CHILDRENS DAY CONTEST ENTRY (BOOK REVIEW)

2011

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BOOK REVIEW THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

Reviewed by Tana Konda Every once in a while you come across a book that sets a new trend. It takes an old idea and puts a new spin on it, creating a fantasy world that enraptures both adults and teenagers alike. Thats exactly what Suzanne Collins did with her dystopian novel The Hunger Games. Set in the far future, post-apocalyptic North America that has suffered from disasters of all sorts has ultimately turned into Panem. Here a government reins in the Capitol city and rules over the 13 surrounding Districts, each specializing in its own trade. When the poverty-ridden districts rebelled against the Capitol, the uprising was suppressed and District 13 was annihilated. In order to keep the Districts in line and remind them of the Capitols might, the Hunger Games were brought into the picture. In this televised annual event, a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 are selected by lottery or reaped from each District. The 24 tributes are thrown into an outdoor arena, controlled by the Gamemakers, where they battle to the death until a victor is decided. The last one standing lives a rich life and brings a year of prosperity to their District. In the coal-mining region called District 12, with only two victors in its history- having your name announced in the reaping meant almost-certain death in the arena. Despite knowing that, 16 year old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to be the tribute for the 74th Hunger Games in the place of her little sister Primrose. Her only consolation is that her best friend and hunting partner Gale Hawthorne will look after her family. Peeta Mellark, a boy in her school who once saved her starving family when he gave her bread, is reaped following Katniss. They are both mentored by Haymitch Abernathy, the only living victor of their District, a raging alcohol whos a far better tactician than he lets on. Equipped with a flaming public debut, a staged profession of love from Peeta to a national audience- effectively turning them into the memorable star-crossed lovers of District 12 -and an oath to return to her sister no matter what; Katniss enters the arena with slim chances of winning against the career tributes from Districts 1, 2, and 4 who have been training their whole lives to be reaped. When the Games have begun theres no going back May the odds be ever in your favour. The best thing about the Hunger Games is surely the fact that it holds no punches back. The brutality of the arena deaths, the cruelty of the Capitol, the helplessness of the poor are neither brushed aside nor given a spotlight, they are merely there. Collins doesnt try to push any belief or central idea on you; she leaves it up to you to perceive the world she has painted as whatever you wish. The title definitely suits the book; it actually sums up the whole book in three words. Through the story of Katniss we see how much of a threat Hunger can be, how desperate people can get for food and what it takes to prevail over starvation. Even those who dont appreciate these aspects will undoubtedly find themselves unable to put the book down merely because of the awe-inspiring narrative. A love triangle in a dystopian society doesnt sound very predictable does it? You can bet it isnt. The only thing Gale and Peeta have in common other than Katniss is their hatred for the Capitol and desire to act out against it. Its a fast-paced adventure that never gets boring. Every scene is new and refreshingly original, and every chapter has its own little surprise. The plot is helped along by clever side characters that grow on you. All things considered, if youre looking for a book to pass time with, get you thinking or make you fall in love with new characters then The Hunger Games will fill your quota. Its entertaining, enlightening and makes you glad you dont live such a hard life. *** *** *** This is a contest entry. Tana is a student in grade 10 of Oakridge International School, Hyderabad.