulous. She’s a strong, kick-ass female lead, but she still has a heart. And her voice is fantastic. She’s very likable, and understandable. I cannot gush about her enough. In a few spots, I found myself chuckling about a comment or whatnot. In a few other spots (and more memorable spots, I must add), I was near tears. When she first enters the arena (when saying good-bye). Rue. At the Reaping. To name a few …

One thing I don’t like about first-person narratives is that most of the time you know that particular character will make it through. After all, how could they tell the story if they don’t? So, while there’s excitement and some suspense as I’m reading to see how it all plays out, it’s not nearly as strong as it could have been. And, honestly, The Hunger Games didn’t leave me overcome with emotion, feeling like this was the best thing since sliced bread. So, that’s to answer the beginning of this – why I didn’t give it 5 stars. Plus, I have a feeling this will play out like The Wolves of Mercy Falls did for me – I like each consecutive book a bit more than the last. I remember when Catching Fire came out, and the reviews about that – especially about the ending. I didn’t read them too closely, so I don’t fully remember too well. I just remember reading about it.

Anyway … The Hunger Games is a very good book, and Suzanne Collins is clearly an amazing author. YES! I would definitely recommend it (and I plan to purchase the whole series as soon as I am able). I cannot wait to have time to read the rest of the series! And, I am SUPER excited about seeing the movie next year!

Source: Borrowed an e-copy through ebookfling.

Read It: Get your own copy HERE. (This is a Book Depository link, and purchase through this link will result in my receiving a small commission at no cost to you. Your support is appreciated!)

Challenges: Counts for 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011, the 2011 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge, the Wish I’d Read That Challenge 2011, and Follow that Blurb Reading Challenge (this is a dead end, too, but since I like this one, I’ll hope for a blurb in/on one of the other two books in the series).

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FTC Disclosure: All items reviewed were either obtained by me for my own enjoyment or sent (from the author, publisher, publicist, via tour sites, etc.) in exchange for an honest review. I receive no monetary compensation for my posts. All opinions expressed are my own.

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