66.3k reviews for:

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

4.35 AVERAGE


Fun read. young adult fiction isn't for young adults anymore....
mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

I think the premise of the book is very interesting, children fighting to the death for the entertainment of the ruling class. But, the execution left something to be desired. I felt that the plot was somewhat predictable from Katniss volunteering to be the tribute and her winning. The writing is engaging, but I felt that the author had a difficult time balancing the "adultness" of Katniss in the games and with her family with her somewhat "teenager-ness" when it came to almost everything else. I also had a hard time relating to her, but I definitely cheered her on in the Games. I really did like Peeta's character, and I'm glad he made it through as well. The ending of the book was fairly anticlimatic after everything else that happened and such a cliffhanger that it's obviously geared for the next book (which I'm assuming is her adjusting to normal life and the love triangle that is now Peeta and Gale). Overall, it's a decent read and entertaining, but I don't think I'll be reading more of the series.
adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

SUZANNE COLLINS YOU WILL PAY FOR MY THERAPY!!!!!
adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Rereading The Hunger Games after knowing Haymitch’s backstory hit me in ways I wasn’t expecting. The story was already gripping, but with the lens of how much Haymitch has lost—and how hard he’s trying to protect Katniss and Peeta—it added this layer of heartbreak that I couldn’t unsee. He’s not just the gruff, drunk mentor anymore; he’s a man who knows exactly what’s at stake, and watching him panic, fight, and care when no one else does absolutely gutted me.

The Capitol’s control feels even more sinister this time around. The way they manipulate even the smallest moments, turning a salute into a death sentence or a dress into a weapon, is terrifying. The themes of power, propaganda, and rebellion are so sharply woven into the story, and they hold up so well even after all these years.

One thing I did struggle with again was Katniss’s feelings about the love story with Peeta. I love the concept of it—how it ties into the larger narrative and the survival strategy they’re forced into—but Katniss’s emotional responses to it don’t always feel consistent with how smart and perceptive she is in every other part of her life. It’s not that she shouldn’t be conflicted, but it feels like her emotional growth in that area wasn’t written with as much care as the rest of her character. That said, I think it’s also fair to say the romance was never the point of the story—it’s a layer, not the core. And the core—the brutal system, the fight for survival, the small acts of rebellion—is what shines.

I love this book, and I doubt it’ll be the last time I read it.

I didn't think I would like this book based on how it was described to me so I didn't even give it a chance for awhile. I decided to give it a chance after everybody at work started swapping the books around and especially after one of my co-workers stated that she "doesn't read...period". I borrowed the series from a friend and finished the book in 3 days (probably would have been 2 if I didn't have to work or need sleep lol). I felt like I was Katniss. It's been awhile since a book has made me feel like this. The emotions she felt I felt. You instantly fall in love with all of the main characters.
I cannot wait to see the movie (the previews didn't really catch my interests either) so that I can see the imagery of the pre-Games celebrations come to life. From Effie's pink hair to Peeta and Katniss' costumes to the moment when Peeta reveals his secret!!! or at least I hope they show all of that!! I also can't wait to see the Games. I'm not one for blood and gore and I know there will be a lot of it but I am more interested in seeing Rue and her quickness and how the contenders look. I also want to see these mutations and if they are like I pictured in my head.

If you had doubts I highly recommend you read The Hunger Games. At least give it 3 chapters like I do any book. If after 3 chapters you cannot get into the book it isn't for you. Happy Reading :)
adventurous dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

First time doing this on audio version. I think the narrator did a fantastic job.