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Loading... The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, Book 1) (edition 2008)by Suzanne Collins
2   fyrefly98 | Dec 9, 2009 | 
The Hunger Games is a fantastic book/series. The thrilling tale follows Katniss Everdeen, a young girl who is left to care for her family after her dad is killed in a mining accident. She lives in District 12, which is one of the 12 Districts that are all under control by the capital. Katniss’s little sister Prim is chosen to compete in the The Hunger Games (a competition where 24 tributes are chosen to fight to the death.) Katniss volunteers to take her place and is sent off to the capital to compete. The Hunger Games series is an amazing read. It is a book/series that can’t be missed. The plot and details are amazing. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The ending of the book was amazing. It leads into the second book. I was really impressed by the book and I would recommend it to anyone (  ) ctmslusc | Feb 12, 2012 | This novel grabbed me from the very beginning. The writing is strong and confident - it made me feel my own writing is simply timid, and I should just start over! The main character, Katniss Everdeen, has a strong personality - no, the whole book has its own personality. It's gripping from the opening, on the eve of an event we would have trouble imagining but is a yearly occurrence in Katniss's world. From there, well, just be ready for a ride. ( ) monica67 | Feb 9, 2012 | You can also read my review here: http://www.turningthepages.ca/2012/01/review-hunger-games.html WOW, I feel like I have finally been let in on a really big secret. After many, MANY months of hearing about The Hunger Games and then receiving the trilogy as a Christmas gift, I finally decided it was time. Just the premise of the story is so intriguing. A fight to the death, live on TV and in front of the entire country. It makes me get chills just thinking about it. When The Hunger Games officially started, I found myself comparing it to the TriWizards Cup from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but in reality, it was so much more. My emotions ran just about every course they possibly could. At points I found myself so disgusted with the 'Capitol' and even the idea that the Games could be a form of entertainment and then thought about the fact that I sit in front of the television and watch pretty well every single possible reality tv show there is. When in Rome, right?!?! But to imagine it being my child, my sibling, my friend, heck... me, in that arena, no way. Suzanne Collins ability to tell a story takes your breath away. As night falls in the arena and you believe things will be calm, you need to think again. Stopping at any point in this story is possibly dangerous for your health! Overall, an amazingly well written story that will leave you not only on the edge of your seat but so involved in the story that you will have to immediately read the sequel, Catching Fire. ( ) LindsayGentles | Feb 9, 2012 | What would you do if you had to fight to death? Would you try to win, or give up immediately? Katniss Everdeen is faced with such a decision, and is at a loss for what to do. Will things change even more when she finds out who she will be battling against: When Katniss' little sister, Prim is chosen in a random drawing to be one of the tributes in the hunger games, she just about flips out. Being the great sister she is, Katniss switches places with Prim. Once she is in the arena, she finds death, dehydration, disease, and heat. In order to survive, she is going to need more than just herself. She tries her best to work with the situation, but will she crack under pressure? The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was an amazing book. It takes you through the struggles of life, and teaches you to never give up. I found this book way too hard to put down, and was biting my nails throughout the story. The book was jaw dropping, and empowering. Suzanne Collins' descriptive words and rich sentences add life to the book, bringing it alive. If I was able to, I would read this book over and over again. During the book you feel like a character in the games, and pour your own emotions into the characters. I found myself literally yelling at the characters, telling them what not to do. I would definitely recommend this book. If you are looking for a great read, or a thriller, this is the book for you. This book is great for all ages, and is part of a three book series. ( )1 ctmsjola | Feb 8, 2012 | What can I say other than this is an absolutely amazing book! Everyone should read it, both child and adult alike! Set in a future after the fall of North America, Panem rises from the ashes and each year hosts the Hunger Games where tributes are sent from districts all across the land to fight until the death. Katniss Everdeen, from District 12, takes the place of her 12-year-old sister alongside the male tribute from her district, Peeta Mellark. The Hunger Games chronicles Katniss' fight for survival and hopes of