I normally am not a fan of reading. I am usually not motivated to finish a book. However, when it came to The Hunger Games, I could not put the book down. I kept wanting to know more and I was able to connect with the characters on a personal level. It definitely piqued my interest, and I have no doubt it will pique your interest as well.
The Hunger Games is a trilogy written by Suzanne Collins that illustrates the tyrannical life in a fictional country called Panem, divided into twelve districts that surrounds a powerful government located in a central city called the Capitol. In an annual televised event called the Hunger Games, each district must send two tributes, one boy and one girl, to fight to the death in an unknown arena. This year, Katniss’ 12 year old sister, Prim is drafted but Katniss bravely volunteers herself to fight instead of her sister, putting her own life at risk. Also selected is Peeta Mellark, the baker’s son, who has always been secretly in love with Katniss. The story brilliantly illustrates the difficult choices Katniss is forced to make between love and family, life and responsibility.
The series is appropriate for both middle and high school students as it is both entertaining and easy to understand. Natasha Chang, a senior at Western Academy of Beijing expresses “I love it! I really, really do. It is a completely immense experience. The characters and the storyline are just fantastic!”
It may be simplistically written but do not underestimate its contents. Suzanne Collins is a talented writer who knows how to appeal to a reader’s emotions, provoking empathy, anger, happiness and frustration. It brilliantly illustrates how a victory can be your defeat as well. Best of all, the books are consistently interesting and the sequel is as great as the first.
For all Hunger Games fan (and future ones), producers are in the midst of creating a movie rendition of the novel! I am expecting it to be top-notch, and it is definitely off to a great start with the casting. They may not all be well-known actors, but they definitely fit the profile of the characters I imagined. It will be coming out in March 2012 so look out for it in theatres or DVD.
Jodie is beijingkids’ student correspondent and is our eyes and ears on the ground. A junior student at Western Academy of Beijing, Jodie is also a contributor to the student-run magazine Unit-E. Check back for more of her blogs about student life.
