The Hunger Games

Big Brother meets Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery in a savage arena filled with fool proof means for torture and murder.

The basic storyline is a simple, though driven and dripping with action. Basically, the Capitol uses the Hunger Games http://image3.examiner.com/images/blog/replicate/EXID52050/images/HUNGER_GAMES.jpgas a yearly reminder that they are supreme rulers above all citizens in Panem. Annually, May 8th to be exact, two tributes are chosen from each of the twelve remaining districts to attend the Capitol and partake in the savage competition. Only one tribute is to be chosen victor after weeks of human hunting. The Hunger Games are televised across the nation. Katniss, our antagonist, recalls that this is the only time District 12 gets trustworthy electricity.

Collins’s use of symbolism actually sent me to Google in search of classic symbolic definitions. Katniss sees the dandelion as a vision of hope and possibility prior to her arrival at the Capitol. I was disappointed that Collins did not continue this vivid reference into the arena but instead draws in prominent yellow items such as a bright orange backpack that ultimately proves to be Katniss’s life line and a yellow dress at just the right time. In my opinion, either bright item can replace the vivid imagery of the dandelion.

hunger backSuzanne Collins beautifully creates a post apocalyptic world driven by starvation and fear. Though I will admit to throwing the book at the wall, it was more out of frustration at what Makenzie has informed me is the cliffhanger than the vivid storyline. The Hunger Games is action packed and a very quick read. I would, however, be weary allowing children younger than twelve access to young adult novel due to the true savagery embedded within the pages.

Let me clarify, though Makenzie is nine and read The Hunger Games before me, in fact, she reads much more mature content than many children her age. Makenzie wanted to write the review for this particular selection as one instead of hers and mine. Here is Makenzie’s opinion in her own words:
I liked the Hunger Games because it is filled with adventure and risk. The risk makes it exciting because if characters chose the wrong decision it could mean certain death. Also, adventure makes the story exciting because you never know what the next setting or adventure will be. In my opinion risk and adventure combined make a great story.

3 comments:

  1. I absolutely loved the book. I am not looking forward to the movie because the violence is being toned down. Plus the book is always better than the movie unless your reading twilight or a newer nicholas sparks book. I loved how they pitted children against children. Its the best way to play districts against each other. I am tired of triangles in books. But I guess it's a YA novel.

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  2. Has your mom let you see the movie yet? I enjoyed it. I feel like it did a very well job of recreating the book. I also felt that the actress playing Katniss was awesome! Effie Trinket was my favorite. Elizabeth Banks did an awesome job as Effie. The people of the capital were dressed eccentric, and there accents were awesome! I'm glad it was only rated pg-13. I couldn't handle anymore than that!

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  3. Actually, I was but decided not to after seeing a picture of Rue dying online. I want to but I don't want to see everybody die. It would be so violent and I don't want to see people die in real ways.

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