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Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #1)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian Science Fiction

First Publication: 2008

Language:  English

Major Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Cato, Primrose Everdeen, Gale Hawthorne, Effie Trinket, Haymitch Abernathy, Cinna, President Coriolanus Snow, Rue, Flavius, Lavinia, Marvel, Glimmer, Clove, Foxface, Thresh, Greasy Sae, Madge Undersee, Caesar Flickerman, Claudius Templesmith, Octavia, Portia

Theme: Division and Control; Love, Loyalty, and Compassion; Societal Inequality; Appearances, Hypocrisy

Setting: Fictional District 12, Panem; Capitol, Panem(United States)

Narrator: First person, Katniss’s perspective

Book Summary: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (The Hunger Games #1)

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and once girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weight survival against humanity and life against love.

The Hunger Games is a 2008 dystopian novel by the American writer Suzanne Collins. It is written in the voice of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives in the future, post-apocalyptic nation of Panem in North America.

The Capitol, a highly advanced metropolis, exercises political control over the rest of the nation. The Hunger Games is an annual event in which one boy and one girl aged 12–18 from each of the twelve districts surrounding the Capitol are selected by lottery to compete in a televised battle to the death.

“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.”

Written along the lines of Stephen King’s The Long Walk or George Orwell’s 1984 , The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins still feels very original and sucked me in completely with its modern day Survivor-esque retelling. The Hunger Games is the ultimate in reality TV, suspense, scripted realism, romance and survival that you should not miss.

Set in a post apocalyptic future (although we frustratingly never learn the why’s, how’s or even when of this future.), this new communist-type America known as Panem has been divided into a Capital and its 12 districts. We follow 16 year old Katniss as she struggles to keep her starving family alive, hunting and gathering with her best friend Gale. Unbeknownst to her these are valuable skills as the annual hunger games are about to begin.

“I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun.”

Each year these games require two children from each district who are chosen based on a lottery system for compulsory participation. These televised games are then broadcast throughout Panem as the 24 contestants fight each other to the death, leaving just one victor at its violent conclusion. When Katniss’s younger sister is chosen as the female contestant from their district Katniss volunteers to take her place. Then together with Peeta the other lottery winner they travel to the Capital and begin preparations for the opening ceremonies and ultimately their death in The Hunger Games.

“Destroying things is much easier than making them.”

I have to admit the first part of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins dragged for me, as Katniss is groomed, clothed, and schooled by her entourage within the capital. However, by the point games begin in the story, you have become attached to several key characters and its then that you realize things can’t end well as there will be only one winner.

Over a period of about 2 weeks and against overwhelming odds we watch 24 victims dwindle as they struggle to survive. Simultaneously avoiding and hunting each other they form alliances, face hunger and mind numbing thirst, mutant animal attacks, friendship, love and ultimately a distrust of everyone as Big Brother raises the stakes to keep the audience interested.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an exciting book that will keep you up late into the night and resonate with you long after you’ve finished.

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The hunger games, book 1.

• Common Sense Says
• Parents Say 240 Reviews
• Kids Say 1,229 Reviews

Common Sense Media Review

By Matt Berman , based on child development research. How do we rate?

Exciting, provocative tale of lethal reality show.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Hunger Games is a best-selling story about a dystopian society where the government forces 24 kids to kill one another until only one remains. The main Hunger Games series of three books was adapted into four movies starring Jennifer Lawrence. Even though many teen characters die…

Why Age 13+?

For a story about 24 kids forced to kill each other for entertainment, the gore

Adults drink, and one key character is often drunk (it's implied that he abuses

Characters kiss and have crushes, and a love story between two tributes is a cen

No product placements in the book, but this is the story that spawned a multibil

"Hell," plus descriptions of cursing that don't appear in text.

Any Positive Content?

Love of and loyalty to family, friends, and community are powerful motivations.

Beginning with elements of the Theseus myth, where a leader demands sacrifice fr

Katniss is a strong and capable warrior who bravely takes the place of her young

Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who's up against the crushing force of her gove

Violence & Scariness

For a story about 24 kids forced to kill each other for entertainment, the gore level is lower and less bloody than expected -- but there is some. Teens are speared, shot with arrows, stabbed, mauled by wild animals, burned, and have their heads smashed and their necks broken. Injuries are realistic, including burn blistering, blood poisoning, and gangrene with plenty of pus. A boy's face is mauled to the point that Katniss describes it as a "hunk of meat where his mouth was," and someone twitches to death from bad insect stings. Mention that a leg had to be amputated. Talk of past games and what happened with the story of one boy trying to eat the bodies of those he killed. Also talk of the oppression experienced by those who don't live in the Capitol, with rampant starvation, tongues being cut out, public whippings for people trying to eat the food that they grow, and a boy getting shot for taking a pair of glasses. Many detailed descriptions of how Katniss' father died in a mining explosion and how her family almost starved afterward when her mom fell into a depressive state.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Adults drink, and one key character is often drunk (it's implied that he abuses alcohol to cope with trauma). A 16-year-old teen tries wine but doesn't like the fuzzy feeling it gives her and switches back to water.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Characters kiss and have crushes, and a love story between two tributes is a central theme in this survival story. Mentions of bare bodies in the context of healing wounds.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

