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Friday, January 6, 2012

Review and Giveaway: The Hunger Games


TITLE: The Hunger Games             SERIES: The Hunger Games #1
AUTHOR: Suzanne Collins              PUB DATE: 9/14/08
PUB: Scholastic                                  FORMAT: paperback, 374 pgs
SOURCE: gift


Winning means fame and fortune. Losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun... 
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, the shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love

Honestly, I never set out to read this book for review. This was simply one of those books that I had been wanting to read for a long time and did so when I finally got the chance. But, after I finished the book I realized I just had SO many feelings and thoughts and I just knew I had to share them all with all of you! But I would consider this a mini and unformal review. And I realize there are many people out there who, like me, have just discovered or have not yet discovered this series, so I will try to be as spoiler free as possible in this review...



THREE WORDS: Provocative. Gripping.  Awesome.

Wow…just wow! I kind of want to kick myself for not picking up this book years ago, yet, I’m kinda glad I waited until all three books were out so I don’t have to wait for any of them…I’m impatient like that ;)

And I’m kind of miffed that no one bothered to tell me how awesome this book was or even suggested I start this series! I mean not a single one of you ever, not even once, even sorta mentioned it *cracks up*…I kid, I kid :D Please note my teasing voice and grin. Yes, many of you kindly recommended this book to me over the last couple of months and shared all your thoughtful reasons why I absolutely had to read it…so I thank each and every one of you!

So, just what did I think of The Hunger Games?! Eeep! I have so many thoughts about it right now. Clearly, I loved it and am itching to read the next book. But why did I love it? What did I love about it?

Well, I love how very original it is. This series obviously spurred the popular dystopian trend in YA lit., and it really does still remain one of the most original and well executed dystopian books out there. The creativity and social/political/cultural awareness Suzanne Collins exhibits in THG is truly impressive. And I really love the simple fact that a book about kids fighting each other to the death has moved and inspired so many readers.

The world building in THG is phenomenal! This gritty, stark, dark future world feels impossibly real and is artfully layered. And I think this realism is what fascinates many readers. This dystopian future, a future where kids are made to kill one another for entertainment, seems so outlandish and unbelievable, yet there’s a terrifyingly thrilling aspect to the notion that maybe this future isn’t so farfetched and the idea of humans getting enjoyment from cruelty, pain, and death isn’t a foreign concept.

The story itself is perfectly and effortlessly paced, and this pacing, along with Collins’ superb world building, makes for one gripping and addictive read. I know I was simply unable to put the book down and was definitely sad to see it end.

With such a captivating plot, a book like THG definitely needs a MC equally has captivating and, as many of you have already discovered, Katniss Everdeen simply shines! Katniss has definitely earned her place as one of my top three female YA characters, just after this first book! I loved her the moment she volunteered to take Prim’s place in the Hunger Games. I have a baby sister that I love more than words can say and in that moment I felt like I was more than simply right there with Katniss, I felt like she had suddenly and intrinsically become a part of me. She’s such a masterfully created character- equal parts strength and vulnerability, serious and witty, intelligent but not boastful, brave and selfless with a quiet grace. She’s impossible to ignore and an unforgettable character.

But there are so many wonderful, compelling, downright fantabulously awesome characters in this book right?! We have stoic Gale, charming  Peeta, pull at your heartstrings Rue, oddly endearing Haymitch, sweet Primrose, fabulous Cinna, and a slew of other well developed characters.

And of course I must mention the romantic aspects of this book! I know the basic plotline and story outline for the entire series, so I’m well aware of whom Katniss ends up with in the end. But even this knowledge didn’t keep me from being able to enjoy the complex, heart-breaking, and breathtaking romantic elements in THG. Collins does a superb job of exploring Katniss’ confusion and confliction where the romance is concerned.

Then there’s the Hunger Games themselves, which are equal parts fascinating and repulsive. Relentless, violent, startling, impossible to look away- this is how I describe the Hunger Games Collins describes so epically.

Am I stoked for the upcoming movie? Umm, heck to the yes I am! So is my mom, who I talked into reading THG then proceeded to devour the whole series in about five days.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: My mind has been blown. My fangirl heart has been captured. The Hunger Games is a riveting, powerful, captivating book. An absolute MUST read!

