I often check the top selling books on Amazon, just to see what people are reading these days. Not that I depend on others to compile my reading list, I actually read a variety of genres and authors, but occasionally I like to read or at least read part of what is popular out there just so that I have some knowledge about it when making causal conversation with others. I often regret my urge to do so, like with Twilight (not a fan, sorry folks) but occasionally the public does an okay job choosing reading materials. The Hunger Games would be one of those cases. I usually shy away from young adult books because usually there is not enough plot, or character development for me, but this book is that rare exception of a fantastic young adult novel that can appeal to all ages. This book reminds of a cross between 1984, a gladiator’s tale, and Ender’s game. It’s a very good plot idea, the characters could have used a tad bit more development, but for a first book in a trilogy and a young adult book to boot it is a good novel and I did enjoy reading it.
The Hunger Games is set in either some futuristic setting or in an alternate universe where the United States is no more, and instead in its place is a nation called Panem that has a Capital (where life is good and the rich people are) and then 12 districts (there used to be 13 but one rebelled and got obliterated). Each district is known for producing something and some are middle class and nice and some are poor and discouraged. Every year the name of every child in the districts from age 12 to 18 name is essentially put in a hat, and one girl’s and one boy’s name is drawn out to participate in the Hunger Games. The Hunger Games are essentially a gladiator competition between the children from different districts. The goal is to kill all the other children, and be the last girl or boy standing. This is a televised event that everyone is literally compelled to watch. It is a reminder of the control that the Capital has on the outlying districts. The winner of the Hunger Games brings back much needed money and notoriety to their district and they want for nothing ever again. They get a house, money and food for winning the games.
Katniss is a survivor. She does whatever is necessary to make sure that her mother and sister get to eat and that her family makes it. She had to step up and be the adult after her father died in a mining accident. Her mother basically checked out and her sister was too young to understand or help. Katniss would do anything for her little sister, even die for her, and that is what she thinks she is doing when she takes her little sister’s place in the Hunger Games. However, Katniss is smart and a survivor. She becomes a contender in the Hunger Games, without even really meaning to. Katniss might even win but only if she can make the right choices. But these choices could cost her, both her heart and her humanity. How much is survival worth? You will have to read the book to find out.
I really liked Katniss as a character. She is smart, spirited, and even defiant. However, with all the concepts of humanity that we are exploring in this novel: What is right, what is wrong, what is okay under certain circumstances, what is love or friendship worth, I would have liked to seen more growth and depth from the characters. I realize our main characters are essentially children but teenagers should do a lot of realization and growing up especially under extreme circumstances such as these. And I felt the book lacked a bit in this area.
I think Collins writes decent enough characters but pairs them with great plot ideas. She gives us an entertaining story that frames a lot of ideas for us to think about. I couldn’t help to think about what I would do in such situations as her characters found themselves in. The novel gave me a lot of food for thought.
Overall, I thought this book had a well thought out plot that was entertaining. It was a quick read for me. I sat down and read it all in one night. I thought it lacked a bit in character development but I overall enjoyed the novel and can’t wait to read the next one in the series.