No product placements in the book, but this is the story that spawned a multibillion dollar franchise of several movies with accompanying games, toys, and other merch in its marketing.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Love of and loyalty to family, friends, and community are powerful motivations. Compassion, humanity, bravery, and integrity are the seeds of rebellion and hope for oppressed people. This book shows the media at its manipulative worst, using contestants as pawns to both shock and entertain, and is a reminder to analyze messages critically.

Educational Value

Beginning with elements of the Theseus myth, where a leader demands sacrifice from young people in his country, author Collins highlights gaps between the wealthy and poor in a dystopian society with contemporary political and social trends set within a reality show competition. Great discussion starters for middle-school and up book groups, in which students will quickly make fruitful connections to our own society. Readers also learn a bit about how to survive in the wilderness.

Positive Role Models

Katniss is a strong and capable warrior who bravely takes the place of her younger sister in the deadly competition. Peeta is committed to keeping Katniss alive and risks death to stay true to himself. Both persevere through many dangers. Supporting characters such as Haymitch and Effie, while flawed in their own ways, are encouraging and caring mentors and help coach Katniss and Peeta through the games.

Diverse Representations

Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl who's up against the crushing force of her government, is the heart and soul of the story. She isn't restrained by gender norms as she hunts and provides for her family back home, yet she's forced into a feminine stereotype in her love story with Peeta, her fellow tribute, as she struggles to survive the games. Most characters, especially the wealthy and privileged groups in each district, are implied to be White. But Katniss and others from District 12 are described with olive skin, dark hair, and gray eyes, and Rue and Thresh from District 11 are Black. Spoiler alert: Peeta's leg is amputated at the end of the story, and he learns to live with the disability.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Parents need to know that The Hunger Games is a best-selling story about a dystopian society where the government forces 24 kids to kill one another until only one remains. The main Hunger Games series of three books was adapted into four movies starring Jennifer Lawrence . Even though many teen characters die -- by spear, rock, arrow, knife, fire, animal stings, poisoning, and more -- there are few truly gory moments. Perhaps the worst is when a boy's face is mauled by animals to the point that main character Katniss says there's a "hunk of meat where his mouth was." There are stories about the daily hardships and violence experienced by everyone outside the privileged Capitol, including how Katniss' father died in a mining explosion. Adults drink, including one key adult character who's frequently drunk. Characters kiss and have crushes. Language includes "hell," and there are descriptions of cursing that don't appear in the text. Kids' readiness for this kind of premise depends on their ability to read for a deeper meaning, and there are many layers here to discuss, including how compassion, humanity, courage, and integrity are the seeds of rebellion and hope for oppressed people.

Where to Read

Parent and kid reviews.

• Parents say (240)
• Kids say (1,229)

Based on 240 parent reviews

If your kid can handle violence the this is perfect i really reccomend anyone read this book

Important lessons!!!

What's the story.

THE HUNGER GAMES is set in the future, after the United States is gone. In its place is Panem, in which the privileged Capitol rules over 12 districts. To maintain an iron grip, the Capitol holds an annual televised program, a lethal competition to which each district must send one boy and one girl, who are known as "tributes." Out of these 24 kids, only one will survive. Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to take her sister's place, and Peeta Mellark are District 12's tributes, but their competition is complicated by the fact that Peeta falls in love with Katniss.

Is It Any Good?

Author Suzanne Collins blends elements that are both classical and modern to produce a story that, if not entirely new, still bears her unique imprint. Beginning with elements of the Theseus myth, she mixes in a large dollop of Battle Royale by Koushun Takami, elements of Shirley Jackson's The Lottery , reality TV shows like Survivor , and political and social trends. But she makes the resulting story her own, and The Hunger Games avoids feeling derivative through her poignant characters and the complex interplay of personal feelings and political machinations.

Collins does all this in the context of an all-out action-thriller that's told in straight-ahead yet subtle prose with a carefully calibrated level of edgy violence that doesn't go over the line. A story of teens massacring one another could, in the hands of a different author, have been overly sensational. But by keeping the focus relentlessly on the personal, Collins makes it both moving and thought-provoking. The Hunger Games will be a terrific discussion starter for middle-school literature groups, in which students will quickly make connections to contemporary society.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the popularity of The Hunger Games. Why has it struck such a chord with readers?

