Friday, September 24, 2010

What I'm Reading Now


In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining distric's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collin's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like Survivor and American Gladiator. Book one of a trilogy.

5 comments:

Ash said...

I really enjoyed reading that book, but it's pretty brutal. Eagerly anticipating reading the third.

Jonathan G. Reinhardt said...

Finished first (Hunger Games) and second (Catching Fire) of the trilogy. Waiting for Mockingjay to arrive in the mail.

I'd like to know what you think.

Stephanie said...

Finished HG last night. It definitely pulls you along--I was never bored. And you're right, Ash, it is brutal. Sometimes, it feels really contrived--like when Thresh lets Katniss live because she was nice to Rue, but other times the author gets it right--like Foxface's death by poison berries. I catch myself trying to overanalyze--the names, for instance, and I think I've seen foreshadowing in places that I'm not sure really are. But, on to volume II! JGR, I eagerly await your comments. I know you have some :-)

Jonathan G. Reinhardt said...

I bet you know what they're going to be, too.

Just finished Mockingjay. Won't spoil anything until you do, though.

Stephanie said...

@JGR--I find myself oddly aware of the author, and I can't explain why or even what I mean by that statement.