Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Publication Date: October 31, 2008

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Synopsis: 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.

MY REVIEW

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an epic, action-packed story about strength and survival in the face of horrible circumstances. Katniss Everdeen is a survivor. Katniss takes care of her mother and her little sister, Prim after her father dies in a mining accident. She braves the dangers of the forest outside the safety of the fences to poach food for her family with the help of her best friend Gale. Times are tough, but it is The Reaping that strikes fear into the children of Panem and their families’ hearts.

The Reaping is the day that one boy and one girl from each of the 12 districts will be chosen to fight in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a battle to the death between all 24 tributes, where only one is allowed to survive. When Prim’s name is selected from the bowl of names, Katniss does the unthinkable, she volunteers.  Now she is about to fight for her life against extraordinary odds.

I know almost everyone has read The Hunger Games, and I am late to the game. After watching the movie trailers all over my TV, I knew I had to read the book before going to see the movie. I am beyond glad that I decided to pick up The Hunger Games after much urging from my husband. I love the inner strength and bravery Katniss shows just by supporting her family, and standing in to save her sister. The games are cruel and horrible; it is children killing other children for the enjoyment of the Capitol. Katniss manages not to let the cruelty of the games, and the horrific conditions change her into a monster.

Peeta, the other champion from District 12, or The Boy with Bread, is beyond sweet. I really love the relationship that Katniss and Peeta develop before The Hunger Games. For the ones who are like me and still have not read it, I will not spoil it. I just cannot wait to see what is going to happen in Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. If you have not had the chance to read The Hunger Games or you are not sure about it, pick it up because you will devour it. I should be going to see the movie this week, and I cannot wait!

**Unabridged Bookshelf purchased this book**

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