How is Katniss and Peeta's story manipulated by the Capitol media? How do they play along? Why is it sometimes essential for their survival? Are there any reality shows you watch that have moments that ring false to you? How can you tell?

Why are dystopian novels so popular? What are some of your favorites?

Describe scenes when Katniss, Peeta, and other characters model courage , compassion , and integrity . How do these character strengths inspire or give others hope in times of struggle or stress?

Katniss shows a remarkable amount of perseverance throughout the story. What helps her keep going? What and who helps you keep going when things are hard in your life?

Book Details

• Author : Suzanne Collins
• Genre : Science Fiction
• Topics : Activism , Magic and Fantasy , Sports and Martial Arts , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Friendship , Great Boy Role Models , Great Girl Role Models
• Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : Scholastic Inc.
• Publication date : September 14, 2008
• Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
• Number of pages : 374
• Available on : Paperback, Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
• Award : Kids' Choice Award
• Last updated : May 6, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

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Book Review: The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

By: Author Laura

Posted on Published: 27th January 2011  - Last updated: 10th January 2024

Categories Book Reviews , Books

The Hunger Games Summary

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, “The Hunger Games,” a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed.

The Hunger Games Review

The Hunger Games is genuinely one of the best books I have ever read. I literally could not put it down once I started reading it; there was just too much suspense and surprise from the onset. There are so many things about this book that just shouldn’t work, but somehow they do.

Initially, I thought that The Hunger Games was an action book but as the story progressed it I realised that it’s dystopia-cum-romance. I was also under the impression that the story was set in a time or place completely different to our world now. However, I soon realised that in fact it was set in modern times complete with television sets and advanced science technology.

There is such a juxtaposition of the world where the main character Katniss lives and ‘The Capitol’ where the rich people live. There should be an awful clash as Collins tries to mix two very different sorts of environments together but, in fact, there is an explosion of brilliant literature.

Katniss’ world reminds me of one similar to Robin Hood’s, where people hunt with arrows and kept under strict control by the Capitol. However, the Capitol seems very much like the centre of a busy city, like London, with stylists and televisions and posh hotel suites.

Suzanne Collins has created a twist on the popular reality TV show ‘Big Brother’ where contestants are placed inside a locked arena. The difference is twenty-four contestants go in, but only one can make it out alive. There is so much attention to detail and each and every one of the main characters are explained in full, details which many other authors would have skimmed over.

What makes this book really interesting for the reader is that Collins seems to include us in it. The ‘Hunger Games’ are broadcast on screens everywhere for the general public to see and we feel like we are the ones at home watching it and cheering on for different players.

Katniss is a brilliant character as she is very aware of what the audience wants to see and makes sure that she gives it to them (and us). This is one of the most sophisticated and engaging novels I have ever read and I am sure that it will appeal to people of all ages, not just teenagers.

The suspense is continuous throughout the book, right until the very end, and it leaves the reader wanting to know more about Katniss and her story. There is even the suggestion of a love triangle between her and two other characters.

The reader assumes that at the end of The Hunger Games the worst is over for our protagonist but in actual fact, it may be just beginning. Katniss has done something that no one else has ever dared to do, and has made the Capitol look like fools. This book definitely leaves you begging for more and excited for the next two books that make up this trilogy.

Buy The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Check out my reviews of: Catching Fire book review Mockingjay book review Catching Fire film review 13 Books Similar to The Hunger Games Best Dystopia Novels for Teens

Founder & Editor of What’s Hot?

Sunday 30th of January 2011

I seriously like your blog! It's really original!I definitely will be checking out What's Hot?, cause now I'm a follower!

Monday 16th of January 2023

I think that The Hunger Games is a dystopian science fiction series. That is sort of funny, engaging, and exciting. Books have this power of dragging us from reality and throwing us into the world of imagination. One of the themes that i think made the hunger game series interesting for me was that the hunger game Explores many facts of love. But the one thing it hits on most is that love often drives people to sacrifice their lives. This book is a portrayal of love, sacrifice, willpower, working as a team, survival, and so much more.

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Saturday 29th of January 2011

yeahh i thought it was really good :) you should check it out! thanks :) ohmyygod i really wanna go to california :O checked out your blog :) its looking greatt and now im following, yay! :)

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The Hunger Games Complete Trilogy Kindle Edition

The original trilogy in the Hunger Games series .

Set in a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place.

Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called The Hunger Games .

There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her younger sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence.

But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

• now a major feature film starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson & Liam Hemsworth

INCLUDED IN THE BUNDLE

• The Hunger Games
• Catching Fire

Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is now available and tells the backstory of President Snow.

