The book world has been buzzing about The Hunger Games since early June, and more impressively, the reviewers have been giving it the highest of praise:
- "The hype surrounding this book is well deserved."
- "I picked up her book and did not put it down unless forced."
- "Highly recommended, this is a contender for the best science fiction for teens this year."
- "It stands equal to Westerfeld's Uglies series"
- "a completely scintillating book and wholly promising start to what's sure to be a spectacular trilogy."
- ... and many, many more (I have yet to see a single negative review!!!)
So, obviously, I was a little bit excited when my copy finally arrived at the library, and now, having devoured it in one sitting, I have to agree completely.
As the novel begins, we meet 16 year old Katniss on the morning of the Reaping. The Reaping is the first stage in a nationwide, televised reality competition -- The Hunger Games-- where 24 teens (one male and one female from each district of Panem) will literally fight to their death. And I'm sorry, but that's all I'm going to tell you plotwise.
Katniss, our protagonist, has her flaws, but is strong and intelligent and thinks for herself (which is more than can be said for certain recent YA heroines *cough*Bella*cough*). The pacing is perfect -- no long flowery descriptions, not a single dull moment. Collins seems to have a knack for introducing completely unexpected plot twists exactly when they're needed (wasp attacks, teens turned wolves, etc). The novel ends, nail-bittingly, on a cliff-hanger, and I, for one, am now anxiously awaiting Sept. 2009.
Just read it. Now. Get to the nearest library (or if you absolutely must, one of those bookstore places), and read it. Immediately.
Readers might also enjoy:
The Uglies trilogy by Scott Westerfeld
Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden
3 comments:
How dare you say the Twilight series and bella are bad. Just because you have a website does not mean people want to know what you have to say. Theres know way you would have the genius to come up with Bella or evan Mike Newton. let alon the entire series
What are you to cheap to buy books. So you will Read what they worked so hard on for free
Thank you for your comments. However, I did not say that Twilight was bad, only that I do not think Bella thinks for herself (which is something I'm sure her fans would argue with me, and I'm perfectly happy to have that discussion).
And, no, I'm not "to cheap" to buy books. I buy quite a few. But I also make sure that the library where I work orders multiple copies of new teen books, which means that the author and publisher get more money than if I simply bought one copy, read it once, and then stored it on my own bookshelf, and more people get to read the books. Most authors love the fact that libraries stock and promote their books because it is a great way for them to gain more readers and potential fans.
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