The Hunger Games

While not mind-blowingly good enough for me to rate it five stars, this book will forever be one of the first that comes to mind when I think of YA novels that I grew up with. The world that Suzanne Collins created is heartwrenching and intriguing. Most characters have enough depth to make me want to know far more about them, even more minor characters like Cinna. Katniss is a strong female character, and her practical, straightforward mindset is nice to see in a woman in YA. She is not "above" romance but, realistically, has far greater concerns throughout the story. I found Peeta a little flat and boring, but his level-headedness and devotion to Katniss are endearing. Interestingly, Haymitch has always been my favourite character, but show more I think the movie added more to his personality than the book did upon revisiting it.

The disconnection between the perspective of those in the districts and those in the Capitol is an interesting societal commentary and probably my favourite part of this book. What is an immoral life-or-death scenario for the disadvantaged is seen as entertainment and an excuse for excess by those in the Capitol. Though most are well-meaning, those who grew up in a life of luxury are unable to connect to the district citizens as human beings, let alone equals. Meanwhile, Katniss and Peeta note this pityingly, as if the transgressors were children with no means by which to do better. This disconnection continues as, within the arena, acts of humanity and emotion are deemed acts of rebellion and treachery by the gamemakers and politicians, especially Katniss' respect for Rue, and the only way to rectify such actions is to treat them as devoid of all meaning after the games are over. I am excited to re-read the rest of this series and remember how this separation boils over. show less

5 / 5 ⭐️

it didn’t come as a surprise to me that this book slays. i been knew. when i was 13, i stayed up until 3 am to finish this in one sitting. now, as a 26 year old adult, i once again stayed up past my bedtime to read this. some things never change.

the hunger games has always held a special place in my heart — i love the movies and watch them frequently, but i haven’t revisited the books since the third one came out. i remember being disappointed by them, but i’m ready to reconsider that opinion and be proven wrong.

the first thing that struck me during this re-read — peeta is an ENTIRELY different character in the books vs. the movies. like, whoa. he’s way snarkier in the books, way more charming. he has a lot more show more personality in general. i would never say anything bad about josh hutcherson… but maybe he was the wrong choice for peeta.

katniss is extremely interesting — she’s well-written in some ways and very tunnel vision in others. but she’s a joy to read! i’m so glad this isn’t dual POV; i honestly think it would detract from the story. this is all katniss all the time and i am so glad it is.

THE HUNGER GAMES exists in a pared-back universe — COLLINS only gives you the details that you absolutely need. and that facilitates the action of the story! no distractions! it’s definitely more dystopian fiction than fantasy. but has there ever been a better allegory/metaphor for late stage neoliberal capitalism than this? literally no.

i loved it, i was hooked, i enjoyed every second of it. i’m giving it a higher score than i originally did: 5 STARS!! SUZANNE COLLINS — you made history. show less

Hold on to your hat, Shirley Jackson fans! Her acclaimed short story "The Lottery" is also about a community sacrifice. But there the similarity with The Hunger Games ends. In the short story, the plot unfolds subtly, as the villagers prepare for the "festival" with growing excitement about the naming of the "honoree." In The Hunger Games everything is upfront, with the goal of the named district representatives to fight to the death. This is not a gladiator fight in an arena, but a staged reality show, fully televised. The "subtlety" here is the Capitol - for which we have no "face" but which stages these games so it can continue to exist, with the inhabitants of Panem resigned to their fate. If there is a political message here, it is show more overshadowed by the extravagance and the brutality of the games. Because it is a cultural phenomenon I'm glad I read it. But I am not compelled to read the sequels. show less

At first, I was disappointed. I had thought this was a graphic novelization of the book, not the book with illustrations scattered throughout. But it didn’t take long for that disappointment to melt away as I was reminded just how much I love this book, this series, and Katniss Everdeen.

The illustrations were gorgeous, and I was really pleased with the choices- nothing was sexy, nothing was graphic, everything felt innocent. It really strikes home one of the many points of The Hunger Games- these are children, fighting to the death. This book is about children, first and foremost. The illustrations reminded me a lot of fairytale books I had as a child. I really loved Katniss’ design above all! And when I noticed the use of they/them show more pronouns for Nico, the artist- well, let’s say I was even more pleased!

As always, this story is well written and heart wrenching. And now after reading it for the first time since Ballad and Sunrise, it really makes everything that much more heartbreaking. Suzanne writes amazing characters, and such an intriguing storyline. This will always be my favorite YA series!

This makes me want to reread the whole series, and rewatch the movies. I’ll happily go into this world again many times in my life, even if it breaks my heart everytime. show less

My SF book club had this as a selection over a year ago. I did not get a chance to read it then, but when the release date of the movie was nearly upon me, I thought I should read it before the trailers alerted me to any spoilers.

As you may guess, when I tried to get it from the library there were over 130 holds (!!). So I went to my local independent bookstore and bought a copy ($10).

