in honor of the movie coming out this friday...

I thought I'd post a book review. Not a rave. A book *review*.

So that if you decide you want to go see the movie, but want to read the book first, you know what you're up against.

(P. S. DO NOT SEE THE MOVIE WITHOUT READING THE BOOK. I can't stand it when people do that...Plus, as much as I know I'll love the movie, the book will *always* be better than the movie.)

So. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. Let's start, shall we?

Here's the basic plot summary, in my own words (and without giving too much away):

It all takes place in a post-acopalytic world called Panem. There are 12 districts, and 1 Capitol that rules them. The President rules the districts from a mansion in the Capitol. And, as the consequences of a rebellion that happened 74 years ago, the districts are forced to participate in an annual 'Hunger Games', where 1 girl and 1 boy between 12 and 18 from each of the 12 districts will be chosen to fight to the death in an arena, while all the citizens of Panem are forced to watch and pretend it's all a game for their entertainment.

The heroine's name is Katniss Everdeen. She lives in District 12 with her Mom and sister (who she loves more than anyone else in the world). And when her sister, Prim, gets chosen in 'The Reaping' to go fight in the games, Katniss volunteers to go instead.

So the first book in the trilogy, "The Hunger Games", follows Katniss and the 74th annual Games.

I can't give that much more without giving a lot away. But those are the basics that you'll get in the first 1 or 2 chapters.

Now...first the pros:

Katniss is an awesome sister.

In a world where going to the games means almost-certain-death, volunteering to fight for her sister is something only an awesome sister would do. In the words of the book, "Family devotion only goes so far for most people on reaping day. What I did was the radical thing". (yes, it's in 1st person. :)

It's all portrayed as 'this is so wrong'.

Since Katniss is not a citizen of the Capitol, she knows better than to treat the games like entertainment. Only the foolish Capitol people think like that. Almost everyone in the districts hate the Games. So the ruthless killing of teenagers is portrayed just like that--wrong. It's an awful scenario, really. And that's how it's shown...

There are some really sweet characters

Though Katniss isn't all warm and nice, there are some awesome great people in this book. Including Prim. And others. That I won't mention so I won't give anyway. :) (read it!!)

Now for the cons...:(

It is kinda violent

So this book doesn't go into that much graphic detail and stuff, but then...if you're talking about teenagers killing each other there's gonna be plenty of violence. And the people in charge of the Games, the 'Gamemakers', like awful or 'exciting' deaths. And it's a morbid thought...that they'd have it all for entertainment...

So there is some nudity...

In the book, yes, there is. When Katniss has to get ready for interviews, entrances, etc. she doesn't normally have clothes on. And other characters don't normally mind naked people...but actually, Katniss does some. So that's nice. :)

Nothing Christian at all

You know how in Harry Potter there's kind of a trace of Christianity?? Well this book has even less. You could say that religion is no part of this book whatsoever. When something good happens, no one gets thanked for it. When something bad happens, you don't pray for something better. So no, I don't think this is a very faith-based book...

And, of course, it's obsessive. :P

It's probably a con, right? If you're reading this book, you can't expect to get much done. Or at least, you can expect to have some very late nights reading in bed. But you usually finish it so fast that you don't have time to get *too* behind on school...:D

So. Fascinating book, overall. Very impressive. But...

I'd say, everything considered, this book is probably appropriate for 14+. (I know that sounds weird coming from a 14-year-old, but...) 'Cause, though it may be really interesting, I just don't know that it's really great for a 10-year-old to be reading that sorta stuff...and it kind of bothers me when there are those crazy-obsessed 11-year-olds dancing around saying how they can't *wait* for the movie to come out.

Definitely run it by your parents first, especially if you're under 14...'cause it's a great book, but it's just not an 'everyone-can-read-it-and-will-love-it' book. Plus if it'll bother you to read about teenagers killing each other, probably a good idea to stay away from it too...

So, there we go!

I give it overall...

*****(***********...) out of ***** stars. :)

Happy Wednesday!

Love,

~Vivi~