Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

   By now, I am sure many of you have heard of The Hunger Games. I had heard of the book as well, and I received it from my library for free, since I had completed the Summer reading program. So, I read this book, and decided to write a review from my standpoint, so that you may have a better idea of what it is about.

   The Plot: Each year, one boy and one girl must be chosen from each of the twelve districts. They must compete in a fight to the death with the opposing districts tributes {their players} When Katniss Everdeen's sister is chosen, Katniss immediately volunteers in her sisters place. She is sent off to the Capitol for training. When the game begins, she is singled out with a high score, as well as teamed up with her fellow companion from district 12, Peeta. Through a series of challenges, she and Peeta are nearing victory, but only one of them can survive.

    The book was very suspenseful, I started it at seven P.M, and finished it at two A.M. Without stopping. I won't lie. There is some mystical power that makes you want to keep reading this book, even though you know that no good will come from it.

     I disliked: The many references to being naked. I will give Suzanne Collins credit for not making it graphic, even though slightly uncomfortable to read.  i.e. Katniss was sitting in an examination room waiting to be seen, she was in front of a mirror, and a couple of other instances. The times Katniss and Peeta kissed, while somewhat innocent {they didn't do anything more} it still was somewhat of a rouse, and I think that was fairly, desensitizing of them. While I understand that Katniss and Peeta being a couple was a rather large part of the plot, it could have been done a tad more innocently. It worries me that the next book could be more graphic, which truly would be a travesty.  I believe if the entire book had not included the cosmetic part, with her fashion designer and such, I would have enjoyed it more.his book is VERY violent. It has to describe each of the killings, and vividly. The reason for them has no motive. Running around killing people you don't even know. That sounds life giving.*Said with EXTREME sarcasm*  The thought that comes to mind is this, 

Deuteronomy 30:19
This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 

     What is life about this book? Despite the fact it is all about death, there is not one life-giving quality to it.  Which means that it is death.  Death, death, death, death, death.

     Overall, I think it is sad this, of all books, is the book the world is flocking to. If were you, I would not read this book. I don't believe it will be staying on my bookshelf, simply because it has no redeeming quality. I thought about what was good and life giving in the book, and realized there is scarcely anything. As my mom always says about movies and books, if its not life, its death. I would suggest against reading it, no matter how well you can take violence. Watching a murder mystery is less desensitizing than this book. First of all, in a murder mystery, one killer, one death, one motive. No one likes the killer. The Hunger Games is all about killing without a second thought, and you are WANTING Katniss to kill. I believe the only reason I read it was to help other people NOT to. That is my opinion on this book, if you disagree, than we can agree to disagree. 

I leave you with this verse that sums up my thoughts on the book:

Philippians 4:8
For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].

Sincerely,

Libbi H.