This book had quite the reputation preceding it, and after hearing that it would be adapted into a movie, I decided to see what all the fuss was about.

Overall, I was disappointed. It did not come close to living up to expectations. It's an alright book. The world that the book takes place in is fantastic - but that is the only reason I plan on finishing the trilogy. Some of the minor characters, such as Cinna and Haymitch, are also quite interesting. Unfortunately that wraps up what I like about the book.

The premise of the Games is an interesting idea, but the book just skims over those parts. It reads like a summary of the action with everything else devoted to Katniss's feelings and thoughts. Katniss is not a compelling character. She's the main character with all these amazing hunting skills, but she is just so stupid. Every social interaction goes completely over her head. That sort of character has potential if written well, but Katniss simply became aggravating. And Peeta wasn't much better, which made the whole being in love subplot unbearable. And by the end of the book, that subplot morphs into the main plot.

The Hunger Games has a lot of potential, but having a book about human interaction starring two characters with apparently no experience with human interaction is a huge letdown. If it were not for the amazing setting and my curiosity about the world, I wouldn't have been able to finish the book. ( )

I wouldn't say Hunger Games is my favorite, but it's still pretty good. One of the best dystopian books I've ever read, actually. I'm actually a little disappointed by the Katniss and Peeta pairing though, I was hoping for Gale. Other than that, it's storyline is intriguing and really makes you think about stuff that we do.

Another reason why this isn't my favorite, is that I dislike Suzanne Collins' writing style. Its really different from what I'm used to, and though I know we all should "keep our minds open" and all that, it just gave me this... this feeling that makes me dislike it.

One more thing, I might have actually preferred it more if they kept the graphics to the minimum. Not that I haven't read worse stuff, it just seems to be a little unnecessary. ( )

"The Hunger Games" is about a young teenager named Katniss. Katniss must overcome the challenge of being a tribute in the deadly competition, the hunger games. I plan to have this in my classroom as book for my students to enjoy reading. ( )

Agréable et rapide à lire, mais ca reste quand même assez linéaire et prévisible ( )

Everyone's reviewed The Hunger Games. It's time someone reviewed the setting, specifically, mine.*

I take the book and head to my bed, attempting to worm my way in between the edge and my dog, who is grumpy and doesn't want to be disturbed. I'm left with about eighteen inches of blanket between him and the edge of the covers, so I draw a throw over the exposed parts and start reading. I soon find myself lost in imagining the hardscrabble life of District 12 and wondering if the 'meat-eaters' Katniss refers to outside the fence mean zombies. I hope so, but I'm doubtful, because otherwise the reviews would have mentioned zombies. Most reviewers don't just forget to mention something like that in a review if the book has them. Like vampires, they are hard to ignore. So she probably means cougars and such. Oh well. Still, note to self: look out for 'meat eaters.'

Katniss' has just the sort of self-reliance and composure I love to see in a character. I understand her anger at her mother, although I sigh a little at yet another female who has an Oedipus complex. I am glad that Prim is used to humanize her, even if it is a tried and true technique. I find myself interested in Buttercup, the antagonistic, ill-named cat. Still, my own canine Buttercup isn't budging, despite my attempts to gradually use my leg as a wedge to drive him further toward the middle of the bed. I'm getting colder, since the throw isn't compensating for the house cooling. Since it is late and I'm cold, I decide a hot bath would be just the setting for the next stage of the journey.

Alas, while the water is satisfactorily warm to start with, it never reaches the truly steaming temperature that is worth a prolonged soak. I try to read quickly. Leaving the District, headed toward the Capitol, and the wider world in this post-apocalypic setting is becoming clear, as well as Collins starting to detail revolutionary underpinnings. Still, it's subtle, and I rather like that in a book, especially a teen one. The city setting is unsurprising, although it seems like quite a tech contrast from the districts, and the connection Katniss develops with the understated stylist Cinna is warming. I wonder if he is supposed to be referencing a real-world designer? Except all the ones I've heard of seem quite flamboyant. I wonder if Collins is trying to say something about character in the city? It is here, immersed in rapidly cooling water that I wonder a bit if I'm reading too fast, because I find myself hitting more areas that I don't think Collins explained and I find it a little odd when Katniss suddenly drops these bits of knowledge for the reader. Except why does she seem clueless at times? But despite running more water, the bathwater isn't getting much warmer, so I can't be bothered to go back and re-read to see if I missed some subtle hint. I'm a little irritated from being chilled, so it's time to get out before I start picking further at the story.

