REVIEW: Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Kindle Edition)

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Publishing information: Kindle
Publisher: Scholastic Paperback; 1 September 2009
ISBN 10: 0439023521
ISBN 13: 978-0439023528
ASIN: B002MQYOFW
Series: Book 1 of the Hunger Games trilogy
Copy: Out of pocket
Reviewer: Tyson

Synopsis: "In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like 'Survivor' and 'American Gladiator.' "

The Hunger Games by Collins is not a new concept. It has been done several times. Perhaps the most famous of all is the Japanese version entitled Battle Royale, which is one of my favorite dystopian novels and novels in general. There are a few differences but the overall idea is the same. Instead of killing your classmate like Battle Royale, here you are pitted against children from other regions or cities. Two children from each of the twelve regions are picked. One boy, one girl and only one person is left standing. That person then wins fame and glory and more food and resources for their region.

Admittedly, I originally wanted to see how bad this book was in comparison to Battle Royale, what I found was a really entertaining novel. Each book has its own quirks, but it is really hard to find fault with the novel. It reads really well, has interesting characters, and builds up tension at a breakneck pace.

Katniss is the main character and it was nice to see a young girl take the lead in the novel. She does possess many of the traits of a boy, but since this is considered Young Adult fiction that works for readers of either gender. She is smart, emotional, and in over her head but doing the best she can given the situation. She is very likable. Some readers may say she is a little to "Mary Sue" but for the story it works. She is joined by her male counterpart, Peeta, he is not cut out for the Hunger Games but does his best to survive. Even though the book tends to focus on these two competitors, there are glimpses of the other contestants and their motivations. I think that BR does a better job on character development but I really can not complain with the way Collins wrote her characters.

The world building is minimal and it is intentional. At some point in time the states rebelled against the federal government. From that rebellion the government struck back and annihilated most of the American population. The country, which only appears to be the East Coast, is divided into twelve regions (there was a thirteenth but they were made an example). Each region is isolated from one another and the capital. The Hunger Games is what keeps the regions in line and serves as a brutal reminder of how things came to be.

I think that the reason I ended up enjoying Hunger Games instead of hating it was that it was entertaining. It is not a difficult read, it is just a lot of fun. The perfect book to take on vacation or to sit out on the beach. The series is currently a trilogy with Catching Fire and Mockingbird already released. The movie, based on the book is scheduled to be released this Spring (March). Highly recommended.

Plot 7/10
Characters 8/10
Style 8/10

Overall 8/10