The Hunger Games by Suzanne CollinsMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
First, there was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Then Twilight (do I need to mention by who?!). Most recently, The Help, by Kathryn Stockett; three wildly successful, überpopular novels that I absolutely hated. I thought The Hunger Games was going to be the fourth. It didn’t end up that way, but I still have my reservations about the novel.
Panem is some post-apocalyptic version of North America. The region is divided into “districts” with a CAPITOL ruling them all. There used to be 13 districts, now only 12 – those silly rebels in district 13 got what was coming to them when they tried to revolt and were blown to bits. As a result, the CAPITOL created The HUNGER GAMES to punish the remaining districts by selecting two teenagers (tributes) from each to perform in the gladiator-like ritual where the goal is to KILL each other until only one survives. Yeah, that’s it – teenagers killing each other in a vast arena that is televised nationally. Reality TV: death match style.
I’ll save the summary of the entire book, for fear of spoilers, but here is my take:
• The thought of these kids killing each other for sport for the sake of a festival for the “country” was hard for me to swallow. I had a really hard time getting over the premise of this book.
• Once I got to section II, “Games” I could see why the book is immensely popular: Author Suzanne Collins has created two highly appealing characters – Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Melark. Their relationship and the way they outwit, outmaneuver, and defend themselves is contagious. You can’t help but keep cheering for them – even if you are continually reminded that, “oh great, another 12 year old was murdered.”
• I was highly annoyed at the use of the word CAPITOL. Didn’t anyone tell the author that CAPITAL with an A is used for a region and CAPITOL with an O is used for an actual building? Her use of CAPITOL was always (correct me if I’m wrong) used for a region – so I guess her editor had reasons for it. But it bugged me and was distracting.
• The ending was predictable. I can’t say why, because, well, SPOILERS.
Once again, I’ve been the naysayer against popular opinion. I’m not sure I would recommend this book to others, but luckily I don’t have to, since others have already done if for me. Also, I’m not sure I’m that eager to read books two, and eventually three. If the “death match” with teenagers continues, I think I will find something else to read. Call me a curmudgeon.
Summation: I read it to the end, so I liked it enough to see it through, but not enough to possibly continue the series.
Book source: borrowed a copy from a friend.
Melissa Mc is a mother of 3; wife of 1; daughter, sister, friend, aunt; lover of football, politics, food, travel, walking, theatre and all things literary. You can read her other bookish opinions at www.gerberadaisydiaries.blogspot.com
