The Hunger Games

I have not read a book all summer that was for my own enjoyment. However, my beautiful wife kept telling me about a book that is quickly becoming popular in the blogging world. She wanted to read it so bad, but sadly the waiting list at the library was hundreds of days long. Eventually we got lucky and were able to find it in the library on campus. She finished it in a matter of days and had no problem convincing me to open the cover.

The Hunger Games is a young-adult science fiction novel written by Suzanne Collins. The Hunger Games is very intense, exciting, and jaw dropping. I found myself losing sleep because I was so immersed in the world Collins has created. The plot of The Hunger Games takes place in the distant future where the United States has been destroyed by war, and a new country called Panem has taken its place. Panem is divided into 12 districts and one great city only known as the Capitol. The Capitol is a tyrant keeping a tight grip on all aspects of life in the districts. Years before the districts revolted against the Capitol but were ultimately defeated. During this uprising the Capitol utterly destroyed district 13, which is now in ruin. The Capitol now reminds the remaining 12 districts how powerful they are by forcing each district to choose a tribute, one male, and one female between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete in a barbaric, gladiator style competition known as the hunger games. The games are broad casted to all of Panem, and everyone is forced to watch and cheer as these young tributes fight to the death. There are gruesome weapons, no rules, and only one tribute can be crowned the victor bringing them fame and glory.

The story follows a girl from district 12 by the name of Katniss. She is the hunter and provider for her mother and younger sister. She knows little else except how to survive through the harsh conditions of district 12. Katniss must use all her skills and knowledge when she must compete in the ultimate test of survival known as the hunger games.

What I liked about this book was that it had a perfect balance of character development, action, and excellent dialogue. The world of Panem feels rich and full of possibilities. Collins has a way with words that kept me glued to every page for hours. My heart was pounding, and I often cringed as I couldn't believe what was unfolding on each page. She made me truly care about the characters during their struggle for survival, and had me guessing until the very end. This book was intense and a bit disturbing at times but I could not help but eagerly turn the pages. I look forward to reading the next book in the series "Catching Fire" to continue the creative and original journey through the world of Panem.

9/10