Hey Robert,
So this is my first review in awhile. I have a bunch more to write and share with you. I’m kinda surprised that I am reviewing this first. But whatever.
Title: Hunger Games
Series: Hunger Games: Book 1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Sci-Fi, Young adult,
Audience: Teens
ROTS Setting: Alternate Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. (taken from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I have been really down on the Hunger Games since the movies came out and the hype followed. But I actually kinda liked it. So yes, recommended.
This is one of the most well known bits of media in the last ten years. I assume everyone knows the plot, characters, and setting. So spoilers.
So first off I did watch all the movies first. And honestly, since I listened to this as an audiobook I felt like the movie did a really good job. The only thing they didn’t sell was that Katniss is smart and feels emotion at appropriate times and in consistent ways. The movies made her look like a dumb robot girl who was stoned most of the time. Also, the whole love thing with Peeta actually seems believable in the books. Also book Peeta sells the story way better than the movie version child actor person. So yeah the movie did a pretty good job in my opinion.
The characters really make this story fun. Katniss is awkward and shy but also strong and defiant. Peeta is clever and a romantic. But they are just the start. Haymitch is clearly a slobbering drunk and for a good reason, he killed people and it haunts him. Effie Trinket is just ditsy and adorable. Cinna is magic, he becomes Katniss’s friend and helps her connect. Even the red-headed avox girl has a special place.
Panem is a dystopian and that about sums it up. Muttations are kinda interesting, (genetic experiments to make weapons to fight uprising) and it is separated into 12 districts of workers ruled by the Capital. But don’t forget it’s… dystopian.
The plot is really simple but with just enough plot twists to keep it interesting the first time. As I already know what happens from the movie this wasn’t a bit selling point of the book.
All-in-all a pretty good book. I’m interested to see if the 2nd the 3rd books are also as close to the movies as this one, or which ones end up better.
Jared
Reading Over The Shoulder 
I liked the first book as well but never bothered continuing with the series. I read what it’s about and lost interest. I did watch the second movie and thought it was way too long. Never got to the last 2.
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If you’re like me then you’ll find the 2nd and 3rd movies are way better than the books. Not that they are super good movies but the books are that bad. It’s in the second book that I start calling her “Katpiss.” I really wish this book had been kept a standalone.
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