So about two days ago I finished reading the book, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and all I can say is that its one of the most entertaining books I have read in a long while. The book is a fast paced, science fiction young adult book that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, however at times; does have its brutal moments but all the while remains highly engaging. Here’s a synopsis of the book:
- 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 is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.
The overall theme of the book is survival in a post-apocalypse world with the existence of a very corrupt government. The world that Collins creates with The Hunger Games is detailed and intriguing and the characters are no exception. Throughout the book, you cant help but feel for the main character, Katniss, and stick along and root for her success to the very end. The ending is satisfying, and obviously leaves it open for the second book, Catching Fire. What I specifically liked about the book is the ending and how it left the romance element open and the reader can tell that in the coming book-and hopefully books- there is some sort of epic love triangle a brew-in’. And that’s just the thing, the ending feels very epic. By the ending, you can certainly tell that the trouble is far from over and the final scene with with the winner of the Hunger Games, is somewhat forlorn and sad; leaving the reader with great imagery of the hardships to come.
Recently I have been hearing and reading that with the success of Twilight, the film studio Summit is looking for the next big franchise to bank in on. Rumor has it that they have their eyes on The Hunger Games…how cool would that be? I can definitely see the book as a movie. The book has great imagery that plays the book like a film throughout your mind. It would be awesoooome!
The only negative thing I really have to say about this book is the last page-it ended!!! The sequel to Hunger Games, Catching Fire, is due out September 1st, 2009 and early reviews are suggesting that its just as good as the first-and in some ways, even better!
Score: 9.5/10