making it back to District 12 alive. Since the Harry Potter series ended, I've been looking for another book or series that really sucks me in as much, and I believe that The Hunger Games trilogy is it. For most books, I'm usually a slow and measured reader, but when I really get into one I can devour it quickly, and that is exactly what I did. I definitely recommend it for those who enjoy dystopian novels, but want one that isn't too incredibly cerebral and heavy. Also, I think those who enjoy wilderness adventures would be able to get into The Hunger Games as it is at it's core a novel about survival. And if you are looking for something new after HP, I can definitely see this being a new time filler! Five stars! Absolutely perfect! ( ) MeganAngela | Feb 8, 2012 | I was surprised to enjoy this so much. Yes, I know that everyone raves about it, but everyone raved about the dreck that is Twilight too.... I finally decided to pick this up after hearing someone that I respect say how wonderful it was, and I was not disappointed. Totally compelling, fast paced, and does not read like a YA book (i.e. talk down to it's readers). It reads like a great novel. I am very curious to see where book two goes. Katniss Everdeen takes her sister's place in the annual Hunger Games, where 24 teenagers enter an arena and only one leaves. These teenagers are chosen randomly as a tribute to the Capitol, (which keeps them all so safe the rest of the year). Love the book, but Katniss struck me as kind of dense for not realizing that Peeta is not playacting. Very good. ( )2 bookwormteri | Feb 8, 2012 | Every year, each district from Panem has to give 2 tributes to the Capitol. The tributes are one girl and one boy, between the ages of 12 and 18 that will compete in the Hunger Games. 24 kids will enter the Arena…and then fight for their lives, since the victory is determined by who remains alive. This year, Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl from district 12 has volunteered in order to save her younger sister live, as a tribute, and along with Peeta, her male counterpart is sent to the Capitol for the games. The Capitol is a little bit like Rome in the old days, and the games…well, they are like the gladiators arena. I really liked this book, read it like there was not tomorrow . The way Collins presents her characters makes you feel you really knew them. Katniss is a hard to love, hard not to heroine, and life has made her tougher than she looks. The description of the environment, the arena and the games itself was really involving, and I shivered every time I knew she was about to attack, my muscles tensed, and even though never in my life have I tried the bow and arrow, by the end of this book, I had the vivid feeling of reaching to my back for a new arrow. (  ) CaroPg | Feb 8, 2012 | *The Hunger Games When i think of the Hunger Games and what the Capitol is making those poor people of Panem do, i sort of think of concentration Camps. The way they are trapped on all sides by electric fences. Instantly killed when trying to escape the districts. The way the Capitol turns everyone against each other. If i were ever in the position to kill someone I loved, I would have done the same thing she had. Killing anyone in general would be horrifying. I couldn't imagine ever leaving the Games the same way I would have went in. Its quite sad how the Capitol does stuff like that. Killing kids that way. Destroying families. Taking away a persons life and viewing it as a source of entertainment. Its crule, and wrong on so many levels. With all of that, it makes the book so intriguing. luring you in with ever word. The strong pain, hatred and love that the book tells, makes you feel all the feelings the characters have. SarahRamon1416 | Feb 7, 2012 | Original review from Little Book Owl The Hunger Games would have to be my favourite book I have read this year (2011). Amazing. Incredible. Just awesome. I don't know how to express my love for this book - this is probably the hardest review I have done yet. It's almost impossible to find the right words to truly express how I feel about it. When I finished I was in some sort of shock. I just lay there and stared off into space thinking about the book and the characters and what would happen next! I could not put this book down. Collins created a such a dramatic, chaotic world that completely drew me in. The futuristic and post-apocalyptic was intriguing, along with all of the elements created by Collins. The contrast between the lifestyles of different districts, the technological advances, the futuristic fashions and the frightening mutated creatures that the tributes engage with, are only some of the aspects which just captivate you even more. Katniss Everdeen. An incredibly well crafted protagonist. Her strength was immensely valuable to the whole story, and I don't think The Hunger Games would have been as magnificent from the perspective of any other personality or character. Katniss' passion and love for her sister, Prim, is inspirational and truly reflects her inner strength - she goes