The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Hardcover, 384 pages
2008, Scholastic Press
ISBN: 0439023483
Series: Book 1 of The Hunger Games
Synopsis
In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.
Review
The Hunger Games is an emotionally draining book and I mean that in the best way possible. I found myself crying by the end of the very first chapter. I continued to cry on and off throughout the entire book. Being someone who doesn't cry often, these tears signaled something monumental. From word one, The Hunger Games draws you in and holds you captive. It provides beautifully written (and uniquely named) characters for you to love and then brutalizes them until you think you can't take it anymore. After it hurts you, you beg for more.
I was afraid to read The Hunger Games. I was afraid of the hype. I hadn't heard one bad word about this book. It seems everyone in the world has read it and it's universally loved. It was a recipe for disaster. It couldn't possibly be as good as everyone said. Yet, somehow The Hunger Games managed to actually exceed every expectation I had. I completely get the obsessive love, the rabid forming of Team Peeta vs. Team Gale, the desperation to acquire the final book.
I could continue this gushing love-fest for thousands of more words, but I have to rush off to get a copy of Catching Fire. I must learn what is causing the rampant team choosing. In a nutshell, the concept put forth in The Hunger Games sucks you in, but it's the pure emotion that makes this book unforgettable.
Rating
Links
Suzanne Collins' website
I put off reading it for awhile too, because of the hype. Hype is ALWAYS ALWAYS bad. Except for The Hunger Games. Isn't it amazing the way it totally exceeds the expectations built up by millions of rabid fans? Mockingjay, please come faster.
ReplyDelete@inconceivably
Fantastic review! I definitely agree, THG is definitely one of those emotionally draining books...ups and downs...I was hooked every second! ;)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you loved this one! I was worried about the hype when I read it too, but it deserves all the glowing reviews it's received.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book too! I know what you mean with the hype. But this book was soooooo good! Love your review! Hahaha, i read this book in less than 12 hours (in-between school)
ReplyDeleteI've heard some great things about this book. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! When I finished reading The Hunger Games, it took me several of days to stop obsessing about it. It's like it reached out and grabbed me and was not going to let me forget it anytime soon. I haven't had a chance to go get myself a copy of Catching Fire, but I'm planning to get myself a copy very soon. :) I liked this book so much, it's been hard for me to write a review about its sheer awesomeness.
ReplyDeleteHoly wordfail! Sorry my comment above is so nonsensical! That's what I get for being up too late to comment on blogs. :-P
ReplyDeleteI might be the only book blogger who hasn't read this series. Although, my fourteen year old son LOVED it, as well as the sequel, and is impatiently waiting for the new one.
ReplyDeleteI'm listening to this on audio right now and I'm loving it...except I can't stand the voice of the woman reading it! It's really good so far. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI read it this past week too and I totally get you about being worried about all the hype. I HAD to go to the city to buy Catching Fire. I was gasping after every chapter. What is going to happen???
ReplyDeleteAwesome review!!!
Glad you liked it :D I love both THG and CF!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean!! I recently acquired this book from paperbackswap but I've put off reading it because of the hype!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like I need to read it sooner rather than later! But, maybe I'll hold off until I have all the books in the series and that way I won't be anxiously awaiting the next book!! ;)
I also was afraid of the hype....then read the book in about three hours straight, only stopping to cry.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, I am picking up the next one this weekend!
I had never heard of Hunger Games when I spotted at the library early 2009--- but knew it was my kind of book. For me it rates right up there with 1984, Brave New World ect--- loved it and couldn't get it out of my mind after I finished it either.
ReplyDeleteLesa
I have heard great things about this book. Would love to read and adding to my to buy list.
ReplyDeleteThanks
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com
This book and the second one are super big here in Manila-we even have Hunger Games! I plan to read all 3 in August when part 3 comes out-great post
ReplyDeleteI've been putting off reading the second in the series until closer to the release of the third. I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out...
ReplyDeleteAnother HG holdout becomes a convert...
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it. I absolutely LOVE this series.
This book is AWESOME! I bought the second book and I can't wait to read it! Great review!
ReplyDeleteME TOO!! I never heard of anyone giving it a negative review. But they say it might be a little scary, so I haven't read it but I already bought Hunger Games and Catching Fire, waiting for Mockingjay HAHAHA I wonder why.
ReplyDeleteThis books sucks ass! It is a hopeless romance novel. I was expecting violence and did not get any! HATE THIS BOOK! Not to mention it was poorly written...
ReplyDeleteBut that is just me, I tend to go for edgy books that I can not put down until I am finished.
@Battygirl - Hopeless romance novel? The romance is part of the bigger picture. The Hunger Games is more than love or death or survival. It's intense emotion and action. It may not be for everyone, but saying it sucks ass is a little harsh.
ReplyDeleteI tried to see what kind of books you were into on you blog, but the only posts consist of bashing The Hunger Games. Why not just read something else?