The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was another book recommendation by twitter folks. This was another cover which did not perk my interest. Yet after reading Mind Games, which was another recommendation by twitter folks (review here), I was eager to jump into this novel. So, the teaser from Ms. Collin’s website:
Katniss 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 her sister is chosen by lottery, Katniss steps up to go in her place.
Now I mentioned, the Mind Games recommendation led me to reading this book. I expected urban fantasy. After the first page or so, I realized I was getting something else–young adult (YA). As I mentioned in my previous review of the Iron King (review here), YA is a new genre for me. I was a little apprehensive, but I read on, unsure of what I would get.
One thing for sure, I immediately connected with the characters. I didn’t know what the “Hunger Games” were, but by page 13, I wanted to cry for the children. They lived a hard life but made the best of it. More than that, they flourished in their own ways despite being in an environment which would break a lot of people.
When I did learn about the “Hunger Games” I was appalled. Ms. Collins brought the incomprehensible to life. This novel was high on the list at goodreads.com as one book people would like to see made into a movie. I could see why. Yet it didn’t take me long to realize I don’t want to see this made into a movie. The book was just too touching…heart-wrenching to cheapen it on the screens. I spent a lot of time blinking back tears.
I’ve heard a lot of critters say to lay off the back story. It’s a rule Ms. Collins did not follow, and I’m glad for it. Each bit of back story was a treasure, rich in a way which added depth to her characters. I savored every moment.
As for the YA aspect, I thought the novel was very age appropriate. It’s a novel I’d let my daughters read. Though there was a lot of violence, each choice had real consequences. Decisions were not made lightly, and Katness was very aware of the stakes. It broke my heart her world wasn’t one of innocence. It reminded me of the easy life I take for granted. For them, it was as if every small kindness was the greatest miracle.
Memorable lines from Hunger Games
- Katniss: District Twelve. Where you can starve to death in safety.
- To the everlasting credit of the people of District 12, not one person claps.
- A Tribute: Only…I want to die as myself.
- His rage is so extreme it might be comical — so people really do tear out their hair and beat the ground with their fists — if I didn’t know that it was aimed at me, at what I have done to him.
- I take his hand, holding on tightly, preparing for the cameras, and dreading the moment when I finally have to let go.
This was a book I didn’t want to put down. Now I wonder if I have the heart to pick up the next.
Hunger Games is available at the Book Depository!
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Reena Jacobs is just your typical writer who loves to see her words in print. As an avid reader, she’s known to hoard books and begs her husband regularly for “just one more purchase.” Her home life is filled with days chasing her preschooler and nights harassing her husband. Between it all, she squeezes in time for writing and growling at the dog. You can find Reena on Ramblings of an Amateur Writer, Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Nobles, and Smashwords.
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[...] Novel Review: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins [...]
[...] fell in love with Hunger Games (review here). It was one of the first YA novels I’d read as an adult. I followed Katniss through the [...]