to the extreme to protect her. Her strength and bravery really shines through when in the arena, and you begin to truly understand the hardships she has had to endure. The supporting characters were effectively and appropriately developed, and the relationships between some of the characters and Katniss are so vivid; you feel as if you really know them. As a result of some of these relationships, there are some really emotional scenes. There is so much loss and pain. In particular, the relationship and romance between Katniss and Peeta (male tribute for their district) makes me all bubbly inside, and my stomach flutters a little. Their relationship is controlled a lot by their situation in the Games, and they are forced to be very affectionate to win over their audience, but I love them nonetheless. The romance was expertly intertwined throughout the novel, adding a layer of softness to the story and it sure made the Games all the more entertaining. My only issue is the cliff hanger at the end. The most annoying ending I have come across yet, because I didn't have the second book and it would take me a while to get it.. The wait was torture! I couldn't stop thinking about Katniss, Peeta, Gale, the arena and what on earth could happen next! This book deserves all of the hype it can possibly get. Truly amazing, terrifying, heart wrenching and full of action. If you have not read this.. you are insane! Go and buy the whole trilogy. You won't regret it. ( ) LittleBookOwl | Feb 6, 2012 | An amazing can't put down book. I can't believe it took me so long to read this. I literally stayed up all night and finished it the next day. I am now reading Catching Fire and think the series is worthy of all the praise it has gotten. No wonder it has been on best seller lists forever! Characters are so well developed that they stay with you and are almost real. Although it isn't the kind of plot I would normally read, I am so glad my book club pushed me to it. ( ) Kanellio | Feb 6, 2012 | "The Hunger Games" is a suspenseful novel that takes place in future North America. All that remains are 12 districts, each completely controlled by "The Copitol." Every year, the capitol draws 2 names from each district to participate in the Hunger Games, in which they must fight to the death. Katniss, a head-strong, 16 year old girl from district 12, courageously takes her sister's place and voluntarily goes into The Hunger Games. The second name that is drawn is that of a boy, Peeta, whom Katniss has known all her life and has helped to keep her family from starving to death. Katniss ends up winning against all odds, and although Katniss has made some allies, it seems as though the capital is not through with her. (  ) esproull | Feb 5, 2012 | Gripping page-turner. I tend to like dystopian novels, and this one did not disappoint. I gave it 3.5 stars because it gave me nightmares and kept me from sleeping. Very violent. (  ) Marared9 | Feb 5, 2012 | This was a good, quick, fun book. It wasn't meant to be either deep or challenging; and it wasn't. But many of the characters had enough depth to be memorable and meaningful. My only complaint was that Katniss's misunderstanding of the motives of others (especially Peeta) were too naive to be believable. Granted, she was just 16...but still. The misunderstandings that guided her actions were overly simplistic. But it's a small complaint. I'll definitely read the rest of the trilogy. ( )1 richard.thurman | Feb 1, 2012 | What would you do for your family? Would you devote every spare minute for their survival? Would you bend or even break the law? Would you sacrifice your life for theirs? Katniss, the head-strong though not always well-liked protagonist of The Hunger Games is nothing if not loyal to her family, especially her sister, whose place she takes in the arena of the Hunger Games. Suzanne Collins does a masterful job of storytelling that captivates the reader from the very beginning. While you may be somewhat horrified by the premise of the story and disturbed by the violence, you will nevertheless be enthralled by the characters. While this novel may be aimed at young adults, older adults should not deny themselves the pleasure of reading it, too. ( ) Maydacat | Jan 31, 2012 | Well what can I say about The Hunger Games that hasn't been said already. This book has been on my TBR pile for awhile now and thanks to Adam @ Roof Beam Reader I finally put it on my list to get read this year (plus the movie is coming out and I didn't want to see that before I read the book). Almost everyone knows what the plot is to The Hunger Games. It is set in a dystopian world that for fun (like the Romans and the Colosseum) like to pit children from different Districts against each other in a battle to the death. Now each District has certain advantages depending on what their District is noted for. Katniss and Peeta are from District 12, one of the poorest of the Districts. Katniss originally is not drawn but instead her sister, Prim, is. Katniss knows that Prim would not stand a chance if she goes, so Katniss volunteers to