by Suzanne CollinsScholastic Press
384 Pages
Reviewed by Heather F.
What made me want to read this book? This book that did NOT sound like my type of book at all? Dystopian fiction is not usually my favorite thing. And I hate reality television. But I saw so many people talking about it; on Twitter, on other blogs, even Stephen King reviewed it in Entertainment Weekly. I just had to know what all the fuss was about. And I'm so glad I gave it a shot.
The main thing this book has going for it are the characters were of the type that you just couldn’t help rooting for. The main character, Katniss, can be a little grating on the nerves, but I still couldn't help caring for her and wanting her to overcome all the odds stacked against her. I love a good underdog! She was tough, tenacious, intelligent, resourceful; everything I look for in a female character, especially in young adult literature. Plus, I felt the author stayed true to her characters, whether it was something I liked or not. (i.e. of the romantic, dramatic, torn between two men sort). The writing was very good, in my opinion. The prose was taunt, quick, finely edited to keep the narrative moving, which with a story like this, felt appropriate. It was a fast read.
I admit, I was particularly worried about violence, since it’s basically a book about children killing each other to survive, but it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I definitely recommend this book. If you like fantasy, dystopian literature, YA literature... you will like this book. Even if you don't, you'll probably like this book! Just like I did!
I really appreciated the author’s vision of what could happen to humanity if certain things were not to change. There is a definite warning note to this story that is one I think we should all take heed of. It seems extreme, but then again... it doesn't.
384 Pages
Reviewed by Heather F.
What made me want to read this book? This book that did NOT sound like my type of book at all? Dystopian fiction is not usually my favorite thing. And I hate reality television. But I saw so many people talking about it; on Twitter, on other blogs, even Stephen King reviewed it in Entertainment Weekly. I just had to know what all the fuss was about. And I'm so glad I gave it a shot.
The main thing this book has going for it are the characters were of the type that you just couldn’t help rooting for. The main character, Katniss, can be a little grating on the nerves, but I still couldn't help caring for her and wanting her to overcome all the odds stacked against her. I love a good underdog! She was tough, tenacious, intelligent, resourceful; everything I look for in a female character, especially in young adult literature. Plus, I felt the author stayed true to her characters, whether it was something I liked or not. (i.e. of the romantic, dramatic, torn between two men sort). The writing was very good, in my opinion. The prose was taunt, quick, finely edited to keep the narrative moving, which with a story like this, felt appropriate. It was a fast read.
I admit, I was particularly worried about violence, since it’s basically a book about children killing each other to survive, but it was not as bad as I thought it would be. I definitely recommend this book. If you like fantasy, dystopian literature, YA literature... you will like this book. Even if you don't, you'll probably like this book! Just like I did!
I really appreciated the author’s vision of what could happen to humanity if certain things were not to change. There is a definite warning note to this story that is one I think we should all take heed of. It seems extreme, but then again... it doesn't.
1 comment:
I have this book sitting on my shelf right now and I can't wait to get to it! Young adult literature has definitely risen in the ranks of my esteem of late (for whatever that's worth). Right now I'm reading "Graceling" by Kristen Cashore. I haven't finished it yet but if you like fiesty, strong female characters you might want to give "Graceling" a try. =)
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