October 10, 2010 1:08 PM
Suzanne Collins: Hunger Games satisfies
My friend Ann read this series with her daughters and raved about it - timely, as I was on my way to the beach and wanted something gripping to take with me. Hunger Games did not disappoint. Classified as a young adult, the story line is classic dystopian sci fi and gripping enough to keep any adult hooked.
Katniss lives in a future US now Balkanized by regional production into 13 districts, governed by The Capitol. Katniss is from the coal-mining region, where citizens live in poverty and there is never enough to eat, but she escapes daily under the imprisoning fence to hunt, fish and gather for her family. though young, she is savvy at trade.
Suzanne Collins has given us a girl hero for the ages: one who is independent, resourceful, and non-conforming. She takes care of her mother and sister by necessity but she does not pretend to be happy about it. When it comes to her life, Katniss tells it like it is and she tells it with a sense of humor. The future world is well-drawn,the plot is intense and compelling. Hunger Games is a genuine page-turner, and the only thing okay about the last page is that you know it's not the end as there are two more books in the series.
I am in the middle of Catching Fire now and just as caught up - though I don't have those long lazy hours reading on the beach. Now I can hardly wait until bedtime when I can finally get back to the story.
I have not read any of the current teen vampire novels, but I imagine this series must stand head and shoulders above such overrated books. Here we're talking universal themes of character, purpose and the struggle to survive against all odds - set against a timely background of a monolithic oppressive government with no respect for the individual. Woven in are situations evoking TV reality shows and the disconnect between the public perception of entertainment and the reality of brutality.
Keep in mind, I haven't yet begun the third book. But so far, I would give these my highest rating. Something you and your teens will enjoy reading together.
Comments
So funny you're posting this....my 12 year old just flew thru books 1 &2. He raved about them both. I just 3 today :)
Posted by: Jennifer Talkington | October 10, 2010 4:13 PM
I read this series and would love to know what you think of them all once you finish the third book.
Posted by: Sheila | October 10, 2010 4:13 PM
I've read all three books. I enjoyed the 1st the most. Catching Fire was enjoyable, but Mockingjay a bit of a letdown.
Posted by: Jeffrey L Miller | October 10, 2010 5:48 PM
I've read all three and appreciated the character development and plot line. I felt the first was strongest and the next two followed in that order. The concept is disturbing -- and so not very every reader, however, as Barbara says -- reminiscent of our reality television and television in general. I would fear that this concept would never be one imitated in our society. Violence is never a game.
Posted by: Ann | October 11, 2010 12:47 PM