• Print length 386 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Scholastic Fiction
• Publication date 6 Sept. 2012
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• ISBN-13 978-1407135441
• See all details

Customers who read this book also read

Product description

* "This concluding volume in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level." --"Publishers Weekly," starred review

From the Inside Flap

From the back cover, about the author, product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00F51BBV6
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Fiction; 1st edition (6 Sept. 2012)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 3867 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 386 pages
• 65 in Teen & Young Adult Dystopian Sci-Fi eBooks
• 285 in Teen & Young Adult Literature & Fiction
• 1,499 in Literature & Fiction for Young Adults

About the author

Suzanne collins.

Suzanne Collins has had a successful and prolific career writing for children's television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains It All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Collins made her mark in children's literature with the New York Times bestselling five-book series for middle-grade readers The Underland Chronicles, which has received numerous accolades in both the United States and abroad. In the award-winning The Hunger Games trilogy, Collins continues to explore the effects of war and violence on those coming of age. Collins lives with her family in Connecticut.

Customer reviews

• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 5 star 80% 13% 4% 1% 1% 80%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 4 star 80% 13% 4% 1% 1% 13%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 3 star 80% 13% 4% 1% 1% 4%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 2 star 80% 13% 4% 1% 1% 1%
• 5 star 4 star 3 star 2 star 1 star 1 star 80% 13% 4% 1% 1% 1%

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Customers say

Customers find the writing style very well written and enjoyable. They also enjoy the unfolding of the story, and find the characters well developed. Readers describe the plot as intriguing, riveting, emotional, and action-packed. They describe the reading experience as excellent and a wonderful, if disturbing, story. Customers also mention the tone as violent, gruesome, and dark, with moments of comedy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers find the book a good read that moves them outside of teenagers. They also say the stories are brilliant and one of the best they have read for a long time.

"...Great for kids. Violent and gruesome yes, but with a very strong moral tale to tell about violence, power, war, family, friendship and love." Read more

"...And let's not forget they are a cracking good read . My reluctant-reader ploughed through them in record time...." Read more

"...formula from movie 1 will be reapplied with success. The book is a good read and moves you (the reader) outside of teenager territory - the..." Read more

"...The writing was also well-handled and the pacing was, in my opinion, well done - not too draggy or too quick...." Read more

Customers find the plot intriguing, riveting, and entertaining. They also say the layered themes are thought-provoking and the books have more detail. Customers also say that the first person perspective gives them a unique insight into Katniss's thought-process throughout the whole. They mention that the books come to a final and satisfactory conclusion, and are action-packed.

"...Great for kids. Violent and gruesome yes , but with a very strong moral tale to tell about violence, power, war, family, friendship and love." Read more

"... Action Packed , True to the characters & plot line - not rushed or artificially muted/subdued..great reading!..." Read more

"...The first person perspective gives us a unique insight into Katniss's thought-process throughout the whole situation and I appreciated that aspect...." Read more

"...of the main character being the narrator of the story is quite interesting and often confusing - the opinion you are creating about the situations..." Read more

Customers find the storyline enjoyable, unique, and a must-read. They also say the pace and structure of the trilogy are excellent. Customers also mention that the chapters are of a good length and the first book is an excellent start.

"...They are well written, carefully plotted novels that take you into a dystopian future so believable you will be glad you are not in the 12 - 16 age..." Read more

"...Much as I enjoyed the unfolding of the story and the style of writing, by far and away the best part for me was that these books come to a final..." Read more

"...I loved the whole idea of the story and it had wanted more constantly...." Read more

"...I appreciated the way in which Suzanne Collins made the storyline easy to follow but littered it with complex issues that made you forget that these..." Read more

Customers find the writing style of the book very well written, quick, and gritty. They also admire the author for having the ability to write in such a realistic way.

"...Suzanne Collins is a wonderfully talented writer (she was one of the writers on Clifford the Big Red Dog) whose deft touch creates superb characters..." Read more

"...I felt the books were more gritty and admired the author for actually having the guts to write a series that had an ending that left you feeling..." Read more

"...put off by my use of the word "complexities"; these 3 books are not a difficult read & will keep your interest all the way to the end...." Read more

"...They are so well written that you get inside the head of the protagonist (Katniss) and really get to know what she is thinking...." Read more

Customers find the characters in the book well developed, fascinating, and realistic. They also say the heroine is ballsy but scared.

"...whose deft touch creates superb characters that are so alive they stay with you for months after you..." Read more

"...The book adds more depth to the characters , surroundings, moods & details come to life through words and thoughts in a way no movie-set can..." Read more

"...for me was the love triangle situation, Collins creates the character of Peter particularly well ...." Read more

"...I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the story, well developed characters ...." Read more

Customers find the tone of the book emotional, sad, tender, and a good introduction to the dystopian genre. They also say there's humanity, appalling scenes, and dark world to live in. Readers appreciate the right amount of political, suspense, action, violence, and drama. They mention the book has moments of comedy.

