From the Bookshelf of Erudite Readers…

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)

Suzanne Collins

Start date: February 24, 2012

Finish date: March 26, 2012

Discussion: Our Favorite Books!

Discussion leader: Jon

Why we're reading this: February 24th will start our Chapter A Day Countdown.. each day we will discuss a chapter of the Hunger G…more
[close] February 24th will start our Chapter A Day Countdown.. each day we will discuss a chapter of the Hunger Games. We will finish the Hunger Games a day before the movie comes out. I think this is a good way to read the book before the movie. :) Do you like this idea?

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What Members Thought

Jan 26, 2011 EZRead eBookstore rated it it was amazing

Shelves: jenifer-reviews

The Hunger Games is massive, and it can only be massive-r. Promoted by Stephen King and screaming gangs of YAs, I knew it was time to read “Hunger Games” when Hot Topic released a line of t-shirts. I think this story does hit a nerve straight in the heart of a YA audience. A critique of our own cream-puff entertainment business, a study of the social pressures we all face, and a heckuva adventure story, “The Hunger Games” is a downright hurricane of relate-ability. But is it worth the read, or s The Hunger Games is massive, and it can only be massive-r. Promoted by Stephen King and screaming gangs of YAs, I knew it was time to read “Hunger Games” when Hot Topic released a line of t-shirts. I think this story does hit a nerve straight in the heart of a YA audience. A critique of our own cream-puff entertainment business, a study of the social pressures we all face, and a heckuva adventure story, “The Hunger Games” is a downright hurricane of relate-ability. But is it worth the read, or should you wait for the inevitable movie? EZ Read kindly finds out.

The “Hunger Games” overall is an exciting, fast read that celebrates a fierce heroine who needs no help. It was refreshing to see a female control of her situation, while the boys around her constantly need medical attention; she reminded me of a less sociopathic Lisbeth Salander from “The Girl With” series. The premise of the gladiatorial Hunger Games is not necessarily a new idea, but neither is stories of vampire love affairs or wizard schools, and no one is whining. The Capitol itself felt like an evil Technicolor cross between Oz and The Price is Right, and fit well in its wicked ridiculousness. As a straight forward adventure, I enjoyed the survival elements and excitement of the work. It’s not entirely unpredictable, but you definitely won’t be tossing it in your “to finish later” book pile. And even though it’s YA, it’s completely acceptable for adult readers as long as they don’t mind a bit of chaste kissing in place of some hunka hunka burning love.

On a deeper, more nitpicking level, the Hunger Games don’t make a lot of sense. (Better explanation of this in Laura Miller’s piece) The Hunger Game champion is celebrated with a lifetime supply of food and comfort for their starving family, but no one except wealthy Districts train for the potential life-altering victory. Meant to crush any hope of rebellion, the Games just seem to make celebrities and martyrs of the children rather than spread crushed feelings. They could have just said these games were “because we feel like it”, or to get everyone pumped about violence, and it would have made more sense.

Just go out and read the book. Read it before it becomes too popular and therefore uncool to read, read it before the movie, read it way before your friends and brag.

EZ Read Staffer Jenifer
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Mar 16, 2011 Jessica rated it liked it

Shelves: young-adult

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I had a hard time deciding between two and three stars for this book. I decided to go with three, mostly because I did really like Peeta, and the idea behind the story was interesting.

I asked for book recommendations from my friends, and several of them highly recommended this one. In fact, they loved it so much that I feel a little bad that I didn't. My number one issue with the book was the main character. Katniss is frustrating - she's very blank, and in spite of the fact that the book is wri ...more

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Sep 29, 2011 Lucille rated it it was amazing

Shelves: love-it, books-that-destroyed-me, books-i-own

Beautifully written, amazing plot. I love the action scenes!

1 like · Like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 cyndi rated it it was ok

i don't know why but it's kinda lack depth and thrill. i was being told about all the hunger games books and by hearing it kept me so excited so i decided to buy the trilogy.at first, there's expectation. mind you, a lot. it ought to be good, i thought. but, everytime i put down the thing, next day i forgot already the last scene that i have to read it all over the last few pages - that makes some scenes not appealing and thrilling.. and to a point, i put it down. MAybe, i started reading thrill ...more

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Aug 18, 2011 Courtney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, own

More reviews at Rondo of a Possible World: YA Book Reviews

I can say that I absolutely adored The Hunger Games , every single moment, every single word. I was lingering on every move that Katniss made.

When I fist heard about The Hunger Games I had already finished Battle Royale and was indeed hooked on that book. I was weary of reading this book for I would have seen it as a copy of Battle Royale but after giving it a chance, it most certainly is not a copy but a wonder in its own way.

I love d ...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Me'Lissa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, book-club

I could smack myself for letting this book sit on the bookshelf in my basement for the better part of 3 years. I bought it on a whim and never got around to reading it. Even now I only read because it is in consideration as a required reading for my high school students. However, I don't think I could be more pleased with this book. It was so cleverly crafted, the scenes so thoughtfully laid and the plot twists so greatly incorporated that I am thrilled to know it is a young adult novel. I have ...more

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Dec 17, 2011 Theresa rated it really liked it

Shelves: good-read, good-story, favorite-teen-book, makes-you-think

A haunting book. I was completely drawn into the world of The Hunger Games.

In many ways, The Hunger Games is a typical dystopian novel – full of poverty and cruelty. But unlike many dystopias, what was particularly horrific in this book was the emphasis on violence as entertainment, the spectacle and pageantry that turned killing into a game.

For more, see http://mthupp.wordpress.com/2012/10/0... ...more

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Jan 31, 2011 Casi K. rated it really liked it

Much more intense and emotional than I expected, especially for a teen read, but the story was original and creative and the characters stay with me even when I put the boos down. Starting Catching Fire now. I can't wait to see what happens next... ...more

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