Pages: 374 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: September, 2008
Form: Paperback
Series: The Hunger Games #1
Genre: YA, Dystopia
Amazon: Buy / $4. 94
Adlibris: Buy / €7.00
The country of Panem consists of 13 districts, out of which 12 still stand. 13th was eradicated after the rebellion towards the Capitol, and ever since – to keep remaining districts in line – the Capitol throws The Hunger Games. A girl and boy are from each District is picked to play through lottery – play until only one of the 24 players is alive. The players must be between 12 and 18 years old.
In District 12 Katniss has learned to survive and provide for her family after her father’s death by hunting outside the fence, which is illegal, but has fed her mother and her little sister Prim. As the Hunger Games lottery day is upon them, it is Prim who’s name is pulled out and Katniss cannot see any other way to save her sister except take her place in the games. Katniss is joined by Peeta a baker’s son, and together, yet apart, they have to face the games.
The world is gritty dystopian, where the ruling class rules and the people follow. The mandatory Hunger Games is a disgusting idea, setting people against each other, no setting kids, against each other.
Modern society, atleast western, sees this as such a taboo that I can see why this book is so popular. I mean what would you do? Could you enter the games and not kill if your life depended on it? Could you defend yourself till death? Could you stay invisible and wait until others finish themselves off? How would you survive being hunted? Would you come out of it sane if you did win?
Wonderfully written, engaging and colored beautifully with survival vs. morals. This book has me complitely addicted, and cannot wait to read the second instalment! I have had this book on the back of my mind since Stephanie Meyer recommend it to her fans few years back. I can see why she was excited about it as well.
I’d like to think I’d have the strength Katniss has if I’d be in her shoes. If the world would collapse back to early 1900’s and became a police state I hope I’d be able to handle myself. That is the kind of ideas this book gives, and I think people learning to hunt or gather thanks to this book may actually save some lives which is great accomplishment.
If you haven't read this book yet, do so, it's amazing!
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