go. Right away, Katniss and Peeta's sponsors know that they have to be very creative so they play the forlorn lovers angle. Katniss, whose best friend Gale (love triangle alert) is watching back home is forced to go along (or is she?). Katniss and Peeta really compliment each other. Peeta has the strength and Katniss has the brains. I did enjoy Collin's dystopian world. There is a lot that I know is going to happen in the next two books that I look forward to reading. A caution to all YA readers is that some parts are quite violent but what would you expect when you are fighting to the death. Great read and I think it will be a hit when the movie comes out. Collin's writing is quite visual and I could see some of these scenes play out on the big screen. ( )1 Kelsey_O | Jan 31, 2012 | This was my first encounter with first person, present tense POV. It took a little getting used to because I am so interested in getting into the heads of/the psychology of all the other characters. First person POV did not afford me that opportunity.However, I did find that Ms. Collins managed to get me deep into the head of Katniss. She made me indifferent to some characters while remaining standoffish to others. I think she pulled this off quite nicely. The present tense provided a more immediate feel for the situation. The tension was good. The pacing was good. I found myself not wanting to put it down, even when real life called. Overall, I loved this story. It is very reminiscent of Lord of the Flies and Running Man, with a hint of Romeo and Juliet. A struggle for survival. Playing a game of life or death, and only one can emerge the victor. I'm not big on the whole romance thing, though. At least it wasn't dripping in it. Not sure how that will play out in the following two books, though. But we'll see. The only real problem I had with the story, and it really is a minor one, is that it was too predictable. I pretty much figured everything out. Like I said, this is a minor irritant. After all, the book's intended audience is for the "Young Adult", not someone like me. The overall story, the characters, the plot, everything was rather enjoyable and I wanted to keep reading even when life got in the way. I will be reading the other two books soon enough. ( ) LadyJai | Jan 31, 2012 | This book is an exciting, but fairly simple read. It has a lack of detail that good literature does, and is obviously written for a younger audience. I read this book in one sitting, about 4 hours. You cant get through Tolkien like that. That being said, the story is entertaining, the setting a grim view of our future, and it should make an equally entertaining movie. I will read the rest of the trilogy. (  ) rexmedford | Jan 30, 2012 | This book was great and the only bad part about it was that the first of three parts was the most boring thing i have ever read. after that the book got more interesting especially when the games began.the book then became highly entertaining, action-packed and full of twists and turns that keep you reading. this book hands down has to be one of the best i have ever read. ( ) ctmsludu | Jan 30, 2012 | Loved it! ( ) EShoup | Jan 29, 2012 | From the moment I picked this book up, I couldn't put it down. Finally I understood what all those Harry Potter and Twilight addicts felt when reading the books. The combination of interesting story, great detail and plenty of twists and turns put this book firmly in my favourites. ( ) eesti23 | Jan 28, 2012 | Katniss lives in a world where hardship, hunger, death, are more ever present than most people who would read these books could imagine. Her country is split into 13 districts, the 13th of which rebelled a long time ago. To put the constituents in their places, every year there is a war game of sorts, where 2 children are randomly selected from the remaining provinces, and forced to fight each other to the death. Katniss lives in the poorest district, with her young sister and her widowed mother. She has done all she can since the death of her father to take care of her family. It is a shock when her sister's name is chosen to take part in the brutal and violent games. Katniss can't let her sister do this, of course, and so goes in her stead. You know, from the very start, that Katniss is going to win. I mean, this is a YA book, and the first in the trilogy no less. Killing off the beloved heroine would be foolhardy and a betrayal to the readers. What you don't know is what's going to happen to the friends she makes along the way. And yes, Katniss makes friends... In a place where each child is fighting for their own survival, Katniss gets herself some allies, and shows her entire world how it is she earns those allies, earning her entire provinces of allies even. I couldn't put the book down when I was reading it. The storytelling was masterful. I'm quite fond of YA books, and this dystopian world fit my mood at the time. The first book is definitely well worth the read, even if you don't continue on with more books in the series. ( )1 nookbooks | Jan 28, 2012 | I enjoyed the Hunger Games