Wednesday, June 1, 2011

#28: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

At Abigail's birthday lunch this past Sunday, this book was recommended to me by a soon to be Wake Forest Demon Deacon and I am thrilled that I paid attention, took note of the book title, and bought it for my Nook.  My only regret is that my Nook is IMPOSSIBLE to read at the pool or I would've finished The Hunger Games before last night at 10:30.  I did manage to have a quick conversation with a friend at the pool on Sunday who had read The Hunger Games and was able to clarify some setting/timeline questions I had as I began to read this amazing book.  So, I guess talking about the book made up for the fact that I wasn't able to actually read it. 

Despite the wonderful recomendation, I must admit that the premise behind The Hunger Games is a bit tough to take: "The Capitol" (ie the government) putting 24 children in an arena where they fight to the death leaving 1 winner.   Does this really sound like something I would like to read?  Hardly.  But I have to say that it was excellent.  This book is actually geared for young readers (more like middle school-high school) so the death scenes are not terribly graphic or disturbing.  In fact, what I walked away from this book with most was that the author did an amazing job of not focusing upon the death, but instead on the loyalty and the love of the characters and the hatred for an unfair government that is oppressive and controlling. 

The Hunger Games is the first in a series of three books.  I have already begun to read the second book (Catching Fire) and am, once again, irritated that life is getting in the way of my reading time.  I might just get way too engrossed in my books, but I guess that's what makes me me.  I can see Katniss and Peeta (whenever I read his name I hear Fudge from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing calling out for his brother Peter in his 3 year old voice "Peetah" and I just can't get it out of my head!) and Gale and I think that they are amazing young people.  Their work ethic and family loyalty is uncompromised.  I've heard that The Hunger Games is being made into a movie and I can't wait to see this book brought to life. 

One last comment before I sign off to continue reading...this series of books WILL make my top 5 list this year.  But, I very well may have to make a top 10 list because I think I already have a fave 5 from the books I have already read.  If you haven't read The Hunger Games, please do!  You will love it, too!

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