This is a spoiler-free book review!
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia
Author: Suzanne Collins
Synopsis: In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen 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 death before – and survival, for her, is second nature. Still, if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Overview: The Hunger Games #1 Book Review
The Hunger Games series made quite an impact in the book world since it was published in 2008. Because of this series, we saw a surge in more dystopian novels that dominated the book industry. Five books and movies later, we are expecting a sixth movie that tells the story of Katniss’ mentor who participated in the 50th Hunger Games. In preparation for the new book, I decided to reread The Hunger Games.
Story/Plot
I first read The Hunger Games when I was in High School and if I recall correctly, I finished it in only 3 days. This time, I finished the book just as fast, now being able to pick up on smaller details that added to my perspective.
The premise of The Hunger Games is shocking enough to grab your attention alone, but the sense of urgency and emotion the author manages to pack into the story is amazing. After getting through the initial bouts of exposition necessary for every story to thrive, the story takes off at a quick pace, both inside and out the arena. There are so many themes woven throughout the story, successfully explored through the characters and bizarre world you will be thrust into.
Characters
The characters in The Hunger Games are where Suzanne Collins shines most. Collins does an amazing job of crafting characters with complete motives and backstories that make you connect with them quickly. From Peeta to Haymitch, we empathize with, sympathize with, and get to know who they are and why.
Katniss herself is a great character to follow. She is simply a girl who wants to save her sister. Though she isn’t perfect or extraordinary, she finds herself in a position where she is treated with great importance.
Writing
The writing was straight forward and easy to understand, perfect for a series that takes place from the perspective of a 16-year-old.
If you haven’t read The Hunger Games, please read it by now! You will most likely get through it quickly. This book earns a 5/5 stars from me!
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