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Book Review of The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, Bk 1)

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, Bk 1)
njmom3 avatar reviewed on + 1389 more book reviews


Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2012/01/hunger-games.html

The Hunger Games is the first book in the much talked about trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It sets up a dystopian society of twelve districts controlled by the Capitol. As a constant reminder to the districts of the control they are under, the Capitol instated the Hunger Games - a barbaric competition in which two children - one male and one female - from each district compete to survive in an arena designed particularly for the event.

The games begins with 24 "tributes" or players. The games are supposed to end when only one remains alive. The sole survivor is the supposed winner of the games. This book follows the story of Katniss, the female "tribute" from District 12. The book begins with the "reaping" or selection of the competitors and follows through to the conclusion of the games.

The book and the story is a completely riveting one. I stayed up all night finishing it because I wanted to find out what happens. I felt for the characters and cringed at the horror that comprises these games. The book brings in moments in which friendship and love flourish even under these circumstances. Perhaps, as a reminder that no matter what the circumstances, there is an innermost piece of of ourselves that is untouchable.

I can't wait to read the other two books! I am not sure if I want to see the movie, however. I don't know the changes the movie would entail to keep it at the PG-13 rating for its target audience. The book tells a dark and dangerous story. I am not sure a PG-13 movie could do the book justice.