The Hunger Games Book Review

Suzanne Collin’s “The Hunger Games”

Reviewed by Alex Intravaia

A country governed by corrupt leaders, a world where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. A country where for some it is a struggle to find scraps of food while the rich eat until they are stuffed and cannot eat anymore. This is the country known as Panem, the aftermath of the downfall of the United States.

The book The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, takes place in future United States where the country has been divided into 12 districts. The main character, Katniss Everdeen lives in the 12th and poorest district where getting food only the table is a struggle. A “holiday” of sort is coming up and each district needs to offer up a male and female tribute to the event call the Hunger Games. In the hunger games, the 24 tributes fight to the death in an arena until one survivor is crowned victor. As the female tributes are being selected, Katniss’ sister Primrose Everdeen is chosen. Katniss ends up volunteering  as tribute and is then taken to the capital for the Hunger Games.

I enjoyed reading this science fiction adventure novel. There were many suspenseful scenes and relatable characters. “The world transformed to flame and smoke. Burning branches crack from trees and fall is showers of sparks at my feet” (172).   As I read the book it did a great job of making it feel like I was actually in the arena by using vivid description and intense action. Although the book was very well written, it did have some weak points. For example, there were a lot of words that may be unfamiliar to readers. “We walk toward the seam in silence” (12).  

Collin’s writing style really shined in this book. Her use of diction made you feel connected to certain characters and feel as though you were in the book. Her use of flashbacks were very interesting and added a lot of depth to the story. The only criticism I can give on the writing is the fact that some scenes were very descriptive and were well thought out while some scenes where just simple glances and were just passed over, this is noticeable when passing the nights and even whole days.

The Hunger Games  is a must read for all ages and genders. The book may be more geared toward teens but even adults and children will enjoy reading it. The writing had an excellent story that will intrigue all readers. This book also has cliffhangers at almost every chapter that will keep you reading until you finish. Overall, The Hunger Games  is a descriptive and captivating book that everyone will enjoy.