Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. In what was once North America, the Capitol of Panem forces its twelve Districts into line by randomly selecting a male and female, aged 12-18 from each District as tributes. The tributes compete in an annual, nationally televised program called, the Hunger Games. Everybody must watch as the young tributes fight to the death in the arena, a large, enclosed, outdoor area designed by the Gamemakers, until there is only one survivor. Sixteen year-old Katniss Everdeen from District 12 has been providing for her family ever since her father died in a mine explosion when she was 11. Hunting and gathering with her best friend, Gale, to put food on the table for both of their families. That is until the 74th Hunger Games, when Katniss's 12 year-old sister, Prim, is selected as tribute. Knowing Prim would never survive the games, Katniss volunteers for her sister. After that decision her life will never be the same again.

This was a great novel and I can clearly see why it is a favourite for so many people. It's actually my current favourite. The author has created a masterpiece. With just the right amount of tension, sadness and romance, it's really a perfect book. I would just like to note that I have read so many reviews saying that the violence and killing is unnecessary, but I think the book isn't just about violence, it's more about standing up against violence. So don't let that affect your decision to read the book or not. I would recommend it to boys and girls aged 12 and up as it contains violent themes and younger readers might not get the message of the book. A thrilling read.