Book Review: The Hunger Games
Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages:374
Genre: sci fi, futuristic au world
What it says on the back:
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. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
My thoughts/ruminations:
Well, call me Janey come Lately these days. I'm late to the Hunger Games bandwagon, but here I am and I'm wearing a mockingjay pin.
My original intention with this book was to conduct an experiment. Wait for the movie to come out, see it and then read the book. Do the opposite to the usual combo of book/movie, as that in the majority of cases leads to disappointment. The number of movies that have equalled, done justice or surpassed the book is very very small.
Alas, once the movie came out, I missed it, read somewhat mediocre reviews and last night decided just to read the book. Boy, am I glad I did, even though it did result in reading until the wee hours of the morning.
First and foremost I am utterly enchanted by the futuristic world Collins has created. I am very keen to learn more and love the hints and clues left in HG of discontent and rebellion even in the Capitol. I think that even if the central story had been weak, I would stick around for the next book just to explore the world some more.
Fortunately the central story is not weak. I found the various layers and sub plots and twists and turns delightful, and Katniss a very interesting character. I dislike the notion of another teenage angst love triangle but have an inkling through reading other reviews that perhaps it won't be the typical love triangle.
I was hoping for Peeta and Katniss's rebellion to a little more.. rebellious, but there are two more books for that hope to be fulfilled. On the whole, I was riveted and wanted to read more and find out what happened, and what more could you ask for in the book? Oh yes, great writing, original world building and real emotion. Check, check, check.
I heartily look forward to the next book (kindle sample already downloaded)
p.s. I think saphirablue has infected me with her reading bug :-( oh well... \o/