Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

on February 21, 2021     /     By Lorena Nunez /    In Children's Book Reviews

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins 

Illustrator: Tim O'Brien

Publication: September 14, 2008

374 pages

                Review by Lorena Nunez, student at College of the Desert, and participant in the course Children's Literature 

Review of The Hunger Games

    There lies many stereotypical roles in the novel The Hunger Games, but the most popular happens to be the known fact that Katniss does not fit a normal female stereotype. As one may know, women are said to be both sensitive and emotional, but Katniss does not seem to display any of those. As she volunteers in her sister’s place, she simply walks up the stairs without crying, without smiling, showing absolutely  no emotion. Katniss’ lack of emotion strays away from a normal female stereotype. 

    As seen in the novel, citizens are separated into thirteenth districts. Each district is given a responsibility/job that revolves around its citizens. For example, district one is responsible for handling luxury items like jewelry, district two is responsible for masonry, district three is responsible for technology, and so on. We are able to distinguish by reading that each district has different financial status. While the Capital is swarmed by those who live for the money and luxury, district twelve lives in poverty and starvation. The Capital is given a description of color and life, having the luxury of being able to dress in what their own “designer” brands are. Although some districts carry a better financial status, there is not much “judgement” that is thrown around. The judgement actually begins as both Katniss and Peter encounter their competition during training. Having to see those who have natural skills to those who have none. 

    There are not many personal relationships within the novel, other than the ones that Katniss carries with her mentor, Peter, and her family. As read in the beginning, you can recognize that the relationship between Katniss and her sister is very strong and connected. Due to their strong connection, it is understandable that Katniss would volunteer for her sister’s place in the ‘Hunger Games’. The relationship with her mentor seems to be an up and down roller coaster as she feels that her mentor is not giving Peter and her his best advice. Their connection is rather odd, but progresses before she enters the competition. As for Peter, Katniss goes through a series of up and down for the emotion she has for him. At first she is angered at the fact that he confesses his feelings for her to only then feel the need to protect him until the end. 

    As a reader may notice, there is not much of a ‘hero’ in the story, but rather a rebellion. From the very beginning, Katniss shares her feelings towards the idiocy of the survival game and has displayed a ‘devil's advocate’ type of perspective. A good example of this would be as both Katniss and Peter are the last standing in the game. There can only be one winner, but neither wish to bring harm to the other. Katniss grabs berries and attempts to commit suicide with Peter, rigging the system. Thankfully, they are both announced to be the winners of the ‘Hunger Games’ before carrying out their deaths. Furthermore, Katniss does not fit the ‘hero’ description, but rather the positive rebellion. 

    The idea of living in a society that requires you to participate and be picked out to fight for your ‘district’ may seem like a very heroic thing to do, but in fact it is quite gruesome. The possibility that you can be picked out to fight for your life, knowing very well you may not live to the end, can be traumatizing especially for younger children. The Hunger Games overall is a destructive and deadly game, like stated before there is a possibility anyone could be picked out to be a participant, this can leave children to stress and even feel like they have to act tough to fit a certain gender norm. For a young boy, if picked out, must prove to be a skillful ‘man’ in order to have the confidence and convince themselves there is a possibility they may win. In other words, this can leave them either dead, stressed, or even depressed. 

    The novel is widely recognized and became a very popular pick for young readers. This makes one wonder how the author came by the idea to write such a book that demonstrates different aspects of war. Author, Suzanne Collins has stated that her intention in writing the novel was to help children become more aware of the concept and consequences of war. She stated that her belief was that if children could see how their lives could be affected by war, they would make better choices in life, especially in leadership situations. This explains the way Katniss’ character is depicted in the novel. She lies in not much of a heroic aspect, but as a rebel who plays against the deadly game and goes on to show how her leaving affects both her and her family. 

    While reading the popular novel, there are many loaded words that are thrown around. Although, the loaded words are used to expose the reader to a more realistic point of view. This helps to gain an understanding of how war works and the effects it has. The novel’s copyright is dated to be September 14th, 2008, just in time to influence our younger generation. Overall the novel The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an extraordinary literary work that helps to improve the views of children while also having many realistic illustrations.