Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Hunger Games Review 2

So I got around to reading The Hunger Games by Susan Collins yesterday. Once I started I couldn't stop. I actually finished it in one day (while traveling too). I didn't watch any TV yesterday...you're shocked, I know! The book is really short and an easy read. I actually recommend finishing it in one day if you can. The book is really fast-paced, so there is no good time to put it down...ever. I recommend this book for all ages, which is only Book I of a trilogy. If you don't believe me, then I have no choice but to include spoilers! The horror! Or you can read Laura's review posted back in February. If you'd rather get a recommendation from a well-known author, see Stephen King's review. Maybe he can convince you. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20223443,00.html

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!

LOOK NO FURTHER!

WARNING!! (This means you, Tina and Wil)


Gripping. That's the word I'd use to describe this book. I've never called a book "gripping" before, but it's apt here. Once I started reading it, I was immediately captivated by the setting, heroine, and her struggles. I knew within the first page that I was going to like this book. Katniss (that's her name) is strong-willed, cunning and the oldest of her family (like me!). The time is the future although we don't know exactly when. The world has been devastated by war, and North America, now called Panem, has fallen to a dictatorship called the Capitol. Panem is divided into twelve districts. There was a thirteenth that was destroyed during the revolt. Katniss lives in District 12, the poorest of the districts.

Katniss wakes up every morning to hunt for her family and barter for goods in the town. However, this particular morning is different because it is the day of the Reaping, an annual and mandatory holiday. We don't know what the Reaping is initially, but we know that Katniss and her hunting partner, Gale, are terrified. Then everyone in town gather in the square, and the Reaping begins. Names of one girl and one boy from each district are randomly selected to participate in the most horrible and goriest fight of their life, which is televised for all to see. (It reminded me a bit of the short story called Lottery.) Somehow, Katniss becomes a tribute for District 12 and is taken away from her family to participate in the Hunger Games.

Okay, that is all the detail I can give you. I hope my review was "gripping" enough to make you pick up this book and read it.

4 comments:

Laura said...

Wow.. You really really liked the book. Lol. You liked it even more than I did.

That's unusual. I think I like it. I'm not the eccentric one this time...

But I'm still annoyed because by the time you guys read the books I like, I already forget the details of the story... Buttheads

Tara said...

One reviewer called the book "haunting." I agree...I keep thinking about it. I told Wil yesterday that I am sad that I finished it so fast. But I am glad I did too because there was no way I was going to put the book down. So conflicted...

Vanessa said...

OMG.. the drawing is so cute ("2 sisters") I guess you guys are kicking Tina to the curb, cuz she ain't no blogging machine :oP

Tara said...

You JUST noticed? We kicked Tina out like a long time ago. Haha! Jk...we'll put the 3 sisters back as soon as Tina blogs. You read this, Tina!!