The Hunger Games

Written by: Suzanne Collins

It's rare that a book recommendation from my students actually lives up to the hype they establish for it. But, I have to say that "The Hunger Games" turned out to be more than worthy of its reputation.

Set in a dystopian future (as many "young adult" novels are), Katniss Everdeen is your average teenager in District 12 struggling to keep her fatherless family fed. But the annual Hunger Games put on by the domineering Capitol rip Katniss from her family and friends and force her into a literal game of life-and-death with only Peeta - a baker's son - as an ally. Will Katniss emerge victorious? Or will she become merely another casualty claimed by the Hunger Games?

For a young adult novel, this book is pretty darned good. It takes about sixty pages for the plot to gather much steam, but once it takes off it becomes hard to put down.

Without any intent of condescension toward young adult literature, it's important to keep in mind that this book is essentially a teen book. But it's a good teen book. Whereas the "Twilight" books often aim towards the lowest common denominator and veer off into cheesy drama and romance, I felt like "The Hunger Games" picked a higher target and hit the mark. Although there is a minor love-triangle storyline, the book focuses much more on its strength - the action-packed battle-royale.

I found Katniss to be an interesting character. She manages to stride a fine line between her femininity (compassion, affection) and her masculinity (aggressiveness, brutality). Simultaneously she is likable and strong while also flawed and powerless. Her confusion and frustration with her powerlessness in life effectively mirror and detail the same confusions and frustrations of adolescents.

I won't go on-and-on here. I recommend the book, as long as you know what you're getting into. It's not often that I praise a book like this, but in this case I feel it's earned.