The Hunger Games, a New York Times bestseller, has exceeded expectations. I strongly recommend this book for anyone over 11. It offers a rare combination of well-developed characters and suspenseful action. The story takes place in future North America. But don't write it off as the type of book where everyone has jet packs and is happy. The actual plot is quite the opposite. In this dystopia, life is harsh and grueling. Food is scarce and starvation is not an uncommon occurrence. The main character, 16-year-old Katnis Everden, is the eldest of two sisters in a poor family. Her father died in a mining accident a few years ago, leaving her mother in a state of disrepair.
Katnis manages to put food on the table through her father's art of hunting. However, worse terrors await the children of Panem: the Hunger Games, which pin 24 competitors into an arena of harsh and dangerous environments. These games are used to remind the citizens of Panem that the government has complete control over them. When Katnis' younger sister is picked for the games, Katnis volunteers in order to save her, and let the games begin.
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Hmmm-it's tough to read about dystopias when the holidays are coming up but our review makes tis book sound so good I'm going to try it. Thanks for the enthusiastic and very well-written review.
ReplyDeleteSincerely yours, Mrs. Prentice