Product DescriptionKatniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, ''The Hunger Games.'' The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.
What Others Say
Most Dangerous Game?
The Hunger Games is geared towards young adults, but I was so intrigued with the plot that I decided to read it myself (I'm 30). One of my favorite short stories is "The Most Dangerous Game" and I felt The Hunger Games embraced a lot of its ideas. The story takes place in the future under a totalitarian regime that rules with fear. The Hunger Games are an annual event that pins teens against each other as they fight till their death until there is only 1 survivor. The book follows the main character, Katniss, and her journey to stay alive. I recommend The Hunger Games not only to adolescents, but adults as well. It's a provocative story line that will keep your interest.
Beautifully Written!!
The Hunger Games is beautifully written and it isn't all doom and gloom. Underneath all of the obvious descriptions of a world filled with loss, danger, poverty, and despotism is a theme about the different kinds of love (husband/wife, mother/daughter, sisters, strangers, community) that inspires hope and its ability to overcome the impossible. If it wasn't for Peeta's love for Katniss (he saved her life even before the games), or Thresh's appreciation for what she did for Rue, or Cinna's compassion, Katniss would not have made it through the hunger games. This theme is beautifully expressed when Katniss describes her connection to Peeta as "the boy with the bread" which gave her hope that she isn't going to starve and "yellow dandelions" that tells ... Read More
Page Turner, with a couple nitpicky complaints
I couldn't put down The Hunger Games, it's that gripping. Collins gets right into the action from the beginning. Her writing style reminds me very much of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series because of the adventure and suspense, but also for the sometimes corny dialogue, which was my main problem with the book. Also, I could guess the general outcome of the book from the beginning, but with a first person narrator in a survival contest, what can you expect? But hey, the most important thing is that it kept my interest and was an excellent read. Five stars.
A Great Book!
Such a good book! I was so surprised I liked it because I wasn't sure when I read the description. The rave reviews had me very curious! The book is disturbing and riveting...you have to kind of get outside of yourself while reading it because it is a very brutal concept. I loved all the characters- overall just a really interesting read. I couldn't put it down and I cannot wait for the next book!
one of the best books of the year
OMG--this is a total page turner. I have dishes stacked all over my kitchen because I had to finish The Hunger Games. A futuristic story when every year two teenagers are chosed from each of 12 districts to compete in a survivor type reality game, except this is to the death. This might be called a 'teen' book but adults will love it too. The only thing I didn't like was the cliffhanger endings--but you better believe I'll be reading the next book.
