Book Cover:
Book Summary: The first book of the Hunger tells the story of a dystopian future
where children are forced to play a terrible and fatal game put on by The
Capital for entertainment as well as to reinforce the memory of how the
districts came to be. Each year the
games are played and children are forced to fight for their survival until
there is only one left alive. Katniss
volunteers to take the place of her sister representing her district in the
games. Her former classmate Peeta is
also chosen and she finds she remembers his kindness from the past. Their relationship builds as they prepare for
the games and it turns out Peeta has been in love with Katniss from afar. This affection becomes the strength and story
they need to find success in the horrific hunger games. They excel in different survival and defense
traits and in the arena combine their efforts to try and win the games.
APA Reference:
Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games.
(Vol. 1). New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
Impressions:
This is an incredible story, which caught me completely off guard. I had no idea I would enjoy reading about a
dystopian future with a sixteen-year-old heroine. The style of writing made for a quick read
and the action as well as the love story kept me turning the pages. The character development was well done and
even though I am an adult reader I felt a connection to the protagonist. I enjoyed the unexpected surprises in the plot
and was thrilled this was only the first book in the trilogy.
Professional Review:
“This
is a grand-opening salvo in a new series by the author of the Underland
Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and
little sister from the forest outside the legal perimeter of District 12, the
poorest of the dozen districts constituting Panem, the North American dystopic
state that has replaced the U.S. in the not-too-distant future. Her hunting and
tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual
Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain,
artificially concocted weather conditions, and two teenaged contestants from
each of Panem’s districts. District 12’s second “tribute” is Peeta, the baker’s
son, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Each new plot twist
ratchets up the tension, moving the story forward and keeping the reader on
edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at
analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she has much to learn about personal sentiments,
especially her own. Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb
tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance.”
Goldsmith, F. (2008, September
01). The hunger games by Suzanne Collins. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/The-Hunger-Games-Suzanne- Collins/pid=2739783
Library Use: I think fantasy books are quite popular with
middle and high school readers especially as movies and media are covering the
Hunger Games and Twilight books. Many
know this story but this book could be used for a book talk with young adult
readers to bring them not only into the library but into reading more fantasy
books. Using this book the librarian
could draw in readers to explore other dystopian stories by various
authors.
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