"...they're a good introduction to the dystopian genre . :)" Read more

"...this novel a lot and I think that it's great that it's just the right amount of political ...." Read more

"...And there's so much humanity and tiny points in the horror where you can laugh at the little details of how ridiculous people can be - a stylist in..." Read more

Customers find the book good for teens and young adults alike. They also say children enjoy the books.

"... Great for kids . Violent and gruesome yes, but with a very strong moral tale to tell about violence, power, war, family, friendship and love." Read more

"...It appeals to a large age demographic with the overarching theme of the inequality between the rich and poor being relevant in our real world now..." Read more

"...the line between youth and adult fiction in that it is suitable for the younger reader without being disturbing yet the horror may be more evident..." Read more

" Brilliant story for the young (& young at heart)...." Read more

Customers find the book extremely difficult to put down. They also say it draws them in and is easy to share with others.

"...It's easy to read and you instantly fall into the book almost feeling like you're a citizen of Panem through it's in depth descriptive passages and..." Read more

"The Hunger Games is so well written but easy and uncomplicated to read, suitable for all ages...." Read more

"...By the last book, I found myself unable to put it down , and was thoroughly shocked by the brutality of the ending...." Read more

"Such a good, easy , absorbing read. Raced through a book a day - love Katniss!..." Read more

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The Hunger Games Trilogy Paperback – Aug. 24 2010

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• Reading age 12 - 17 years
• Print length 3 pages
• Language English
• Dimensions 15.6 x 10.8 x 23.7 cm
• Publisher Scholastic Press
• Publication date Aug. 24 2010
• ISBN-10 9780545265355
• ISBN-13 978-0545265355
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"Whereas Katniss kills with finesse, Collins writes with raw power." - Time Magazine "Collins has joined J. K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer as a writer of children's books that adults are eager to read." -Bloomberg.com"Perfect pacing and electrifying world-building." - Booklist , starred review"A humdinger of a cliffhanger will leave readers clamoring for volume three." - Kirkus Reviews , starred review"Forget Edward and Jacob... readers will be picking sides-Peeta or Gale?" - Publishers Weekly , starred review"Leaves enough questions tantalizingly unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment." - School Library Journal , starred review

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Product details.

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 0545265355
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Scholastic Press; Reprint edition (Aug. 24 2010)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 3 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9780545265355
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0545265355
• Item weight ‏ : ‎ 1.67 kg
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.6 x 10.8 x 23.7 cm
• #55 in Children's Nonfiction on Abuse
• #213 in Dystopian Fiction for Children
• #402 in Children's Books on Violence

About the author

Suzanne collins.

Suzanne Collins has had a successful and prolific career writing for children's television. She has worked on the staffs of several Nickelodeon shows, including the Emmy-nominated hit Clarissa Explains It All and The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo. Collins made her mark in children's literature with the New York Times bestselling five-book series for middle-grade readers The Underland Chronicles, which has received numerous accolades in both the United States and abroad. In the award-winning The Hunger Games trilogy, Collins continues to explore the effects of war and violence on those coming of age. Collins lives with her family in Connecticut.

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The Hunger Games

By suzanne collins.

'The Hunger Games' follows the story of young Katniss Everdeen who takes part in the dystopian battle royale in a post-apocalyptic nation.

About the Book

Article written by Neesha Thunga K

B.A. in English Literature, and M.A. in English Language and Literature.

The Hunger Games is the first in a series written by Suzanne Collins . Published in 2008, this novel is a young adult dystopian novel that received critical acclaim. Not only has it been adapted for film , but it has also been released as an audiobook and an ebook. The Hunger Games has won the California Young Reader Medal and was named one of the “Best Books of the Year” by Publisher’s Weekly in 2008.

Key Facts about  The Hunger Games

• Title: The Hunger Games
• Published: September 14, 2008
• Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian fiction, Science fiction
• Point-of-View: First-person limited
• Setting: The post-apocalyptic nation of Panem in North America
• Climax: Katniss and Peeta are forced to kill each other in the Hunger Games before a rule change is announced
• Antagonist: President Coriolanus Snow

Suzanne Collins and The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins derived inspiration for The Hunger Games when she was channel surfing on television. She has stated that a reality show on one channel and the invasion of Iraq on another channel began to blur together “in this very unsettling way.” This is how she came up with the idea for the book.

Collins also drew inspiration from the Greek myth of Theseus, which was the foundation for the story. Katniss was envisioned as a futuristic Theseus in the wound of Panem. The Roman gladiatorial games were the inspiration behind the Hunger Games.

Collins also drew from her own life for elements of the story. For instance, the sense of loss that she felt when her father was drafted for the Vietnam war was echoed in the protagonist, Katniss, who lost her father when she was 11 years old.

Collins has also stated how she found it extremely difficult to write the dark parts of the story, such as the death of the young characters, while she found it enjoyable to write about the happier past of Katniss.

Books Related to  The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is the first in a trilogy set in the Hunger Games universe. It has been followed by two sequels, Catching Fire and Mockingjay , published in 2009 and 2010, respectively. The sequels have been well received by both critics and readers, with Catching Fire becoming a New York Times bestseller, and Mockingjay topping every single one of the bestseller lists in the US after its publication.

Catching Fire continues the story of the young protagonist, Katniss Everdeen in the post-apocalyptic nation of Panem. After the events of the first novel, a rebellion has begun against the oppressive Capitol , and Katniss and Peeta are forced to take part in a special edition of the Hunger Games once again. Mockingjay , on the other hand, captures the rebellion that brews against the Capitol , with Katniss as the leader of the rebellion.

The Hunger Games also has a prequel called The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes , which was published on May 19, 2019. The prequel follows the story of young Coriolanus Snow in the initial stages of the Hunger Games.

The Hunger Games is extremely similar in plot to Koushun Takami’s novel Battle Royale , published in 1999 – to the point where people have accused Collins’ work as a ripoff. However, Suzanne Collins had apparently never heard of this book until she got wind of these accusations, and decided not to read Battle Royale at the behest of her publisher.

Stephen King has compared The Hunger Games to his own novels, The Long Walk and The Running Man , while others have compared the novel to a 1953 short story written by Robert Sheckley called “ The Seventh Victim .”

Fans of The Hunger Games will also be intrigued by other young adult dystopian novels such as The Divergent series by Veronica Roth, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, and Delirium by Lauren Oliver.

The Lasting Impact of  The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was extremely well received by critics , authors as well as readers. Published with an initial print of 200,000 copies, the novel had sold almost 800,000 copies in just five months of its release. It became a worldwide sensation, and the rights to the novel were soon sold in 38 territories. The Hunger Games made the New York Times bestseller list within two months of release, where it continuously featured for more than 100 consecutive weeks. The novel also made the bestseller list of USA Today for 135 consecutive weeks and sold more than 17 million copies by March 2012.

A film adaptation of the same name was released in March 2012, serving to increase the popularity of the novel manifold. The Hunger Games also made Suzanne Collins the first young adult author to sell more than 1 million ebooks on Amazon Kindle, thus, making her the sixth author to take her place in the “Kindle Million Club.” By the time the film adaptation of the novel had been released, Suzanne Collins was named by Amazon as the bestselling Kindle ebook author of all time.

John Green , author of The Fault in Our Stars , praised the novel’s plot and pace in a review for the New York Times. He applauded the world-building in the novel as well as the complexities of the heroine. However, he also mentioned that while the book is rich in allegory, it does not realize its true allegorical potential. Time magazine also praised the “hypnotic quality of the violence” in the book, and stated that it was “chilling, bloody and horrifying.” Similarly, Rick Riordan, Stephenie Meyer, and Stephen King have all left positive reviews for the book, praising the plot, the action, and the characters.

The Hunger Games has received several accolades and honors. Not only was it named “Notable Children’s Book of 2008” by The New York Times, but it was also named one of the “Best Books of the Year” by Publisher’s Weekly. The novel received the Golden Duck Award in the Young Adult Fiction category in 2009. The Hunger Games was the 2008 Cybil winner for the genre of fantasy and science fiction along with Neil Gaiman’s The Graveyard Book , as well as the Booklist Editor’s Choice in the same year.

The novel went on to win the California Young Reader Medal in 2011 and was named as the 33rd best book for children by Scholastic’s Parent and Child magazine, winning an award for “Most Exciting Ending” at the same time.

The novel was converted into an audiobook narrated by Carolyn McCormick in December 2008. It has been adapted for film by Lions Gate Entertainment, starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth in the roles of Katniss, Peeta, and Gale respectively. The film was hugely successful and the opening weekend alone raked in a record $152.5 million in North America.

The symbol of the Mockingjay, a fictitious Bird in The Hunger Games universe, (born by crossbreeding mockingbirds and jabber jays), has also left a lasting impact on popular culture. The cover of the novel designed by Tim O’Brien features a golden Mockingjay. This bird resembles the pin that is given to Katniss by the daughter of the District 12 Mayor. The pin is described as a golden bird attached to a ring only by the tips of its wings. The Mockingjay has entered the territory of fan merchandise, along with several other memorabilia from the novel.

Most significantly, The Hunger Games has shaped the world of Young Adult Fiction, leading to a tsunami of Young Adult novels in the contemporary period. Its popularity has been compared to the immense fame and influence held by the Harry Potter series and the Twilight series, and several YA writers across the world have acknowledged the impact that The Hunger Games has had on their own writing.

The Hunger Games continues to be well-loved across the world and has remained one of the top 5 best-selling Amazon Kindle books of all time.

The Hunger Games Review ⭐

The hunger games historical context 🏹, the hunger games character list 🏹, the hunger games quotes 💬, the hunger games themes and analysis 🏹, the hunger games plot summary 🏹.

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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Hunger Games: Book 1)

I came to the Hunger Games series late in its popularity. Way late. Less than a month's time to the release of the highly anticipated film adaptation (an adaptation written in part by Suzanne Collins herself, one of the credited writers of the script) and I've known about the series less than a year, and having only read the series a few months prior to this review.

My own lack of trendiness aside, the books have seen a meteoric surge in popularity since the publication of this first volume in 2008. It was nothing short of an instant hit from almost the first moment. Set in a dystopian future where North America has been split into 12 districts by an evil government known only as The Capitol after a devastating war. The 12 districts are punished by being kept desperately poor – and once a year they must each select one boy and one girl by lottery to do battle in a grand gladiatorial arena known as the Hunger Games. These twenty-four children, ranging in age from twelve to eighteen, must fight to the death, and there can be only one winner. When Katniss Everdeen’s twelve-year-old sister’s name is drawn for the Hunger Games, Katniss volunteers to take her place, and is thus drawn into a horrifying and desperate fight for survival against the odds, the elements, and her fellow, bloodthirsty competitors.

The first thing that struck me about the book, beyond the smart, polished prose and the immediately compelling protagonist Katniss, was the depth of insight into human life which Collins so deftly exhibits. Almost from the first page, as with Rowling's Potter novels, the reader is struck with a sense that here is something special—that often ineffable quality which so many writers lust to possess but which is rarely achieved, that this book in some strange way resonates with the deepest realities of human existence, or at least of human existence at this time in history. Critics of pop culture will sneer (when will they not?) that the popularity of the books is due to various factors like declining education or “mass obsession,” but there really is something here beyond the surface, illusive and difficult to articulate yet nevertheless no less present for all that.

Katniss' journey is many things, tapping into the archetypal mythical journey outlined by Joseph Campbell, a genuine pyschological depth of the toll of participation in such a games. Reflection on ethical and moral questions regarding murder and self-defense, on the impact of such a Games in a social and communal pyschology. It is hard, coming away from the books, to shake the feeling that these Games are a ritual bloodletting with quasi-religious undertones, much like the Roman gladiatorial arena where the ritual murder of Remus by Romulus (which allowed for the building of Rome on the atonement of his blood) is recapitulated in the death of each gladiator. That somehow the Games are an attempt to cover the guilty conscience of the hedonistic Capitol by the atonement of blood while the rest of Panem dwells in deep poverty (the work of Rene Girard on scapegoating is vital reading here).

The book is also fundamentally about the transformation of Katniss herself into a fully-formed human being by way of trial by fire. Mythological and historical references abound. The “trial by arena battle” is as old as the sands of the sea, of course, and the name of this civilization, Panem, comes from the old Latin expression panem et circuses, that is, “bread and circuses,” an expression used by ancient writers to illustrate the fixation of the Roman citizens on food (hedonistic gluttony) and circuses, or entertainment. Such a name is perfectly suited for this dystopian future eerily like our own present. We in the West are the Capitol, a comparison made more disquieting by the intentional allusion back to Huxley's Brave New World, one of the first dystopians in which the people were enslaved, not to a totalitarian state, but to their own pleasures, caught in a vast corporatocracy even though they were not even aware of its presence. The best science fiction is not about the future, but about revealing the present, and in this The Hunger Games matches the definition perfectly.

Collins is a fine writer worthy of her craft, and the book is compelling all the way through. I don't usually stay up late reading novels, but this time I did. It is a massive whirlwind of enjoyment and insight. It does not pull its punches, and for this reason The Hunger Games is also not free of controversy. Some religious groups have denounced the books as unacceptable for its presentation of violence and for the ever-present theme of looming death. Such readings are in fact misreadings, these groups having missed the obvious point of the series, which is that violence, while very real, is not a viable response. Katniss throughout the book avoids killing where she can, and only does so regretfully, in self-defense. The books are about how violence and vengeance destroys and lowers human life. Far from being a pro-violence or blood-letting message, the books end up being a strong anti-war tract by subverting the honor-warrior-noble-battle trope common in many stories today. Ultimately, the books are about self-sacrifice and the ability of love to overcome the might of totalitarianism, cruelty, and hatred. I do not believe I can recommend them highly enough. 9.3/10, AT Ross

I have no hard and fast rule concerning whether to read a book before seeing the cinematic adaptation, but having seen the trailer for The Hunger Games and deduced the nature of the story being told, I was determined to read the book first.

It’s still a while until the movie hits, but I absolutely loved the book.

