the Hunger Games Book 1

This week I will be reviewing the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. This series consists of three volumes: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay. They are action-packed and exciting, keeping the reader hooked to every word. Here is the summary on the back of the book:

"In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
     "Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to death before--and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love."

Personally, I thought this book was really good great amazing the best in the series. You can really feel Katniss' feelings about things in the Capitol change or become stronger or develop throughout the Games. Also, her "staged" romance with Peeta, the boy with the bread, just adds yet another tasty ingredient to the pot of this book. Along with the storyline of Katniss in the Arena, there are actually a lot of other underlying plots in the book as well. For example, in the beginning of the book Gale, her childhood friend, mentions that they could run away together and be safe from the Capitol's clutches. Katniss is afraid though, worried about their families and how they would survive if Katniss and Gale left, because they provide food for both the families, two women and over five children. When Katniss is taken for tribute, Gale must provide for both families alone.

One of my favorite parts in the book is when the tributes all have their private training times in front of the Gamemakers. As the girl from District 12, she is set to go last, and by that time most of the Gamemakers are drunk and tired. Katniss gets angry that they are not paying any attention to her, and she shoots an arrow through the apple in a pig's mouth that the Gamemakers had just received. It is very fun to see this feisty side of Katniss early on, and shows that she is a fighter.

I am warning you though, there are a few sad parts in this book and a few icky parts too, so if you have a REALLY delicate stomach, DO NOT take on this book. There is a lot of killing and dying, both animals and humans. But if you enjoy action, go for it! I personally thought it was awesome.

They are making a movie! Here's the official Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/thehungergamesmovie

enjoy!
--BBB