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

6 likes · Like · see review

Oct 27, 2015 Michelle rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook, favorite-series, read-again, dystopian, reviewed, 2015, family, romance, science-fiction, young-adult

Another trip into the arena with Katniss and Peeta. I can't help myself. I just love this trilogy. I can't wait for the final movie in a few weeks! ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

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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