A review by astrangewind
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I am astonished, yet again, by the ease with which Collins examines the dynamics of an oppressive government, late-stage (and beyond) capitalism, death and trauma, and teenage love. When I first read The Hunger Games series, I was in middle school and had yet to grasp the intentions of the Hunger Games and those behind them. Now, after watching the movies (again) and reading Ballad, I find myself believing in and understanding Katniss and the complexity of her life before and after the Games, whereas as a preteen I was largely concerned with who she intended to date.

The Hunger Games is utterly un-put-down-able. I already know the story and how it ends, but even so, I cried at the same parts I always have. The depth of the characters and world and story, how cleanly it foreshadows the following books, the realistic depiction of PTSD.... it's all brilliant.

The only reason this book gets less than 5 stars is that the writing is just the slightest bit stunted, and I found parts of the book rather dull, particularly before the Games proper. (Although I found that Ballad didn't have this problem, but it could be the first-person vs. third-person perspective. So I definitely don't blame Collins for that.)

This book is truly a must-read for everyone. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings