andreeamaier

I both loved and hated this book. I hated what it had to say about the depths of depravity to which humans are capable of sinking; but I loved it’s representation of the individual’s ability to overcome adversity. This is one of the best books I’ve read in a very long time. It’s fast paced, with excellent narration that “rings true,” even though it is set in a future dystopia. The world of the Hunger Games is cast as “our” future, striking a perfect balance between the familiar and the alien. The important characters are well developed, but the reader isn’t beaten about the head and shoulders with long, pace-slowing narrative passages. Ms Collins tells us what we need to know as we go, without resorting to the kinds of tricks lesser authors often use. Peeta, the 16 year old protagonist, grabbed me in the first few pages with her direct, open style of narration. She isn’t a perfect character – she has her flaws – but the way she takes care of her little sister, ultimately offering her own life to save her, is more than just endearing. The reader falls in love with her. She is strong, smart, and amazingly capable, able to think like her opponents, but ultimately unable to read others’ feelings for her. This is not a fatal flaw, but it certainly does make her character more interesting! Supporting characters are equally well crafted; each provided just enough back story to make them real enough for the story’s purposes, and always from the limited perspective of the teen narrator. None of the characters is a stereotype, and many of them turn out to be more – or less – than they seem. The Hunger Games defies categorization. Though it is labeled “young adult fiction,” it has powerful appeal for older adults. Typed as “science fiction” and “fantasy,” it also fits into the “action/adventure” genre. Some have even called it a “romance novel,” though it would appeal to even the most romance-averse reader. In short, Ms Collins seems to have created her own category. The author doesn’t preach to her audience, but this book has much to teach about the human condition. I strongly recommend it for teens and adults, but would advise caution with children 12 and younger. Some of the book’s events are brutal and disturbing; possibly too disturbing for some children. Read the book first, and ask yourself if your child is more like Peeta or Prim. You will have your answer.

2023-02-04 04:30