Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Released: October 1, 2008
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Pages: 374
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Rating: 5 stars

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one 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.

Loved It!!

I'm not exactly sure why I didn't read this sooner. Maybe the idea of kids being placed in an arena to fight for their lives caused me to be a little weary of it, but hands down, this definitely earns a spot on my favorite shelf.

A century after environmental catastrophes have changed the face of North America. The former US, now known as Panem, is divided into 12 districts and a capitol. At one point in time, the districts rebelled against The Capitol but lost. As a result, The Capital now holds The Hunger Games every year. The Hunger Games is a reality show where two children - a boy and a girl - from each district are put into an arena to fight each other and the last one left alive wins.

Not many books have caused me to have such strong emotions, not only for the characters but for the setting as well. Collins created such a believable world and characters that it was easy for me to get lost in their lives and experience the intense situations they were forced to face.

I love Katniss. Her determination to take her sister's place in the games made her a great heroine in my eyes. I couldn't help but root for her every step of the way. She's strong, stubborn, and by far, one of the best female characters in the YA world. Other players had just enough backstory to help me decide whether to love or hate them. There was no unnecessary info, nor was there any details left out.

I completely devoured this book and can't wait to read more of Katniss...and Peta. All I got to say is if you haven't already read this yet, then you're missing out on possible the most exciting book ever!!