From the Bookshelf of Nothing But Reading Challenges…

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)

Suzanne Collins

Start date: December 1, 2010

Finish date: December 31, 2010

Discussion: Books of the Month

Why we're reading this: We voted and this one won for the category of YA.
[close] We voted and this one won for the category of YA.

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What Members Thought

Jan 09, 2012 Ruth Hill rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I was hesitant about reading this book for well over a year because I was so certain I would not like it. It did not seem like "my kind" of book. But I read a number of reviews by book reviewers that I trusted, and I figured the time had come to read it when I happened to win a copy of it. And with the upcoming film, I knew it was now or never.

From the very beginning, I was drawn into this book like I very rarely am drawn into books. The writing style was impeccable, and the characters were incr I was hesitant about reading this book for well over a year because I was so certain I would not like it. It did not seem like "my kind" of book. But I read a number of reviews by book reviewers that I trusted, and I figured the time had come to read it when I happened to win a copy of it. And with the upcoming film, I knew it was now or never.

From the very beginning, I was drawn into this book like I very rarely am drawn into books. The writing style was impeccable, and the characters were incredibly well-crafted. It was also frightening when I realized that what was being spoken of could actually happen some time in the future.

I found that I repeatedly forgot where I was as I read (even when I was subbing in a classroom of students), and all I wanted to do was read this book and nothing else. I found myself thinking about the main characters and wanting to know what would happen in the story. I wanted to believe that the author would not allow the unthinkable to happen, but I wasn't sure. And I will tell you that the book does not end how you would like it to end, but it ends the way it should. If the author had chosen to end it differently, I don't think I would even be considering reading another book in the series. I wouldn't even think about it being part of a series.

I am absolutely "taken" with Suzanne Collins. She is one of the best authors I have read in recent times. I appreciate the fact that there was almost no profanity of any kind (only one word that I recall, and it was not even that bad). There is no sex (go figure--a YA book with no sex!). And she knows exactly how to keep you guessing. Although the science fiction, futuristic elements are there, everything makes sense. You aren't left wondering why thus and such happened--you know why! The action was mesmerizing, and the unexpected love story was absolute genius! She even has a sense of humor that comes out at exactly the right time.

This is a book that I can unequivocally recommend to anyone who enjoys reading fiction. It makes no difference if you like historical fiction, romance, science fiction, action, or an genre! This should be at the top of your TBR list if you have not read it!

One other thing I would like to add is to thank the author for such a positive message for young people (and everyone)even when dealing with such a dark topic. And the message is resonating with young people. As I read the book, I was asked by so many teenagers about the book. Many had read it and said how much they liked it. It is good to see an author write about a character who stayed true to what she believed and did not forsake her morals. She didn't let anyone change her! Thank you, Katniss! ...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Kevin Xu rated it liked it

I thought this book was not very original. Its like the most basic type of story where someone has to be sacrificed in order to make the god or other mystical creatures like dragons happy every so oftern. Most of all I thought the book was really bad version of Ender's Game. The characters are flat and have no emotion. Basically its Ender's Game without all the substance or anything that makes Ender's Game one of the most read/teached/related book of all time. Its no Ender's Game. ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Feb 24, 2011 Absurd Book Nerd rated it it was amazing

I really did enjoy this book. I was hesitant at first because I wasn't sure if all the violence would lead to anything redeeming. So glad I stuck with it. No wonder this is such a popular series of books in schools now-a-days. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 06, 2011 Michelle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: calibre, read-again, 2012, adventure, reviewed, favorite-series, young-adult, 2018, dystopian, science-fiction

I can't believe I have never reviewed this book. I've seriously read it like 10 times, and I've seen the movie probably 50 times. Let's just say I'm a fan of Katniss and Peeta.

Yes, Peeta. I never got on the Gale train, although he is quite handsome in the movies. But my heart belongs to Katniss and Peeta, the star-crossed lovers from District 12. Since everyone has seen this or read this, I will spare you the synopsis. But here is why I return to the book and movie over and over. Katniss is pric ...more

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Sep 13, 2012 Britt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: own, fantasy

After reading the whole trilogy I still hold dear to this first book. The idea which is incredibly original didn't appeal to me at first because it seemed rather dark and I predicted it would end in tragedy (and there is nothing more I hate than reading a whole book but still not getting a happy ending). However I was convinced by my sister's boyfriend and some girls at work to give it a go and thank god for them! I love the development of the story and am so incredibly glad to see that Suzanne ...more

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Sep 09, 2012 Tasha rated it really liked it

I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. Not really something I'd have picked up, had it not been for all the hype around it, I probably wouldn't of looked twice at it. Each chapter left me wanting more, it always ended with a cliffhanger for the next. And since I like to read to the end of a chapter, a lot of the time I was left wanting to get back to it! Can't wait to see the movie now! ...more

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Jun 08, 2011 Kris-10 rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, book-to-movie

WoW!!! I had heard a lot of great reviews about this book, but never took the time to read it myself. And boy, was I ever a fool...... This book is ahhhh-mazing!!! And I think I will die if I don't get the sequel, like, RIGHT NOW!!! <3 ...more

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Feb 02, 2012 Irene Hollimon rated it it was amazing

Dystopia isn't my thing but I liked Katniss so much I kept reading. I started the book because of all the hype about it and they've started to turn the books into movies. Shades of Twilight. I didn't want to like this book but Katniss is such a well written character that I kept wanting to find out what happens to her. The other characters dying we were warned about from the get go but I still didn't like it. This was Who's Your Author? group read for this month. ...more

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