The Hunger Games has been recommended to me repeatedly by many of my coworkers and library patrons. Since I grew up under a totalitarian regime, I usually try to avoid reading about such regimes, because I have enough personal experience to last me a lifetime. Therefore it took me over a year and half to finally give it a try. After initial hesitancy, I quickly became addicted to the story and could not put the book down.
The story is set in the country of Panem (that covers part of the former USA) in an unspecified time in the future. The Panem is divided into 12 oppressed Districts and is controlled by a city called the Capitol. To further intimidate the Districts, the Capitol sponsors a yearly Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a reality TV show in which a group of 24 teens (1 girl and 1 boy from each District) are forced to fight one another to the death. The winner gets fame and a life of luxury. All Panem’s residents are required to watch the brutal show.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen is a resident of District 12, a poor mining district. Her father died in a mining accident and she has been growing up with her mother and a younger sister. In order to support and feed her family, Katniss hunts illegally with a friend of hers. When her sister’s name is drawn as one of the competitors for the forthcoming Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to take her place and promises her sister not to give up and to try to stay alive. Katniss is sharp, resourceful and she is a skilled hunter. But is it going to be enough to survive? Katniss’ situation is also complicated by the presence of the other contestant from her District, Peeta Mellark, whom she cannot bring herself to kill for several reasons.
I can see why this book appeals to so many readers, both teens and adults. Even though the book is a fast read, the story stays with you long after you finish the final page. The heroine is realistic and likeable. There is suspense, adventure, lots of action, friendship, and even romance in the book. However, there are also violence, cruelty, deception, and mutant animals throughout the story. The Hunger Games is the first novel of a trilogy and I got so intrigued by Katniss’ story that I have already placed a hold on its sequel, Catching Fire. The final book, Mockingjay, is coming out August 24, 2010.