Changed into pajamas, dogs sprawled on the bed but with a spare third left for me. I weasel my way under the covers and nudge a dog aside. The contestants have entered the arena, poised in their metal circles. The writing is done well enough to give a sense of place and yet pull action forward. The firewall unleashed by the gamemasters seems a bit unfair and reminds me of (insert any reality show here) but it reminds me I have a heating pad in the bed, so I turn it on to warm me up faster. The action in the arena is captivating, and is isn't until Katniss is hallucinating that I realize I am also experiencing a bit of double-vision. My new bookshelf arrived yesterday, and it didn't get more than a day to air out before I impatiently hauled it inside, spending a number of happy hours rearranging my books. Unfortunately, it had been so tightly wrapped that the stain hadn't really finished out-gassing, and I was starting to get headachey. As Katniss tried to recover, I decided timing was right for my own move. Besides, I knew she would survive--it's a trilogy. I turned on the ceiling fan and headed to the living room where there was a nice thick comforter and couch just waiting for me.

Wrapped up in the comforter, I prepared to finish the book. I liked the way Collins gradually brought about Katniss' political awakening. Using Rue was a particularly smart move that helped it feel organic with character and story. No zombies--I don't think, although that appears to be a question for another time. I certainly understand complaints about the nature of the games and how Collins wrote herself a number of very easy ways out of a truly ethically ambiguous situation, and I confess that goes against my story preference. I find myself agreeing with Jocelyn's emphasis on the story as a fairy tale. Still, in that context, it was enjoyable and well-paced, if not riveting.

And, after all, I was finally warm, snug in the feather comforter with only hands and head exposed.

Three and a half warm stars.

Cross posted at http://clsiewert.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/the-hunger-games-by-suzanne-collins-or...

*Edit thoughtfully provide by Richard. ( )

Reread: 4.5/5
This book is even better than I remember? ( )

The Hunger Games is, more than anything else, a visceral book about survival and perseverance in the face of almost certain death. Its characters are certainly interesting, and the setting beautifully reflects the divide between the rich and poor that pervades the novel, but what has always stood out most to me about The Hunger Games is the uniqueness of its central concept, its ability to create suspense, and the raw emotion that it builds in the arena. It is simply so hard to put down because Katniss is almost always in danger and being faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. The Hunger Games is cruel, brutal, and often leaves the reader feeling hopeless, and that is why it is so special. It is easy to recommend to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels. ( )

Having seen the movie a few years ago, I decided to revisit the story by reading the book. One of the biggest surprises for me was the difference in the way the mother's relationship with Katniss was in the book and on screen. ( )

4.5 stars

It's tough to say what to make of this book... I don't think I have a lot to add to the thousands of reviews already out there.

It was very suspenseful and kept me turning pages. The premise was an interesting bunch of already-used ideas coming together in a fairly unique way. Everybody's noticed the comparisons to Battle Royale. In tone it reminded me of The Chocolate War and Lord of the Flies, although those are much better-written.

I had trouble identifying with Katniss... she was a little too awesome. I admired her, but I'm the type of person who would probably have wet my pants if I were drawn in the reaping. The only point on which I could really connect with her was her squeamishness about wounds. That seemed to be one of her few weaknesses.

I liked Peeta, and I think it's quite a stretch that Katniss didn't realize he actually loved her from the get-go. Then again, when I was a teenager, I wouldn't have believed someone was interested in me unless they practically bashed me over the head with it. Plus there's the whole being in a giant death match and maybe having to kill each other thing. So, I could kind of buy it. Sort of. It was sad and silly that Katniss was so busy trying to figure out her "feelings" about Peeta that she couldn't really give him much credit for his actions. But then personally, I don't believe that love is just a feeling.

I was also disappointed that we didn't get to know more of the characters and that the history of the world wasn't explored beyond what was needed to drive the plot. I wonder if the author was protecting the audience a bit by not fleshing out too many of the other characters, so that we wouldn't get too attached to them? Not sure. I also would have liked to see the dilemma of being forced to kill explored a bit more. I really wanted to know more about the other districts, but maybe the author will offer up some more of that in the subsequent books.

