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The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)

Suzanne Collins

Start date: January 7, 2012

Finish date: January 31, 2012

Discussion: Book Discussions

Why we're reading this: January 2012 Group Read
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Apr 24, 2012 Candice Kamencik rated it liked it

I need to get this review out before I start the second book. first off, it was hard for me to rate this book for a few reasons. As a stand alone book I would have given it a four, but as the first part of a trilogy, it definitely gets a three. While the main storyline was enjoyable, the writing was mediocre at best. It was a very easy read, bordering on simple, with no challenge in it at all. Additionally, with such an emotionally charged subject, I was expecting to feel some of that in the wri I need to get this review out before I start the second book. first off, it was hard for me to rate this book for a few reasons. As a stand alone book I would have given it a four, but as the first part of a trilogy, it definitely gets a three. While the main storyline was enjoyable, the writing was mediocre at best. It was a very easy read, bordering on simple, with no challenge in it at all. Additionally, with such an emotionally charged subject, I was expecting to feel some of that in the writing, and unfortunately, it fell a little flat. It didn't drag or anything like that, but there weren't any amazing highs or lows, which was a disappointment.

I really do think the aspect that brought it down for me was that this was the first part of a trilogy. This book should have left me wanting more, wondering what happened to the characters, and burning with unanswered questions - yet it really didn't. Yes, I'm moderately interested about how the main characters fare, but since nothing immediately happened to them at the end of the book, and I can think is, "Ehh, they'll be fine." The idea of rebellion and the unfairness of the world in general of course leaves a few unanswered questions, but the plot and direction of the next book wasn't played up very well at all, and didn't really leave me with an urge to rush to the next book.

I'm a fan of dystopian novels, and while this book is billed as such, I think the focus was more upon the Game itself, and less on the civilization and society. If the author's intent was to make a comment or statement on that subject, the mark was missed. The participation in the Game could have been condensed down into one section of the book with focus on the character development of those players who were to survive, and I feel we could have moved on without missing anything vital. Had this been a stand alone book, simply *set* in a dystopian society, about the trials and characters participating in the sport of the Game - then this book would have a different review.

While I did enjoy the story and thought it was decently told, all in all, I think the following books need to bring a bit more to the table in order to earn the following they seem to have. ...more

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