The Hunger Games – Book Summary

The Hunger Games is a young adult and teen science fiction novel that was written by Suzanne Collins. It was first published on September 14, 2008, by Scholastic. This is the first book of the Hunger Games trilogy.Book One introduces sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a post-apocalyptic world in the country of Panem where North America once existed. This is where a powerful government working in a central city called the Capitol holds power. In the book, the Hunger Games are an annual televised event where the Capitol chooses one boy and one girl from each district to fight to the death. The Hunger Games are held to demonstrate not even children are beyond the reach of the Capitol’s power.

Suzanne Collins says that the idea for The Hunger Games came from channel surfing on television. On one channel she observed people competing on a reality show and on another she saw footage of the Iraq War. The two ideas blended together and the idea for the book was formed. The Greek myth of Theseus also served as inspiration for the The Hunger Games book.

The book has been released as a paperback and also an audiobook, which was read by Carolyn McCormick. The Hunger Games has an initial print of 200,000 – increased twice from an original 50,000. Since its initial release, the novel has been translated into 26 different languages and rights have been sold in 38 countries.

Readers Review

When you start reading The Hunger Games you might not be drawn in at first. It has a slow start, but with each chapter you find yourself getting drawn into a ruthless society where children are put up for the slaughter of The Hunger Games. If you are a female reader you will find yourself trying to relate to Katniss in some form. She’s a strong character that does everything she can to protect her family. With family at the center of her existence you will love how she does everything to protect core values that her society has lost sight of. You will also find as you read the books that even though romance isn’t on the top of Katniss’ list, you find yourself falling in love with the character of Peeta. He’s the man that might not stand out at first, but when ever it comes to what’s best, what’s best for him in every way of living is you, no matter what the cost he has to give. What woman doesn’t want a knight and shining armor? Katniss can take care of herself sure, but every girl still needs a man she can rely on. Then before you know it you find yourself in a love triangle of Katniss, Gale, her friend forever, but at the same time her companion in survival at home, and Peeta, her companion in the arena and the boy who’s always loved her. It’s exciting, but it doesn’t take over the whole story and that’s why you will love this book if you are a girl.

As a male reader you will love the excitement, thrill, gore, and suspense that the hunger games brings to the reader. There are two different male characters Gale and Peeta that you will find yourself trying to relate to. Whether you are the loyal and loving Peeta that can never to wrong to anyone, or the strong opinionated hunter Gale you will find a little of yourself in the books. Being able to relate to characters whether you are male or female is always what makes a book more intriguing. And this book brings plenty of aspects that will keep you intrigued and reading through the night. If you are looking for a book that brings more then just trivial things to the table, this book is a must read and you will not be disappointed.