Book Summary:
This science fiction novel is set in the nation of Panem, which is a country divided into the Capitol and twelve districts. Each year, two children (tributes) must be selected from each district to participate in the Hunger Games. The games happen so that war on the Capitol won't happen again (the Capitol wants to show that they are always in control). The Hunger Games is a fight to the death on live television. There is to only be two "winners."
Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the games. Her and her partner, Peeta, train for the games with the other tributes (many who are bigger and stronger) at the Capitol. They get to know Effie, their escort, and Haymitch, their drunk mentor (a past survivor of the Hunger Games) as they experience luxury (something complete opposite of their lifestyles of poverty). During the interview, Peeta professes his love for Katniss so that the audience will have a heart for them in the arena.
During the games, alliances are formed as the characters fight off hunger, dehydration, fires, explosions, tracker jackers, wolf-like creatures, and poisonous berries. After many are killed, only Katniss and Peeta are left. The rules are then changed that there can only be one tribute as "winner." To prove a point to the Capitol, Katniss comes up with the idea for her and Peeta to both eat the poisonous berries. Before they eat them, the Gamemakers decide to declare them both winners.
Katniss realizes that she must continue to pretend to love Peeta so that the Capitol doesn't punish her for her behavior in the arena. But she also has feelings for Gale from back home. The book ends with her thinking about her feelings and realizing that there are no "victors" in the Hunger Games. The Capitol has eyes closely on Katniss, which leads to the next book in the series.
APA Reference of Book:
Collins, S. (2008). The hunger games. New York, NY: Scholastic
Inc.
Impressions:
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. When I first heard about this book, I thought there was no way I was going to like it - kids killing kids for fun? No way! But The Hunger Games is not at all what I had imagined.
I really became connected to all the characters in the book; in fact, I still can't decide who I want Katniss to end up with - Gale or Peeta (there are traits I love about them both). I was drawn to Katniss because she sacrifices herself for her sister, and she tries to save others during the games. The author has a way of connecting the reader to the characters as well as creating suspense. I couldn't put the book down because I was always wondering what would happen next.
The book is entertaining because of the love story and all the action. Although it's entertaining, it's also disturbing in the fact that teenagers are killing one another because the government has made the games a sport. It was sad to see how the districts lived in poverty, yet the Capitol lived lavishly. The book pulled on my heartstrings (which is a sign of a good book).
I think high schoolers to adults would be drawn to this book. I don't think younger kids should read it due to the maturity needed to understand the deeper meaning of the plot, not to mention some of the gruesome killings. Boys and girls both would enjoy this book because it involves fighting, hunting, and survival as well as romance and cool outfits.
The Hunger Games is an easy read because it always had me on the edge of my seat. The author does a great job with imagery as well. I could picture everything she described because of the great details. After I read this book, I had to immediately read the second and third book!
Professional Review:
"Survivor meets "The Lottery" as the author of the popular Underland Chronicles returns with what promises to be an even better series. The United States is no more, and the new Capitol, high in the Rocky Mountains, requires each district to send two teenagers, a boy and a girl, to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a reality show from which only one of the twenty-four participants will emerge victorious - and alive. When her younger sister is chosen by lottery to represent their district, Katniss volunteers to go in her stead, while Peeta, who secretly harbors a crush on Katniss, is the boy selected to join her. A fierce, resourceful competitor who wins the respect of the other participants and the viewing public, Katniss also displays great compassion and vulnerability through her first-person narration. The plot is front and center here - the twists and turns are addictive, particularly when the romantic subplot ups the ante - yet the Capitol's oppression and exploitation of the districts always simmers just below the surface, waiting to be more fully explored in future volumes. Collins has written a compulsively readable blend of science fiction, survival story, unlikely romance, and social commentary."
Hunt, J. (2008). [The hunger games]. Horn Book Magazine,
84(5), 580. Retrieved from https://libproxy.library.unt.edu:
9443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=brd&AN=502954281&scope=site
Library Uses:
The librarian could have a Hunger Games themed day after the kids finish the book. They could make homemade bows and arrows, design tribute costumes, identify good/bad plants, and eat berries. They could also participate in a Hunger Games trivia game.
No comments:
Post a Comment