Book Review- The hunger games

THE STORY

“The Hunger Games” is a 2008 dystopian novel written by Suzanne Collins. The book follows Katniss Everdeen as her life is forever changed when she has to participate in the Hunger Games.

Due to rebellions 74 years prior, the most powerful people of dystopian North America, Panem, made it law that every year, one male and one female ages 12 to 18 would be chosen to participate in a televised deathmatch called the Hunger Games.

Can Katniss use her wits and survival skills to survive and help her partner Peeta survive, as well?

THE GOOD

“The Hunger Games” is a great introduction to the young adult genre with a healthy dose of science fiction and dystopian elements.

One of the big strengths of the book is that it never attempts to sugarcoat Katniss’ situation. It is not afraid to deal with torture, self harm, poverty, curruption, and much more. The author never talks down to her young adult audience.

The story can become very emotional, while still dealing with the topics in a respectful way. It uses these issues to further strengthen the feeling that nothing will change, that the characters are stuck in a no-win situation.

The action is also a highlight; though sparse, readers will always anticipate the next high-octane scene. The scenes that feature action feel realistic, using the perspective of Katniss to its advantage.

Another big strength of the book is its main character. The author keeps the focus on what Katniss would feel; her perspective is the most important. Readers naturally connect with her and her struggle.

THE BAD

“The Hunger Games” is a fantastic book, but it is not without issues.

First, the characters are laughable when it comes to being fully realized and realistic. Take Gale, for example, who only really serves as some tension for whether or not Katniss should be in love with him or Peeta. Despite his prevalence in the series, he is basically a cardboard cutout.

The romance subplot in general is extremely vague, to the point where Katniss herself questions her love for Peeta multiple times. On one page, Katniss never wants to leave Peeta, but on the next page, Katniss despises him.

Katniss also suffers from plot armor, specifically in a couple of pages where she’s holed up in a tree with a pack of tributes below. She then notices a wasp nest above her. These are genetically enhanced wasps called “Tracker Jackers”, which are explained to be deadly, killing most people with one or two stings. Katniss, however, takes 4 stings and is practically fine.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Overall, “The Hunger Games” is a good book for people who enjoy dystopian young adult fiction. Despite its flaws, it is a fun ride. It deserves a 7.5 out of 10.