Book: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Edition Published: 2011

By: Scholastic UK

Goodreads summary: The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

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Rating: ☽☽☽☽☽/5

Every year, one girl and one boy from each District of Panem fight to the death. The odds are one in thousands that you will be chosen, but as Katniss Everdeen is about to find out, it is not impossible.

When her beloved 12 year old sister is selected to be a tribute in the 74th Annual Hunger Games, Katniss feels it is her duty to volunteer to take her place.

But will it be that hard, really? When killing animals is second nature to Katniss, will killing people be that different?

Certainly Peeta has thrown a wrench into our star-crossed lover dynamic. Or has he? Maybe, since he hasn’t spoken much about me, we can still get some mileage out of it. Maybe people will think it’s something we plotted together if I seem like it amuses me now.

As you know, The Hunger Games isn’t normally the genre I would go for. But, I am thrilled to say, I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Honestly, no matter what amount of hype it has had, I was scared I wasn’t going to like it. Just the thought of reading a SERIES is daunting to me.

But, The Hunger Games is one of those books that really deserves the hype it gets. Suzanne’s writing is truly gripping, and the suspense is amazing, even when you’ve seen the movie. I loved the movie, and I’ve seen it twice or three times, but this was my first time reading the book, and I was actually shocked at how much I really loved it. The pages went by without me noticing, and I flicked through without feeling the need to count the pages until the next chapter, like I do with some books. Even though I knew constantly what was going to happen next, I still felt the suspense.

I am scared that I love the book so much because of how similar it is to the movie, the acting is impeccable, and attitudes are spot on, the scenery is stunning, I just can’t get over how accurate it was. But, luckily, I haven’t watched Mockingjay Part 1 (or 2, obviously), so I will be finding out what happens for the first time.

This is a book that truly deserves 5 starts without question. I just hope the next 2 in the series live up to my expectations.

-Beth