5/5 Cupcakes

Learn more about Suzanne Collins and THG here: Website / Goodreads / Scholastic
Purchase this book here: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Book Depository


When I love a book, I want to share it with the world...well, at least I want to share it with all of you! So, I'm giving away a copy of The Hunger Games (book 1). No, not my copy (are you crazy?!). A brand new paperback copy from The Book Depository! Maybe you've never read THG and want to or perhaps you just want your own copy...either way, here's your chance to get it.
Giveaway will run from 1/6 - 1/20 at 11:59 pm EST
There will be one winner
Open internationally as long as TBD ships to your country
Fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter
  • Must be 13 or older
  • Must be a GFC follower
  • One main entry per person
  • Winner will be emailed and must claim prize within 48 hours or new winner will be chosen
  • I am NOT responsible for lost or damaged prizes in the mail









a Rafflecopter giveaway

73 comments:

Brenda Demko said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I wasn't sure about reading it at first. I saw the movie trailer and I started to think it looked pretty good! Usually if a movie is good, the book is better. I am looking forward to reading it now!

Anonymous said...

i have already read this book.. It's AWSOME!!! read the next book to this the catching fire.. and you'll get hooked!!! :))

Arianne said...

I LOVE THIS BOOK!! Unfortunately I already won a copy of this from someone else. I'd love to win Catching Fire next though :D
Good luck to everyone!

Rachel said...

I've read my sister's copy of The Hunger Games, and would love to have my own copy. I loved Katniss's calm attitude towards everything, nothing could faze her. Thanks for the giveaway!

Rachel said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
picyadri said...

The Hunger Games was that book that got me reading again, so it has a very special meaning for me. I love the whole dystopian world, the emotions, the paralel to our present (reality shows), and the characters (Peeta!)
Can't wait for the movie!:)
Thank you for the giveaway!

Oh! Paper Pages said...

I read the HG, and I loved it. It was my introduction to dystopian literature, and I am now hooked. I am currently reading Pure while waiting for my copy of Ashfall. Thanks for the chance to win!

Jessirae said...

I loved The Hunger Games so much. In fact, it's my favorite book ever. It's even the first dystopian I've ever read. I loved Katniss and Peeta. I loved the whole concept of children fighting for their lives. It's a brilliant piece of written work.

I am dying for the movie :]

miki said...

i haven't read this serie yet but i would like to beacuse there will be a film and i always prefer the book to the film ^^

all the best

Cayce said...

I've read the first two books from the library. I loved them :) Want to read the last one too soon !

Sarahbotbonkers said...

I have read THG and I really loved it! But I don't have my own copy so if I win this giveaway(which I know is next to nil), I'd definitely be happy! Thanks for the giveaway. :)

Anonymous said...

I have not yet read THG. I want to read it because my friends read and loved it, and there are many praises for it.

I entered in the rafflecopter form as Evangeline.

Amy said...

I didn't read this series until a few months ago. I kept hearing it was good, I just never got to it. I'm actually glad I waited until all the books were out. It's nice to not have to wait for the next book in a series.

Venus Stormborn said...

I've read the entire trilogy and sincerely these are some of the most captivating books I've ever encountered. Kept me glued to them from the beginning till the end. I haven't bought my own copies yet, though.

Sarah Erhart said...

I haven't had a chance to read these books yet, but after reading your review I can't wait! Would love to win, and will definitely be buying these books soon anyway if I don't. Thanks for the giveaway! <3

test3s said...

I haven't read it, but i want to because everyone has something good to say about it.

Unknown said...

I haven't read it yet, but I want to because my friends say it's a really good book series and that I should read it haha XD
Thanks for the great giveaway

Karen Maldonado said...

I haven't read the Hunger Game Series.

I was trying to put it off till after the first movie came out, on request of my friends who think I chat too much when I read the book a movie is based off.

But is quite annoying to watch a mvovie without reading the books, so I decided to just give up, and read them ASAP.

Proserpine said...

Hi! I didn't read it, but I saw pretty good review on this one. Plus I want to see the movie too so I would liked to read it before! Thanks for this giveaway!

proserpinecravedfor(at)hotmail(dot)com

sweety said...

I haven't read THG,yet.I want to read it because i heard all the good things about it!! and would like to give it a try :)

Thanks for the international giveaway!!

