The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Hunger Games
Book Review: 3.75 Stars For First In Series
Summary: 3 Stars
I have now read the first two books of Susanne Collins' Hunger Games series. When I read the description of the first book, it reminded me of King's The Long Walk (brilliant novella). The fact that the books were labeled young adult books did not deter me...many YA books are very good and worth reading by adults as well.
I found these books to be interesting, especially the first. Collins' characters were well developed and the plot was quite compelling. I looked forward to reading the second book, but found myself losing interest half way through (when teen romance came to the forefront, rather than as a background story). For me, this was when the edgy and innovative story line lost its punch.
There is a third in the series, Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games) coming out soon. I've opted to pass on this one as I really don't feel compelled to finish the story, and find out which one of the boys Katniss ends up with. As for how the book ends, I believe I've already figured that out.
I must also admit to another rébellion minuscule regarding Kindle pricing, As of the date of this writing, the Kindle version is priced the same as the hard cover book. Will save that tangent for other discussions.
I'd venture to guess that some of you may really like this series. It is interesting. It is well written. If you are a young adult, this book may appeal to you if you also like the Twilight-like story lines (although there are no vampires, or other mythical creatures involved). For those of you more interested in gritty dystopian literature; I have doubts as to whether you would find these books interesting enough to invest time (and nearly $30) to satisfy your PA cravings!
Book Review: 4.75 stars!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not going to bother re-summarizing the plot here because other reviewers have done a good job of it already. Just a warning, there is a tiny spoiler in the two last paragraphs.
I refused to read this book for a long time, convinced I would hate it. My reason for this was twofold, firstly, the plot sounded suspiciously similar to Battle Royale and yet I never heard the author say anything acknowledging that she was influenced by it so I was annoyed at her, thinking "How dare she not give a nod to her predecessors?" so even though I absolutely love stuff like Battle Royale and Survivor, I gave this book a pass. The other reason was because Stephenie Meyer recommended it (if she recommended it, it MUST be horrible, right?) but as it turns out, I was wrong!
I was literally trapped, held hostage in my bed with this book, hungry and thirsty alongside of Katniss because I was so wrapped up in the damned thing I couldn't even stop enough to go to the kitchen and grab something!
I've gone through the bad reviews most of which cite the Battle Royale thing (at this point I'm willing to give her the 'no idea is truly original' line because she put her own twist on it and really made it unique.) or the idea that the story lacks the ability to create a feeling of suspension of disbelief (OH COME ON, AND BATTLE ROYALE DOES??? Really now! I'm the person who wanted to give an author a 1-star review because she had to nerve to write that there is a Dunkin' Donuts in LA, I think this book did alright considering we are all meant to go into it knowing that it's a YA fantasy dystopian-future sort of book. Do you seriously need a whole historical essay on HOW this society got the way it is and how the Hunger Games relates to this? No. Just take Katniss's word on it that the Hunger Games are there to break the spirit of the people and remind them of their place.
SPOILER : Anyway another reviewer said that there are "zombie werewolves" in the book. There aren't! they are just genetically mutated wolves (with an interesting twist I won't reveal) they are definitely NOT zombies or werewolves! There are genetically mutated species throughout the book so the wolves are really not a big shock at all.
The only reason I'm giving the book 4.75 stars instead of 5 is because I wanted the ending to be longer. i don't want to wait until the next book to see what happens next! I also want to know what happens with a certain gift someone gave Katniss and i was disappointed that that too will have to wait for the next book.
Book Review: :)
Summary: 5 Stars
Death, romance, killing, phenomenal writing... HOLY COW! Pick it up, man!
-Hannah
P.s. I see many of the negative reviews compare The Hunger Games to Koushun Takami's Battle Royale. From someone whose read and thoroughly enjoyed both, I find that funny considering both novels are nothing alike. (Other than the obvious parts, of course)
Book Review: A Bad Book
Summary: 1 Stars
This book had my attention and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. However, I was very disappointed. When I closed the book for the last time I was amazed at what a bad example the main character is for young adults. She lies, she does what ever her superiors ask her to do including get naked for men and women alike, she'll kill other teens, she'll profess her love and kiss someone she doesn't really love all just so she can succeed in the game. She has no morals, integrity, or values. All she wants to do is live through the games and will stop at next to nothing to do this. Where is the heroism in this? I felt the author was trying to teach young adults particularly girls that when it comes to succeeding in this life everything is fair game (using their bodies, phony romantic relationships, deceit, and popularity). These are not the kind of things I want my children doing to gain worldly success. I was disgusted with the book and hope none of my children ever read it.Book Review: A Book That Absolutely Lives Up To The Hype
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought The Hunger Games mainly based on the overwhelming positive reviews here on Amazon. My track record for books living up to the hype isn't all that fantastic as few books really live up to the raves they get online.
The Hunger Games is a notable exception where the book is as good, if not better than the hype that surrounds it. The Hunger Games is a smart, engaging and well written book. Although it lives solidly in the Young Adult Fiction genre it plays on enough levels that adults will be just as engaged and entertained reading it as young adults.
While the general premise of The Hunger Games seems like Battle Royale gone Young Adult, what's actually inside is much more profound and much more extensive. The Hunger Games is really a story of a girl becoming a woman after being forced to deal with the responsibilities of an adult world. The games provide the template to tell this story.
While the action in the book is practically non-stop the strength of the book lies in the more subtle moments between characters.
While Hermine represented a strong female character in the Harry Potter series, she doesn't hold a candle to Katniss Everdeen who is by far one of the strongest girls in literature. Katniss not only eclipses Hermine, she makes Twilight's Bella Swan look positively demure.
There are too many great twists and turns in The Hunger Games that can be spoiled. So I'd encourage you to avoid reading too much and just take the plunge and buy this book.
I'd be shocked if The Huger Games isn't adapted into a movie and will be extremely surprised if this series doesn't get the broad kudos and adulation it deserves. If you've been looking for the next best thing in Young Adult Fiction, look no further. You've found it in The Hunger Games.