ISBN: 9781407109084Publisher: Scholastic
Published: 2009
454 pgs
Set in the future there is a nation called Panem (once known as North America), its Capitol is surrounded by twelve different districts; all of them being controlled by Panem. The population in each district is ruled by a totalitarian government, and most of the times they are badly mistreated and are lived in very bad conditions but no one dared to oppose them.
Every year, the Capitol will call upon these twelve districts to nominate one boy and one girl (between the age of twelve and eighteen) for the Hunger Games event. The Capitol is nothing but a bunch of cruel people who wanted to show they have power so they created the Hunger Games as part of their entertainment (as a form of reality TV show). Now there is only one rule to this game, and it is to kill or be killed.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen has seen enough about life. She lost her father during a mine accident when she was twelve, and with the harsh condition she is living she has matured and learnt to be a brave young lady. She lives with her mother and younger sister, Prim, and she takes on the role of bringing food and ensuring safety to the family since her mother could no longer put the family together after her husband passed away. You can say Katniss is the survivor of any circumstances that thrown in her way; she is even prepared to fight at the Hunger Games if she is being nominated but call it a toss of fate, Prim is being nominated instead. Katniss wouldn't allow her younger sister to be sent to death so she took her place and represented District 12 for the game.
On the other hand, Peeta Mellark is the boy who represented District 12. He is the boy whom had once given some loaves of bread to Katniss years ago when she was about to give in to the temptation of stealing out of desperation. Katniss could not imagine him as a competitor, but then could she make herself trust him and work together with him in order to fight the others before they get killed? Or better still, could she work up the courage to kill her saviour?"I don't care if we're rich. I just want you to come home. You will try, won't you? Really, really try?" asks Prim."Really, really try. I swear it," I say. And I know, because of Prim, I'll have to.
The Hunger Games is one book I would highly recommend to anyone because it is so brilliantly plotted and is so intense. This may seem to be a plot-driven story but I would have to say there is a mixture of character-driven scenes in it too (for example, the building of relationship between Katniss and Peeta, as well as Katniss' feelings towards one or two of her competitors for whom I would not name). This may sound silly but this book makes me think. Yes, it makes me think of how fragile one's life can be, and then there is the notion of blood is thicker than water, but the most horrific of all is, what if this would happen to us in the future?! After all, I can see no difference between this game and a war. Or perhaps I have think too much but still, this book is so good! I can not wait to devour the next installment, Catching Fire, which is scheduled to be out in September.
By the way, do check out the two pretty covers posted on Wondrous Reads. Jenny, the blog owner, has pictures of the fold-out UK cover (which is how my copy looks like). Which cover do you prefer?
Other blogs reviews:
By the way, do check out the two pretty covers posted on Wondrous Reads. Jenny, the blog owner, has pictures of the fold-out UK cover (which is how my copy looks like). Which cover do you prefer?
Other blogs reviews:
Abby (the) Librarian
A Comfy Chair and a Good Book
Bart’s Bookshelf
Becky’s Book Reviews
Both Eyes Book Blog
Farm Lane Book Blog
Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?
A Comfy Chair and a Good Book
Bart’s Bookshelf
Becky’s Book Reviews
Both Eyes Book Blog
Farm Lane Book Blog
Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?
Thoughts of Joy
(Let me know if I have missed yours.)
(Let me know if I have missed yours.)
Posts
I'm glad you enjoyed, Melody, I enjoyed it, too! It was intense! :)
I just picked this book up at the library today. Mine is the US cover, but I must say that I prefer the UK version. It looks way more suspenseful, and it seems like it would represent the book better. :) I can't wait to read this book!
Thanks for your review, Melody!
Amy - It sure is! I can't wait to read the next installment! :)
Jessica - Oh, I'm glad you've this book with you now! I too love the UK cover better, but to each his own. ;) I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it!
I have this audio, just waiting for an opening in my listening schedule. I can't wait to listen to it! What do you think about tween-age kids listening to it? They aren't easily scared, what I am worried most about is bad language and sexual content.
Glad you enjoyed it Melody, I like both the covers...
Is this a series or something? Is Catching Fire the sequel or just another book by the author?
That list of bloggers who've reviewed this book is getting longer by the day!
I'm pleased that word of how good this book is spreading.
If you haven't read this book yet, then you really should - it's amazing!
Sandy - I think the violence is the main issue with this book. I can't remember any bad language, and I'm sure there were no sex scenes - just a few kisses! So if your kids are OK with the idea of killing each other (sounds terrible doesn't it!?) then this will be fine for them.
Sandy - You've to read this book next! It's so good! The back of the book indicated that this is suitable for 11+. There're a few kissing scenes, and you need not worry about bad language or anything too sexual or violent. I'm sure this book will hook you all!
Violet - Yes, this book is a series. Catching Fire is the next installment. :)
Jackie - I agree it's an amazing book! And thank you for replying to Sandy on my behalf. :)
Great review! I love this book, it was awesome! I have linked to your review in mine, would you do the same, please?
Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Hey - nice review! This book is indeed amazing.
And thanks for the link to my blog... I have to say that I prefer the US cover!
Jenny
I thought this was a fabulous book, too!
BTW - I read your blog on Google Reader, so I don't remember seeing this layout. I love it!
This one sounds very good, Melody. Thanks for the review! I'd definitely check this one out.
You know, this is one of those books I probably would have passed over but you make it sound like a good read!
As for the covers, I think I like the U.S. version one more. It's a bit more simple and I like that.
Man, a lot of people have read this book! I want to but so do a lot of other people, so I am currently waiting for it to come in at the library!
Hm, I think I like the US cover better. Anyway, I want to read this. Your comments about the plot reminded me of Fingersmith by Sarah Waters - brilliantly plotted, but I wouldn't call it plot driven because the characters and the writing were awesome too. I love books like that.
I haven't seen the cover that you have. I think I like the US one better. I can't wait until the movie and the sequel. This book was brilliant.
Jo - Thanks for visiting, and for linking my review! I've added your link onto mine. :)
Jenny - I loved this book! I can't wait to read the sequel!
Joy - Thanks! I'm glad you like my new template. :)
Alice - You've to read this book! It's very intense! :D
Iliana - You know you won't go wrong with so many raving reviews out there! ;)
Kailana - I hope you'll get this book from the library soon! :)
Nymeth - Ah, I've Fingersmith in my pile! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it! :)
Natasha - I love both covers. Each portrays a different view of the story so I think it'd be unfair if I say one cover is better than the other. Oh, I didn't know that this will be made into a movie! It'd be great to catch it on the big screen!
The more I hear about this one, the more interested I am in reading it. Great review, Melody!
Wendy - Thanks! I hope you'll enjoy reading this if you get to it. :)
Oh, you're killing me, Melody! I want to read this more and more and more...but I MUST get through the books I have started first.
This sound like a good book - of course you rave about it to me so much that I promise you that I get a copy soon *chuckle*...never thought I given in to the pressure by you...eh LOL! kidding!
Glad to see you enjoy the book :)
i've seen this one around, glad you liked it. great review!
http://thebookworm07.blogspot.com/
You too?! Everyone seems to be reading and loving this book and its sequel lately. I really need to get around to picking it up soon.
Debi - You MUST read this! It's very good! :D
Julia - I'm hoping you'll get a copy of this book soon! Pardon me the raving, hehe.
Naida - Thanks! I had a great time reading this. It's so thrilling!
Jen - Yep, me too. LOL. I can't wait to devour the sequel! ;)
I've been seeing this one around a lot lately and it definitely sounds intriguing. I love a good intense book every once in a while. Not sure which cover I prefer--probably the second one. For some reason without the girl the cover seems a little more mysterious.
Would you mind including my review? I'll add yours to mine, as well.
http://www.melissas-bookshelf.com/2009/03/review-hunger-games.html
I love your blog--it looks incredible!! I'm subscribing now, too :-)
This book sounds really interesting - I'm still confused about what it's actually about. So, this book is set in the future, huh? And what an intriguing 'competition'! This book is definitely on my list of books to buy. :) Great review!
Trish - This book is so intriguing and intense! I can't wait for the sequel to arrive!
Melissa - Thank you so much, Melissa! :) I'll add your link, thanks again!
Josette - Yep, this book is set in the future. It's scary, isn't it? I hope you'll enjoy this book if you get to it. :)
I'm definitely interested thanks for reviewing it. Will put it on my list thanks.
Rhinoa - I hope you'll enjoy it if you get to it!
I mentioned it on your BTT post but for all others reading this review I would like to say:
I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this book!