I would still say I liked it, because it was very entertaining and the author knew how to craft a story. More rounded characters and more details would have been nice, though. ( )

Every now again I like to dip into a book that is not my usual reading genre and The Hunger Games has been coming up for a long time as a book I should try.

I like a good postapocolyptic type book(once in awhile) and have loved The passage and The Road and therefore I had to try The Hunger games.

I loved the whole idea of The Utopian Nation of Panem, the Capitol controlling the 12 Districts.( I wouldn’t love it in real life ! only in fiction land)
I liked the characters and felt a connection with them, the games was scary and defiantly kept me turning the pages for more. I can absolutely see why teenagers and adults would love this book and why it was such a huge hit.

I was interested in the way that the author had the Hunger Games as a reality TV show and however farfetched it may be, reality TV shows seem to be getting more and more over the top every year, just how far will they go? and the audiences seem to want to see people in these shows at their worst.

I enjoyed this book, but would love to have learned more about the Capitol and the 12 districts and the history of them and how North America came to be like this.
I felt the authors descriptions of the districts and the capitol did not come across very clearly in the novel but perhaps that is for book two and three.

A 3 Star read for me, an easy and enjoyable read. ( )

This took me some time to get into it but once they had been set loose in the arena I found myself struggling to put the book down. ( )

Good young adult book - although it's a little gritty, so emphasis on the more adult side of young adult. Dystopian world, but interestingly done. ( )

I was astonished by the grim, matter-of-fact tone that Collins used in this novel. I had heard rave reviews and I was not surprised by the solid writing nor the engaging descriptions that she was able to weave by her words, but by allowing Katniss to narrate in the first person present tense, Collins completely immerses the reader in her cynical yet vulnerable character as she fights to survive in a world where everything is against her. Collins is able to celebrate compassion and humanity in Katniss even as the girl herself tries to turn it away in favor of survival; the suspense, political intrigue, and violence of the book is balanced by the depth of connection Collins creates between her characters. An excellent, if very mature, young adult novel. ( )

I was compelled to read this, the same way I was compelled to read Twilight. It was a page turner, but the writing was not great and the foreshadowing made me gag. (Don't think I'm a snobby adult, I even disliked YA fiction when I was a YA) Everyone I know loved this book. I didn't love it, but parts were good. Some characters were memorable, but few were really interesting. I think the drunk guy was the best. ( )

Great book. I would give it 4.5 stars if I could, but 4 seemed to low. My only gripe is the ending. It seemed to lose focus and drag on. Also, the main character seemed to not understand a lot of obvious things which was strange and inconsistent considering how smart she was made out to be.

I really enjoyed the suspense and concept of the novel though and this was a book that kept me captivated. All in all, a near perfect book with a few minor imperfections that bothered me. ( )

Update (December 2013): I just wanted to make a note here to anyone who hasn't read this series yet. DO IT! Seriously, you'll love it. I have yet to meet ANYONE who I've recommended this book to in real life who didn't like it. Everyone from my husband (a 32 year old man) to my mom (a 57-ish year old woman) has loved it. This is one of those rare books that is really for anyone. Just look at the ratings. Over 2 million reviews and still nearly 4.5 stars? That's saying something.

The rest of this review contains mild spoilers so I'm going to hide it:

The Hunger Games is an interesting read. At first, the whole premise is a bit disturbing. Well, I suppose the whole time, the premise of having to kill others to stay alive is disturbing. What makes it more disturbing is that it's only kids between 12-18 and it's so that the government can keep control of them.

I think it's really interesting all around. It really makes you think too. I was laying in bed thinking about this book and thinking, "how horrible it would be for people to have to go around unwillingly killing each other to stay alive." Then I thought about it, and realized that it's kind of what war in general is like. Sure, this is a lot more disturbing because it's children, it's a forced annual event among all the districts, etc. But still, it makes you take a look at what our own government does to keep control.

As far as the rest of the story goes, I just couldn't help but fall in love with Peeta's character. He's so lovable and sweet. Katniss is a good strong character, but I think that she's a little naive to believe that Peeta was really acting the whole time when he is so genuinely in love with her.