book and am looking forward to reading Catching Fire. From the first chapter this book grabs your attention. I like survival stories. This one based in an apocalyptic future with a sadistic totalitarian government which makes 22 children fight to the death in a gladiator match every year is no exception. I felt that the themes were well thought out. I am really glad Suzanne Collins has put together such a great series dealing with issues like poverty, war, hunger, and death. This is what sets this book apart from most books for your adults. I hope the other books in the series work towards an ethical climax. Cant Wait for the movie in March ( ) boes0106 | Jan 28, 2012 | With the movie coming out, I figured it was type to finally read The Hunger Games, which people have been suggesting to me for years. I am glad I finally did. This is a wonderful dystopian with plenty of twists in a world I want to learn more about. I didn't think it would be my type of book, but I was more than pleasantly surprised. ( )1 bookwyrmm | Jan 27, 2012 | Interesting view of a future society. Well written showing the conflicts that often arise within us. Makes a great point of societal pressures and the fears that lie behind the need to control others. Great strong character. ( ) jubook | Jan 26, 2012 | Excellent science fiction book which has application to the world today. Great commentary on war and allegiences. YA book. Hard to describe. ( ) dustinthewind | Jan 26, 2012 | |
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RatingAverage: (4.51)
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When Katniss hears her younger sister's name drawn at the Reaping, she panics. There's no way Prim can possibly survive - and so Katniss volunteers to go in her place. However, District 12 - mainly made up of poor coal miners - hasn't had a Hunger Games champion in years, and no one expects much out of Katniss or Peeta, a baker's son who is the male Tribute. Katniss does have a slight advantage - she's been illegally hunting to provide for her family for years - but in the kill-or-be-killed world of the Hunger Games, food may be the least of Katniss's worries.
Review: To give a brief flavor of my opinion of this book, I'm actually going to give you my friend's opinion first. I finished The Hunger Games, and immediately went raving about it to a friend who shares a similar taste in books. I managed to convince her to start it sooner rather than later, and a few hours after she started reading, the following IM conversation took place:
Her: "OMG THE HUNGER GAMES IS SO GOOD. It's caps-lock good."
Me: "Told you."
And it is. It really is caps-lock good. It's so good, I can't believe that no one told about it before. Okay, fine, people have been saying how good it is for at least the past year, but I can't believe no one has ever sat me down and said "No, really, you need to read this, and you need to read it now." Dystopian novels are typically very hit-or-miss for me, but this one was a hit. A big one.
I'll start with the positives. First, this book is insanely compelling. I listened to the bulk of it almost straight through, completely lost in the story and hating every interruption that made me take off my headphones. This book's got tension and suspense dripping off its pages, and there was just no way I was going to go to bed before finding out what happened to Katniss. This book didn't even have the normal problem of series books that try to create tension; normally I'm not terribly worried for the main characters' lives, since I know there's another book to come, but in this case, I was rarely 100% sure that Katniss was going to come out of the arena unscathed. The action is pretty much non-stop throughout the book, and even when there's nothing actually happening, Katniss is always thinking, always planning, and it was always completely riveting. She's a very well-developed and relatable character, and I found myself totally wrapped up with her fate (even if she could on occasion be a little bit thick-headed.)
Now, the negatives: ... I can't really find any. There's a pretty strong element of deus ex machina throughout the story, but that's sort of the point - the gamemakers can do whatever they like to the tributes in the arena. A lot of the technology isn't explained, but since Katniss is a poor girl from one of the outer districts, she'd have no idea how any of it worked anyways. A lot of questions are left unanswered, and topics left unexplored, but not so that it makes the book feel incomplete... just so that I immediately want to dive into the sequel. The only thing I can possibly think to ding it for is the present-tense writing, which normally annoys me... but in this case, even that works to the story's advantage, giving Katniss's predicament a real sense of immediacy.
So, yeah. Caps-lock good. 5 out of 5 stars.
Recommendation: Read it. If you have even the slightest inclination towards dystopian fiction, survival books, modern young adult literature, or really good stories in general, you should pick this one up sooner rather than later. (