GFC name - sweety

Jennifer said...

I have read it but don't own it.

I love this book and i love this series. Fantastic books.

jennifer k

Marrria said...

I haven't read it. I want to read it because all my friends are talking about it and I feel kind of left out :))

Unknown said...

THG was really amazing! It totally opened my eyes to the idea of dystopian fiction. Loved it!

Unknown said...

I hear so many good things about this series that I just have to check it out for myself!

elizabeth @ bookattict .com

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

I have not read this series yet and I have been hearing and seeing so many great comments about it. I know I should read it to find out what all the hype is about but it seems like I have so many other books calling my name. Maybe if I finally owned a copy (hint, hint) it would make it to the top of my TBR pile.

Thanks for this awesome giveaway!!

suzebomb(at)gmail.com

Unknown said...

I haven't read the series but my friends all rave about it. Since they are now releasing a Hunger Games movie, I am now even more interested in dipping into this series.

Name: Sarah Walker

Email: sreis1987@gmail.com

SacredmOOn said...

I haven't read the Hunger Games yet. I would love to get the chance. I've read and heard from so many different peeps that this book is amazing. And now a movie is being made. Thank you for the giveaway! DeAnna Schultz
sacredmoon1(at)gmail(dot)com

Unknown said...

I have not read it and wouldn't even have considered it except for this review and others I read around the internet. The three words you used what more can you say

Kaylyn's Book Blog said...

No I haven't read it. But I've been wanting to for the longest time. I see people in school with it every year and I feel I'm the only person that hasn't read it but judging by some of the comments I see I'm wrong. I want to read it because the movie is coming out and I always have to read the book before the movie unless I don't know theres a book. In this case I know so I want to read it before all my friends are like lets go to the movies to see the hunger games..... -.-

mimz said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I absolutely love the books! I read them this summer but I borrowed them from a friend, so I don't actually own them. :)

ChatteNoire said...

I've read this book, the Indonesian version..
And I'm 100% agree with you. This. Book. Is. Awesome~~!!! :D

Jewel said...

I haven't read this book...yet.

I've read great reviews & comments that have made me interested to read this.

Also, the trailer of the movie looked good, but I have a feeling the book will be better.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Mary Preston said...

I have read THE HUNGER GAMES & loved it!!! It was incredible.

I'd like a copy for my keeper shelf.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Sayomay said...

I havent read it but Ive heard lots of things about it!

pandalovesyou said...

I loved this book! The story is so horrifying, but you can't put it down. It just sucks you in!

Kulsuma said...

I loved the hunger games!

Unknown said...

I actually have not read the series yet. I've been meaning to, just haven't bought them yet.

misteedawnw at aol dot com

Unknown said...

I might read them after my boyfriend does, depending on what he thinks of them. He saw the movie trailer and I told him it was based off a book so he wants to read them now. Hopefully I win them for him so he could add them to his goodreads list.

Kara D. said...

I have been wanting to read them but haven't yet! I've heard such good things!

Avon Bernabe said...

Ofcourse I've read this! And I loved how it gave me the adrenaline rush! Lol.

Kathleea said...

I've read all three and I got them from the library so I'd love my own copy. I liked book 1 and 2 the best. It inspired me to write my own YA Dystopian in first person present tense! Hard to do but fun all at the same time!

Natasha Areena said...

I read the book. I absolutely loved it! But haven't finished the series. I'm excited for the movie.
I'm really excited for the actors playing Peeta, Katniss, and Cato.

Farah said...

Of course I read it! Who haven't totally missed on something. I can't wait for the movie to come out. See if it lived up to the its reputation.

Aik said...

I've only read the Chinese version of The Hunger Games. I own the Catching Fire and Mockingjay in English, but not The Hunger Games. I really hope I can re-experience the awesomeness of The Hunger Games in the original version.

Aik said...

I've only read the Chinese version of The Hunger Games. I own the Catching Fire and Mockingjay in English, but not The Hunger Games. I really hope I can re-experience the awesomeness of The Hunger Games in the original version.

Victoria Smith said...

Great Giveaway Thanks!

Twenty Something Fiction Writer
My Book Giveaway!

mk said...