This also ended so bad! Well, not bad, just forcing me to want to read the next one to find out what happens. I'm so sad!! I just really hope that the next book will turn them around. He's so perfect for her, I hope she see's that and he forgives her for everything she did too. We'll have to see where the story takes them. I just hope that it doesn't draw out the romance we want for them over all of the series (like Vampire Academy). While that does keep me reading the series, it's so frustrating! I just want them to be happy together. :)

Well, I can't wait to read the next one so I can find out what happens next! ( )

This book is very similar with the movie. Although I enjoyed the movie more, the book still captured my interest from the moment I opened it due to the well structured plot and storyline. ( )

Every once in a while I come across a book I wish I had written, one with an original take on an old theme and a story line that was impeccably planned and almost perfectly executed. "The Hunger Games" is one such book. ( )

How many stars are for the content? How many are for nostalgia? How many are for the fact that this series holds up and is so easily digestible? Who knows? I'm having a good time. ( )

Here's the deal: I think I ruined these books for myself by watching the movies first. The whole time while reading them I was just watching the movie in my head and as a result couldn't really connect with the writing as a separate entity enough to judge it on its own. They are good and the world that Suzanne Collins has created is brilliant, but I honestly feel like I am rating the movies rather than the books with my rating.

I enjoyed The Hunger Games quite a bit, and definitely recommend it for a quick read. The writing is fairly utilitarian, but build the suspense very well. The story is the feather in the Hunger Games' cap. It deals with some heavy themes and concepts, but avoids getting too heavy or intense, which older readers might find lacking, but seems perfectly reasonable to me for the intended audience.

Ultimately, I felt that the film handled some of these ideas in a more sophisticated way, but that's not to take anything away from the source material. A swift, enjoyable, and exciting read. Two thumbs up. ( )

'The Hunger Games' is a well-written and exciting dystopian thriller. What really sets it apart for me, though, is that Katniss the narrator is fantastic. I only realised this and thus decided to read the book once I'd seen the film, in which she is played brilliantly by Jennifer Lawrence. I really enjoyed the fact that the female lead was brusque, tough, and taciturn, whilst the male lead was chattier, open with his feelings, and in need of rescue. Such a role reversal is unusual enough to be notable and even more distinct in the book than the film, as the book is told in the first person. (Which seems to be a major trend in books with teenage girls as the central character? I may be generalising from a small sample.)

Anyway, the tension in 'The Hunger Games' is so well sustained that, having read it in a single evening, I am about to start the sequel 'Catching Fire'. ( )

Suzanne Collins weaves a fantastically dysfunctional little world in which a hero becomes such without any desire whatsoever. She is just trying to save her sister. Plenty of daring and the awkwardness of teenagers ensues. Pretty soon our Katniss must choose between family and heart's desire. ( )

What can I say about this story that hasn’t already been said!?

I was in two minds whether to read this or not. Mainly because I am not in the _target age group of YA readers, partly because I have already seen the first movie, and partly because I’m not a big fan of dystopian novels. Still, the reader in me won and I went for it with fingers crossed. Surprisingly, no regrets at all! I quite enjoyed this book. If you think watching the movies is enough for this book, nope. The book is much better. (As almost always!)

The thing is, if the book is in first person pov from one of the Hunger Games participants, you can bet a million dollars that she's the one who will end up at least in the top three if not as the winner. So a fair bit of the premise is based on predictability. In every situation, Katniss has to come out on top. Even when her name was just in consideration as a tribute and it wasn't picked, you knew that she'll obviously get in somehow. So there's no suspense in terms of what will happen. The suspense is in how it will happen. For a book where it is easily possible to guess who the winner will be, can the author still keep you hooked till the end? Yes, she can! Even when you think things will turn out one way, the author still springs regular surprises at you, thereby making you eager to know what happens next.

The only minor complaint I had: There’s lots and lots of pondering over “what do I do”, one of the side-effects of having a first person narration for a book where the character is alone for a lot of time and hence we only get to hear her thoughts.

Nevertheless, this was an engrossing read. On to book two now! Katniss Everdeen is a memorable character and I’m eager to see where her life takes her after these Hunger Games. I’m all the more curious because I haven’t watched the rest of the HG movies. Let’s hope the sequels turn out to be as good, if not better.

4.5 stars.

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