Review of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Pages: 454
Publisher: Scholastic Fiction
Released: 2008


Plot summary: Panem,also known as the capital is the ruins of what used to be North America. The capital surrounded by twelve other 'districts' each responsible for a specific trade. Each year the Capital punishes these districts in remembrance to the attempt made by the now destruct district 13. Two children, a boy and a girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen are selected at random and forced to participate in the televised event that is The Hunger Games- a fight to the death where only one can become victor. 
In coal mining district 12, Katniss Everdeen soon finds herself in this very position. Can Katniss defy the odds and become victor or die trying?


Good points: I LOVED this book! I read it a couple of years ago when it first came out and soon became one of those people who couldn't escape the story. The main character Katniss is not what you expect, she's strong, will full and determined to win for her sister. The book really made me stop and think things at a deeper level and I found myself actually contemplating this happening in the future. The idea according to Collins began after flicking through TV channels one night and the events between a reality TV show and the news on war becoming blurred.
The characters long stuck in my head after finishing the book and I longed to find out what would happen to Katniss and Peter in the future. I also thought the imagination and philosophical debate within the book was really interesting and that added to the tense atmosphere within the arena, especially considering ideas such as what point has reality TV crossed a boundary and the political side also that President Snow dictates. 

Bad points: Like most people, I have noticed the similarities between the book and Battle Royale however despite this it should definitely not put anyone off reading the book as it was thoroughly enjoyable and in my opinion ticked all the boxes for what a good book   should be.

To sum up... READ THIS BOOK!!! :D And do so before you watch the movie!