Hey Everyone, I just finished The Hunger Games last night. Wow. I felt like I was reading a warped version of 1984. Seriously. I was sucked in, and I flew through this novel about a dystopian society filled with hurt, love, blood, tears, struggle for survival, and...flamboyant costumes.
This sci/fi novel is fast paced (unlike 1984, but I must say it does lack the sophistication of Georgie's book. Mostly because this is a young adult novel, so how can you really compare the two?), and it leaves you hanging onto your bed comforter for dear life. This is because the novel is so good you don't want to run to the bathroom for a potty break which leads you to clutch onto your bed spread saying "No! Not now! I need to find out what happens to Peeta Bread! Darn you, bladder!!!" And so you continue to read in this state until 3:00 am when suddenly you fear Emily Rose....then it's 3:01 am and after much sweat and more clutching of the bed spread you proceed with the thrilling novel. Only to find out that you're on the last page!
"What?! When did this happen?! Where did the time go..." Into doing nothing but reading that book! Then reality settles in, and you realize you're lacking in your normal upkeep of personal hygiene and whoa...when was the last time you washed these pajamas?! Ew. You're a mess. A complete mess. Not to mention you smell like books and coffee. Just EW.
Actually, book smell is calming, and coffee is warm and inviting yet energizing so it's really the perfect balanced atmosphere!
"Get to the stupid book already!!!"
....Okay. I will. And it's not stupid. *Puts nose haughtily in the air and continues with this supercalifragilisticexpielaladocious book review.*
Hm. No spelling suggestions. They should really incorporate that word in the dictionary now. Who has that job? Well, I should have it. It would be a word revolution at that place...you know... the place where they add words....to the dictionary. Anyway, my attention span is like a squirrel's at the moment because I only got 5 hours of sleep last night. Blame it on the book.
So the main character of The Hunger Games is Katniss. I personally hate the name because it reminds me of cat food which then reminds me cat breath which STINKS. Therefore, every time I read her name my subconscious picks up on those unpleasant things associated with it, and I am immediately turned off. Also, it sounds like Catnip.
I first started reading the book and I was murmuring through the beginning chapters. Murmuring mini-complaints...I couldn't help it. Murmuring. Writing. It was choppy. Like a karate chop.
JUST LIKE THAT! SEE! ^^^^^ That's how the writing is through the whole book, and at times it gets irritating, but it's worked to the benefit of the book in the end. The novel is very fast paced, and this style of writing contributes nicely to that pace.
Also, Katniss seemed like a very flat character through a lot of the book. She seemed tough. She's a hunter, and she's fierce no doubt, but that's all I saw. Until one poignant moment which turned that whole idea around and into something truly remarkable. I will get to that in a second.
The general outline: North America is a totalitarian, dystopian society. There is the Capitol and the twelve Districts. There was another District, District 13, but it was destroyed from the aftermath of the rebellion. The Districts rebelled against the Capitol, but they were suppressed, and as a reminder/punishment for the Districts, the Capitol created The Hunger Games. Two children, a boy and a girl, ages 12-18 (?), are drawn from each district to perform in the games. The object of the game? To kill one another off until one emerges as victor. Horrifying part (besides the fact that they murder each other)? Everyone has to watch this fight for survival on television.
Katniss's sister is picked from the random drawing, but Katniss runs in and volunteers herself instead. Now it's Katniss's fight for survival along with the boy, Peeta, who saved her from starvation once. Not to mention he's practically head over heels for her. Actually, he's secretly been so until in an interview before the games he admits he's always liked Catnip in front of everyone. Oh, right. Spoiler Alert!
Hey...don't get mad. You would've checked to see even if I told you beforehand. Plus, I mean, it's right there in your line of eyesight so there was no avoiding it anyway. I just saved you a lot of trouble.
Anywho, it's this kind of situation that draws the reader in. The wow-I've-loved-you-since-kindergarten-but-now-I-have-to-kill-you-so-I-can-go-home-and-eat-and-drink-and-be-merry-until-I-die-yet-I-will-always-live-with-the-rememberance-of-how-I-mercilessly-killed-you situation. Tragic....
The plot is brilliantly and cleverly designed. There is never a dull moment, and it's not so predictable either. Especially the ending, but I'm not saying anything at all.
Everyone dies.
What?! No. That's not true. Or is it?....Ohhhhh you'll have to read it then!!!!
Now, to the unveiling of Katniss as a dynamic character, which saved me from throwing the book across the room.
There is a scene when Katniss allies with a particular character during the games. It is at this moment we see the vulnerable Katniss. She doesn't want to be alone. She seems to fear it almost. I really can't say anything else because for those who want to read it, I don't want to spoil anything. But yes. Katniss is now more dynamic than a fully operating pinball machine. Whatever the heck that means. But she is dynamic. Yay.
Although, one thing bothers me. Katniss is shrew and skilled. She's a smart person- so one thing bothers me. If she's so smart how can she not realize that Peeta likes her?! Those who have read the book, please tell me you know what I mean. I mean COME ON ALREADY! He confessed it, he's expressed it....I just don't understand her incapability to notice such a thing.
My favorite character of the book is Cinna though. I love him. He's Katniss's stylist at the beginning ceremonies for the games. There is something different about him. He doesn't act like all the other citizens of the Capitol (who are absolutely crazy by the way. Very superficial people.). He seems to have some kind of underlying perception of what their society has become. Cinna doesn't appear to be a conformist. He isn't dressed like the citizens of the Capitol, their clothing and hair being cotton candy colored, and he holds a very cool demeanor. I'll keep an open eye on him because I have a feeling he will become a more prominent character in the sequel: Catching Fire.
Which is on it's way to me immediately. Through my mother. Who is at Barnes and Noble. Right now. As I type.
I will say this about the ending of the first book. One of the main characters has clearly angered the Capitol, and he or she probably won't be getting away with it.... And that's basically where it leaves off. Oh and some kind of triangle of love is emerging....I can practically smell it....
Duh duh dummmmmm.
Go ahead, and buy the series. Or if you're wary of how good it is, buy the first book only. It's by Suzanne Collins.
I hope you enjoyed this review of The Hunger Games! If you didn't well then go get eaten by some mutant wolves.
Oh, yeah. I didn't mention that those are in the book, too. That part FREAKED me out. It's very unsettling and yet genius on the part of Suzanne Collins. If you read it, you'll know what I mean. If you've already read it, then- OH MY GOSH WASN'T THAT CREEPY?! I WAS READING AT 2:00 AM, AND I WANTED A NIGHT LIGHT.
Not really, but I literally mouthed the words "Holy crap" when I realized something about those mutant wolves.
This blog, love it? hate it? Let me know! Oh and tell me about the book if you read it. I love those kind of discussions. Don't be shy! Come on in and spill your opinions all over the place.
Just kidding. That would make a mess that I am not willing to clean.
Later, readers.
Signing out of this blog like yeah~
Gwen the Super Hero, over and out.