Oh I've read the book and it was the most amazing thing I've ever read. It literary hurt when I was done with the trilogy... The first book is just so, so good!
Thanks for the amazing giveaway and for giving a chance to someone to win this book!

B Reading said...

Thank you for the chance to enter this give-away. I have read so much bout these books and would love to have a chance in the competition.

Sarah Martins said...

I love THG. It is simply one of those books that you drive to rethink the world and how you see it. It is simply amazing as Suzanne Collins captivated me! Something like panic amazing! I love it and all the characters. So badass.
And thanks for international giveaway. =)
GFC - Sarah Martins DL

Carole Rae said...

I still haven't read this yet. *blushes* However, for xmas my cousin gave me the entire series and demanded that read it. *sighs* I hope I love it as much as you did. Great review!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I haven't read this yet but it's going to be read VERY soon!

Nedraw said...

I haven't read this series yet but I've seen so many great reviews for it and I'm thinking I'm missing out on a great series. It would be terrific to win a copy of this but even if I don't it's on my list to buy.

Veronika said...

I haven't read the books yet, but I've heared so much about them I think I want to read them now :) Especially that they, re making movies from them. I'm excited :D
Thank you for the giveaway!

Diane Melendez said...

My sons girlfriend just finished this book and loved it. She was so excited about it, I now want to read it.

Read Between the Lines said...

I loved this series one of my faves and would love to own the series

A Viola Player said...

I couldn't lift my eyes off of the pages while reading the series!I just can't get enough now that I've read it once.

Victorique de Blois said...

It was Awesome!!! I just want another sequel for the last book!

Lisa Richards/alterlisa said...

I came late to the party reading this trilogy and am I so glad I did. Had I had to have waited a year between books instead of reading them back to back till my eyes bled (both from the long spell of reading and bawling my eyes out) I'd have gone bonkers.
However, I gave my set away to a friend who has a classroom library.
I really want a set for myself as I know already I want to reread them, something I seldom do.

Angela said...

Nope haven't read this yet but I want to thats why I want to win it lol. I heard so many good things about it so thats why I want to read it. Thank you so much for the chance to win!

Aparna said...

I haven't read THG yet but after hearing so many good things about this and reading your review I soooo want to read THG! :D
Thanks for the giveaway!

Kathryn said...

I read this book last summer when it was on our library's summer reading program list of recommended books. Frankly, the topic did not sound good to me, but boy was I wrong! I LOVED this book and have encouraged my daughters to read it also. I have read all three books in the trilogy and plan to read them again soon!

books first love said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I heard much about this book but I didn't read it yet, this will be a good opportunity.kisses

Kelly said...

I haven't read it but I REALLY want to! The story & characters sound so interesting, and I've heard nothing but good things about it.

Tiff Pull said...

I have not read this series. I have heard good things about this series and i really want to read it. Thanks so much for the giveaway.

Books Are Magic said...

I've only read the first book is the series and it totally blew me away! It's was amazing

Thanks for the giveaway

Unknown said...

I have not read THG yet! Thanks for the giveaway!

Kim@Time2Read said...

I've not read this one yet, but I've had it on my to read list for a long time. I convinced my book club to read it for Feb, and so far, I've only heard good things from the members. I'm waiting for my copy to arrive!

Unknown said...

i cant wait to read this book i have heard so many wonderful things about the series!

jenn1081 said...

My daughter just finished reading this book for school and loved it. So to win a copy would be great cause now i am wanting to read it.

Maya Floria Yasmin said...

i've read this book but in Bahasa. So i really want to win this giveaway :D

SweetMarie83 said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed The Hunger Games! It was recommended to me last year by my cousin, and I wasn't all that interested, but because she told me I should read it, I did. And OMG, am I ever glad I listened! It was amazing and I flew through the trilogy. I got my copies from the library though and would love to eventually own the whole set, so thanks for the chance to win the first one! :-)

Emily @ Falling For YA said...

I have read The Hunger Games and I absolutely adored it! I felt like THG was the best in the entire series too. While I enjoyed Catching Fire and Mockingjay I keep re-reading THG because I love it so much. I would like to win another copy to give to my mother. She lives in a different state and rarely reads YA but I hope this book will change her mind!

-Emily
www.fallingforya.blogspot.com

ErinPaperbackstash said...

I agree with you that this was a great book, very gripping and intense.