Monday, November 10, 2008

"The Hunger Games"

I just finished reading one of the best books I have read in quite a while, besides Twilight that is. The whole time I was reading it I couldn't wait to tell you all about it. Then I reached the ending and realized I had been suckered into yet another series. I was so angry. For someone who is into immediate gratification, series just do not work for me unless all of the books have been written and published. For this particular series, book two is not even due out until next fall. So if you are like me, disregard the following book report until the entire series is out or else, like me, you will let it fester in the back of your mind, day in and day out, until you can finally put it to rest - which only happens when you have finished the entire story.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a thrilling novel that you just won't be able to put down. Again, this book was outside my norm because it is set in the future, possibly post-apocalyptic.

I am not even real sure how to describe the contents of this book, especially in a way to do the book justice. America has been reduced to 12 districts and a Capitol. The districts are spread far and wide away from the Capitol and the farther away a district is, the poorer the district proves to be.

Katniss, a 16-year-old girl lives in District 12, the district in charge of mining coal and the furthest away from the Capitol, where starvation is a way of life. Years ago, Katniss lost her father in a mining accident and was thus placed in the leadership role of her family, she has been forced to provide for her mother and her 12-year-old sister.

The actual Hunger Games are the Capitol's way of letting the districts know who is in charge. An annual event and one that scarily resembles our obsession with reality television, The Hunger Games force each district to provide one male and one female between the ages of 12 and 18 to take part in a brutal event where in the end only one person is to remain standing.

After Katniss's 12-year-old sister's name is drawn, Katniss jumps up to volunteer in her place; and this is where the real action begins.

As I stated earlier, I hate that I fell into the trap of yet another series of novels; but having said that, The Hunger Games was truly a great read. An entertaining page turner and I am anxiously awaiting book two (and however many happen to follow after that).

8 comments:

Stacey Cannon said...

Okay woman, you have got to slow down on all that reading!!! My name is on the hold list at the library for Twilight when the next one comes in...(I refuse to buy ANOTHER book, because seriously, I have waaaay too many that I haven't even started yet, plus with Norman's library I just can't add one more). PLUS, I don't know that I am willing to part with that much of my online time... :) I know, I know....really sad! That might change, though when I get back in the groove of reading. I used to be such a bookworm...

Dawn said...

Hi! I found your blog through the states section of 5 minutes for mom. :)

I loved Twilight! And, I love the actual books themselves. I think they are so pretty! I can just sit and lovingly admire them! LOL
I just ordered and received a twilight t-shirt I'm going to wear to the premier of the movie.

I'm going to write down the name of this book you are sharing. I LOVE to read. As a matter of fact, I am asking for the Kindle for my birthday! If you haven't seen one yet you need to go to amazon and check it out. :)

I'm going to add you to my blog list! I hope you don't mind. :)

Dawn

Liz Brack said...

I'll have to give this one a try. I don't think I've read a good book since the host. I have the secret lives of bees checked out right now. I read it a long time ago, but thought it might get me movie ready. Saying that, I haven't started it yet. I usually don't read a book twice.
Thanks for the recommendation.

Melinda said...

Liz - you will probably really like The Hunger Games, seeing as how thus far we have read and enjoyed all of the same books. I will loan you mine on Thursday at MDO, if you want.

Stacey - haha, I wish I could slow down. I am soooo OCD about finishing them though : )

Dawn - thanks for dropping by and I am happy you are adding me to your list. I am soooo movie ready - I have actully read Twilight twice now; basically because I finished them too fast the first time around : ) If I remember correctly, Stephenie Meyers was actually one of the authors to recommend The Hunger Games.

Dawn said...

That's good to know she recommends that book!

I really need to read Twilight again. But, I'm having a hard time getting it back from my sister in law! Ha!

I MADE myself read Breaking Dawn slower!!

Claire said...

This is not my type of book, either, but maybe I'll put it on the request list from the library. It sounds pretty good and interesting. My trouble with series is that by the time the next book is released, I've forgotten all the important details. I like the book reviews, though. Between you & Amy, I ought to be able to find something to read most of the time.

Unknown said...

I've heard of it and now I want to read it after your review. By the way, I just finished the 3rd book in the House of Night vampire series. I like them but most parts are illicit. Who doesn't like a little sex in print now and then?!?!

Melinda said...

I keep wondering about those. I just haven't picked them up yet. Maybe when I am done with the book I am reading now.