First, for a YA (young adult) book, it is very well written. It does not talk down to the audience or use simplistic or euphemistic terms. The multi-layered plot is engaging for both teens and adults. The characters are well-drawn and clearly and consistently realized.

Second, the protagonist is a strong, skillful female. This was its primary attraction for show more me. It is still a rarity, sadly, to have a female protagonist adventurer/hero in literature, let alone one in a sci-fi setting.

Third, though we suspect that the protagonist will survive her peril, the story is sufficiently well-written that we are in suspense for most of the book. There are so many dangers and other jeopardy that could befall her and, by extension, her District. Because of the honest portrayal of the daily brutality of life in the Districts, we have no guarantees or expectations of a happy ending.

The story is of a 17-year-old girl, Katniss Everdeen, living in the 12th District in the country of Panem ( North America). As a result of a failed revolution, all the District citizens are living in abject poverty reinforced by policies decreed in The Capital. Life is hard; medicine is primitive; most goods hard to come by and expensive. Each District has a “specialization” and for District 12 it is coal mining. All the worst elements of a coal mining town are commonplace: black lung disease, mining accidents, layers of coal dust on every surface.

As a constant reminder to the citizens of the cost of dissidence, each year there is a Tribute given to the City by each District. The Tribute is a boy and a girl, names drawn at random. These 24 children are taken to the City in order to participate in The Hunger Games.

This is a brutal, violent “game” where the Tributes are pitted against each other in a life-or-death contest. There can be only one winner – to be that winner you must kill all the other players.

The Arena is specifically constructed by the Gamesmasters based on the strengths and weaknesses of the given year’s Tributes. It is televised live and is required viewing by all citizens. The last one standing will receive rewards of food for themselves and their District for a year.

After acquainting us with the daily life of Katniss and the people of District 12, the book quickly moves to the drawing of the Tribute names. The events in the novel are built on this foundation. When Katniss’ 12-year-old sister is chosen, Katniss volunteers herself as a substitute to ensure her sister’s survival. The bulk of the book then deals with what she, as a Tribute, experiences from the moment of selection to the end of the Game itself.

We follow Katniss as she is taken to the governing city of Panem and goes through all the preparations prior to the Game. This is where the book shows its mettle. Through her eyes we see the complex layers of politics and taboos that guide the Game preparations. Things are hinted at, but nothing is explained. People she meets are careful and guarded in their speech – is every room bugged? What is really going on in the background? What agenda is the annual Hunger Games propping up? There are clues and hints, and the reader is drawn in to try piecing together what is really driving events.

The drama of the book builds to a fever pitch as we follow Katniss’ progress in the Games themselves. Questions of morality and ethics are played out, with deadly consequences. Though inherently violent, the violence is not gruesome or gory. It is treated in a matter-of-fact manner, in the context of the traditional hunt.

It is clear at the end that the book was written with a sequel in mind. In fact, it is the first of a trilogy; the other two are Catching Fire and Mockingjay.

Figuring out the political meaning for each action by the Gamesmasters will keep adults engaged. The realistic depiction of Katniss’ survival skills and endurance will rivet the YA audience and adults alike. Reading it with one’s teen also gives a great opportunity for parents to discuss the deeper social issues touched on in the book.

Set aside the time to read this in one sitting, if possible. You won’t want to put it down. show less

An excellent book, with some scathing commentary on our reality television culture. This book isn't perfect, but I really enjoyed the details contrasting District 12 and the Capitol. Not to mention, the point where Katniss realizes what a rebellion could look like and how the Capitol couldn't realistically let both their tributes die is very well-written. The characters are compelling, the plot is very interesting, and the satire is excellent. This is a book that has something to say and says it well.

OH MY GOD. SO flippin' amazing, I'm kinda-sorta almost out of words. Collins has created a story the grips you, then practically strangles you as it whips you along for a terrifying ride. Katniss is sixteen years old and has an ugly life. Born in District 12, the poor coal-mining district of a future North America that is full of starvation, misery and despair, she crawls under the electric fence surrounding her district to hunt squirrels, rabbits - sometimes wild dogs - and forages for edible plants every day. Without her help, Katniss' mother and sister would likely starve. And today is reaping day: the day each district draws the names of one girl and one boy, between the ages of 12 and 18, to go to the Hunger Games, where each teen show more fights for his or her survival. There can be only one winner.

Katniss is strong and compelling, and Peeta, the boy from District 12, made me fall in love almost immediately. Collins starts the tension simmering, then ratchets it up to full boil when the Games begin. What follows is horrifying: graphic, nightmarish, terrifying and heart-breaking. And you WILL NOT BE ABLE TO LOOK AWAY. It was so good, in fact, that I forgot to drink my Dr. Pepper while reading. And that *is* significant.

READ THIS BOOK!!!! You will not be able to set it down, and it will stick with you. Try not to have nightmares... show less