The Hunger Games Book Review

                                             "May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favour"

Shaira Berg

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: Science fiction, dystopian Fiction

The Hunger Games is one of the most gripping stories you will ever come across. We follow protagonist, Katniss Everdeen in a not to distant dystopian society in which 24 tributes between the ages of 12 to 18 are chosen to fight to the death until one lone victor remains. This is all broadcasted on live television as entertainment to the citizens of the Capitol. The book is set in futuristic North America, renamed as Panem, which has been sectioned into 12 districts surrounding the mighty Capitol. The annual Hunger Games take place as a reminder of the rebellion of the districts, and a sign of the dominant power that the Capitol holds over the them. The book begins on the day of the reaping in the poorest of the districts - District 12.

We follow Katniss Everdeen as she prepares for the reaping with a fervent standpoint against the Capitol and all it has done to the people of Panem. Katniss’ passionate care towards her young sister Primrose is exposed when Primrose is reaped for the Hunger Games as the female tribute of district 12. Katniss steps forward without hesitation to take Primrose’s place in this ghastly event seeing it as her death sentence. We follow Katniss through her experiences in the arena, sitting on the edge of our seat in suspense throughout the entire novel.

Personally, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel because of the use of avant-garde ideas and themes. It is a type of novel in which you become attached to the characters and absorbed into the plot, you experience the laughter, pain and love along with the characters of this novel. I however felt that the use of the love triangle between the protagonist and two of the lead male characters made elements of the novel moderately predictable and cliché. The plot is gripping and compelling, making it a story you will want to finish until the very end. I feel as if the book truly connected with the reader, making you take a minute to think about this dystopian twisted utopia, which isn’t as perfect as it seems to the citizens of the Capitol. This book is packed from beginning to end wrenching you through sharp, unexpected twists and turns.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone over 12 as some of the scenes may become quite graphic to those with vivid imaginations. People with a desire for an exciting dystopian novel won't be able to lay this book down until the very last word. If you are looking for a good time passer you will enjoy ‘The Hunger Games’ greatly. This book is best read in a quite and comfortable place without distractions so you can properly enjoy every word.