Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Posted by Jessi (Geo) on March 22, 2012 | 6 Comments


Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsThe Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Published by Scholastic Press (7.10.2008)
Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, 374 pages
Source: I own it
Buy on Amazon


5 Stars

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

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. 

If she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My thoughts

This was the third time I’ve read this one, and it’s still just as amazing as the first time. I wanted everything fresh in my mind but I wanted to read it before rather than after simply because I don’t want the movie perspective to taint my imagination of the book. Although, after watching 2 trailers and a teaser it sorta already did. I found myself picturing Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson many times over.

It’s such an easy read that I finished it almost in one sitting – I would have if I hadn’t had things to do last night. But, I still managed to finish it hours before the movie.Which means, unfortunately, that I’ll probably be picking the movie apart the whole time. I’ve already started picking apart the trailers – Katniss does NOT give Prim the pin!!! – but I want to be able to distinguish every little difference and it had been so long since I’d read it that I had forgotten some of the little stuff.

So, for the book review…

I love the characters! They all seem so realistic, even the ones you can’t stand (like Cato). Katniss has her flaws but she’s a strong lead and easy for me to relate to. Sure, she has a bit of a temper problem (like shoving Peeta when he admits feelings for her…giggle), but the fact that she isn’t perfect makes her more convincing. Each of the characters has their own distinct personality. Even Buttercup, the raggedy cat!
The only downfall is, as soon as you get attached to a character they’re sure to die. But that’s just the premise of the book. Even after reading it 3 times, Rue’s death still brought tears to my eyes!

There is definite emotion to this book. I was able to feel as Katniss felt, particularly the loss and desperation. Everything seemed very realistic and it was easy for me to picture scene by scene.
I don’t have much else to say about the book…just that I adore it and I have no complaints except for the way Katniss kind of strings Peeta along. I know she was just trying to survive, but I felt a bit sorry for him in the end when he realized she was acting.

This is my favorite dystopian read. It’s horrifying to imagine living in the setting with kids killing each other for entertainment. The world building was beautifully done and made the Games – something that seems like it could never happen – terrifyingly realistic.

I am SO INCREDIBLY STOKED for this movie. It will be interesting to see how they pull off many things…such as the Capitol’s technology, and especially the muttations. Hopefully they won’t be too cheesy looking! After I’ve seen it, I’ll write a review for it too. :)

Favorite character:
Ok, I’m gonna cheat because this one was a 3-way tie for me. Cinna, Rue, and Buttercup. Cinna is absolutely awesome and if I could meet him I would hug him. And I’d hug Buttercup, the grumpy ratty ole guy! I think I just love him because he’s a cat. And Rue…I think that one just speaks for itself.

quotesExactly how am I supposed to work in a thank-you in there? Somehow it just won’t seem sincere if I’m trying to slit his throat.

assessment
Plot: 5/5
Writing style: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
World-building: 5/5
Pace: 5/5
Cover: 4/5
 
Overall rating: 5+/5 starfish
I think everyone should read this one!
hailtotheking2
Jessi (Geo)

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6 responses to “Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

  1. EEEEE! You don’t know how excited I am for the movie. A lot of people I know are going to the midnight premiere, but I just want to be able to watch the movie without being quiet. :P Let’s just hope the don’t ruin the movie! :)

  2. Roxy, that’s the only thing I’m worried about!! I have to control my outbursts of, THAT’S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED!!! I must contain myself…

    Rachel, thank you!! I think Finnick was mine too! I cried when…well, you know. Sad face.

    One more hour!!! SUPER STOKED.

  3. I loved this book sooo much, I read the whole series in like a week (that’s good for me haha). I begged my grandma to buy me the third one when I was ready for it. Haha, This is one of my all time favorite books and I will defiantly be recommending it to as many people as I can to read them.

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