Review - The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #1)

Picture from Goodreads

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian

Format: Hardcover (374 pages)

Publisher: Scholastic Inc

Publication Date: October 31st 2008

Rating: 5/5
Source: Bought from Amazon

Get it at: Chapters | Amazon |

Summary from Chapters.ca

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the-death on live TV.

One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor tohis or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capitol wins: one more year of fearful compliance with its rule. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district in the Games.

But Katniss has been close to dead before - and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

What I think:
 
I love this book. To date, The Hunger Games is still my favorite of all the Young Adult, Dystopian novel (although, Delirium is closely behind :) ). The plot was amazing and easy to follow. Although the story was told in the point of view of Katniss Everdeen, the audience can easily follow the development of secondary character. The pacing of the book was consistent all the way through. There weren't any filler or any unnecessary scenes. I thought it was well written and edited.


First time I read this book was in 2008, and back then I didn't really like Katniss' character at all. But reading it the second time, I can start to understand Katniss' feeling. Everyone kept on asking me if I was on Gale or Peeta's side. Honestly, I think there weren't any romance between Katniss and Gale. To me, their relationship is a more of a really close friend/family relationship that those two displayed (aside from the movie that push the idea the other way).


I don't have many bad things to say about this book. However, I thought maybe, Cato should be mention a bit more. I really love Rue and I actually cried during the scene. The book, itself is amazing and breathtakingly beautiful.

Overall, I really really really, love this book! Suzanne Collins is one amazing author

Rating: ★★★★★


Side Notes (about the movie):
 
I thought the movie really complemented the book. For example, there were more scene about Cato (not much with Rue though =( ). In addition, there are some character that showed up in the movie, yet not mentioned in the book --> Senaca Crane. But anyways, I recommend the movie to everyone and anyone =).