Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Ok, I have to admit I was skeptical about this book just because everyone raved about the Twilight Series. Now while I enjoyed the the twilight series I personally feel that it didn't live up to the hype (especially the movies).  But surprisingly this book kept me interested from the first to last word.  This is a young adult novel but I have to say because of the type of violence in the books I would say that the later teens would probably understand the nature of the book without being freaked out.

The book is set in the future, and is based on the idea of a major calamity happened and the United States as we know it changes and we're under a communist ruling nation.  The Hunger Games are created to remind the residents that the government has absolute power.  While I'm sure everyone knows the base of the book, I'll still give a quick overview.  The starts where each 12 districts give two tributes one boy and one girl to participate in the hunger games, which is a battle royal to the death.  The only one person will win the games.  The main female character Katniss Everdeen volunteer's as tribute when her 12 year-old sister is selected.  Also with her is Peeta Mellark, during their whole time they are thrown together as a "romantic" couple.  During the whole novel Katniss is struggling with her feelings for Peeta and her determination to survive for her family's sake.

This book is the first in a series of three, and the ending is definitely open for another book.  Because of the nature of Suzanne Collins writing in the books, I see this series as one where you can just pick up a random book with out reading the other ones in concession without being lost.  I think that these book appeal for young adult and also adult.  Collins didn't dummy down anything nor did she simplify any of the situations to entice a younger crowd.

I really liked this book and I can't wait to read the sequels but I will hold off because I have a massive book sale coming up, plus Christmas.  Collins got to the human side of the the characters but also tapped into the fact that when we're pushed into a situation like the hunger games our animistic and survival side kicks in.

Rating:
4.5 out of 5

On Deck:
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James