Friday, November 20, 2009

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


There has been this mass amount of talk about this book called The Hunger Games. All I have heard is praise and without really knowing what it was about, I went out and bought the book. I was hoping to read it during Dewey's Read-A-Thon, but was simply unable to get to it. After another personal friend recommended that I read the book, I decided it was time! I set aside my few remaining review books, picked up this book, and rarely put it down!!!!

For those who do not know about the book, here is my quick summary . . . Chaos. Controlling goverment. People doing what they can to survive. Children as tributes. Fascinating, yet disturbing games. Possible resistance and maybe even a glimmer of love? Beyond those few things, I really cannot say any more!

I became completely absorbed in the main characters. Katniss is your main female character who demonstrates great strength (and I'm not talking physical!) and who is willing to step up and hold her own and protect her family. Yet, she is one that this very strength can hinder the most obvious of situations. Then, there is Peeta, an eloquent young gentlemen with a different kind of strength . . . physical, but yet one that is sweet and sincere. Now put them in an arena filled with their peers to fight to their death!! Who will win these Hunger Games?!?

After finishing this book, I was very intrigued! I wanted to know more of the characters. I wanted to know what happened after the completion of the games. Would I say that this book was great? No! Good? Yes! Afterall, I did find it interesting enough to read the sequel right away. I really connected with the characters. I thought the symbolism and topics raised would be great conversation. And, I simply don't like NOT KNOWING!! So, I moved on to Catching Fire the very next day . . .

I have now completed the second book in this series!! The review is next to come. Stay tuned to find out if I felt the series got better or worse. In the meantime, I want to hear your predictions . . .

Do you think I enjoyed the second more or less? Would I be so bold to put it up in line with my other favorite young adult books, such as Harry Potter?!?!?

Want another opinion?

11 comments:

  1. I have seen the hype but I too am yet to read. I look forward to your next review. And my prediction? If it was "good not great", I don't think the second will be as good.

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  2. Hah! You will probably never find another series to put on the same level as HP!

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  3. Yet another glowing review for this book, so guess I'll have to finally break down and buy my own copy. Will have to wait until after the holidays, so hoping I'll get giftcards! *L*

    Loved your review, and looking forward to seeing how you liked the sequel!

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  4. Wow, comparing this book to Harry Potter? That's a tall order, Tiff!

    I haven't read this book yet. At this point I'd feel completely awful if I didn't like it. So much pressure! ;)

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  5. I mentioned this to you earlier. I am holding out for book three. That way, I can read them back-to-back without interruption.

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  6. Awesome book, can't wait for book three and the movie!

    -Eric
    http://themockingjat.vndv.com

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  7. The Book Chook . . . Well, you won't have to wait much longer! I will be posting on Saturday!! :)

    Kristen . . . I don't want to give away by thoughts too much, but I will say that Harry Potter will be VERY hard to knock out of the top spot!

    Alexia561 . . . I will be posting on Saturday!!! Here's a little teaser . . . I would recommend it!!

    heidenkind . . . I was worried about the pressure as well!! I actuall have to wonder if I was harder on them because of it!! And, yes, comparing to Harry Potter is definitely a tall order!! :)

    J. Kaye . . . I almost wish I had waited so I do not have to wait in suspense for so long. Definite cliff-hanger!!

    Eric . . . Agreed!

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  8. I just finished this book yesterday. I thinkl sometimes all the hype can make you turn away from a book rather than towards it if that makes sense. Iposted my own review yesterday and must agree that it gives a lot of discussion points,would most likely make a very good book club book. It was good, but not great (I agree with you there as well). I think if a book is well enough written you will still read a sequel or other books by the same author without the need to create such a cliff hanger at the end. I don't read that much YA so maybe this is a YA trend to keep younger readers reading.

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  9. Jill . . . I completely understand what you are saying!! I hesitate when this happens because I then go in with typically unrealistic expectations. Thankfully, this one did not disappoint though!! :)

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  10. omg i loved loved loved this book! great review! totally agree!

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  11. Leslie . . . Thank you! Now, we just have to wait!!

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