Suzanne Collins has written something really special in ‘The Hunger Games’ and I would not hesitate to recommend this to people of almost any age.

The story can be pretty easily determined by watching any of the number of trailers for the movie, but imagine a post-civil war era America who have lost any track of their heritage. 12 districts exist to service the Capitol, and as a result of a long-gone uprising, the Capitol now forces the districts to provide 2 tributes each to compete in a ruthless battle-to-the-death to remind them of their situation.

These are the Hunger Games, and the focus of the whole book (though the book does not necessarily solely take place within the Hunger Games).

The characters are wonderful to read, if maybe a little two-dimensional. But this two-dimensionality only exists so that the characters could be read and understood by readers of any age, but through any lack of talent on the author’s part.

I have heard it said that this series is a little Twilight -ish in terms of the ‘emotions’ and focus on female characters, but I found no evidence of this. In fact, I found Katniss Everdeen’s slow and never realised understanding of her feelings quite evocative of my own time as a teenager.

The world around the story is quite wonderful, and leaves me with an endless number of questions: what aren’t the people being told; who is still alive; what is going to happen next? The sheer brutality of it is very fresh, untold in other books, and especially impressive in this one as it is told in a way that is not gruesome for the sake of gruesome; sexy for the sake of sexy. What happens all seems very natural.

You may see this book on the shelves of a children or teenager’s section of the bookstore and shy away from it. Don’t. You’ll be missing out. Suzanne Collins has managed to replicate the wonderful breadth and width of all-ages storytelling without cutting any of the corners off. The Hunger Games was a simply magnificent read. 9.0/10, Joshua S Hill

Winning will make you famous. Losing means certain death.

This Young Adult book is set in the future long after North America has been demolished, in a nation known as Panem. The nation is separated into twelve districts, which surround the Capitol. It was formerly thirteen until the thirteenth was destroyed by the rulers of this world.  Every year in order for the rulers to flex their might, a boy and girl aged between twelve and eighteen are randomly chosen to represent their district in a reality TV show. However, this show has a twist. The show is to the death and only one winner will survive. This book follows Katniss Everdeen as she steps in to enter this game....

This is a well written and engaging novel which sees the likes of Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity taken to a disturbingly, yet possible conclusion. I have recently become a fan of teenage fiction and this is one of the better reads of this genre. Yes, the story is not unique and has been seen in the films ‘The Running Man’ and ‘The Condemned’ . Although, it is the addition of teenagers, playing the central characters, which gives this book bite. 

We follow the exploits of Kat, a sixteen year old from District Twelve – the poorest of the districts – as she embarks on the journey of her life. Kat is already a hunter and her life to date has already instilled into her a fight to survive attitude, and a steely character.  It is these characteristics which will stand her in good stead in this shocking tale.

The characterisation is stronger in this than other YA books and is more adult in its approach. The pace is fast, always an emotional roller coaster and highly descriptive at the same time, especially in the handling of it’s hunting scenes. Occasionally, it can be too descriptive and sometimes this gets in the way of the plot and prose though not to a detrimental effect.

There were times when I was reminded of ‘Enders Game’ and times when I was reminded of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ . Yes, it does have a love theme running through it. However, this adds to the story and is paramount in driving the characters’ motivations throughout the book.

This is a book which will be enjoyed a lot by teenagers, as well as adults, to which it will have a certain resonance, having witnessed the explosion and possibilities of reality TV this last decade. It is a strange phenomenon in modern culture and hopefully this is not it’s natural conclusion. This book is also followed by two subsequent books, which will be reviewed in the near future.

All in all this is a book worthy of reading, and while it is possible, I guess you will have to suspend your imagination, as I personally cannot envisage a society where parents would allow this to happen. At least I do not want to live in that dystopian society if it does... Enjoy... 9.0/10, Allan Fisher

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Reviews by Allan Fisher and Joshua S Hill and AT Ross

12 positive reader review(s) for The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins biography

Hunger Games

• The Hunger Games (Hunger Games: Book 1)
• Catching Fire (Hunger Games: Book 2)
• Mockingjay (Hunger Games: Book 3)
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Hunger Games: Prequel)

Melina from USA

WOW! This was an awesome book. I couldn't set it down, not even once. The romance of Katniss and Peeta, the friendship of Katniss and Rue, it was just fantastic.

Taneisha from Australia

I first read the series when I was 10 and have decided to reread the series now at 15 and was extremely impressed with the underlying message to readers the book conveyed. The book is page-turning, absorbing, fast-paced, and adventurous whilst also giving readers a warning on how dark society can be. I highly recommend this book, especially for those who love the movie as it (as most book-based movies) was quite misleading and left out some beautiful moments highlighted in the book.

Anon from England

This book is one of a kind.

Eshal from Canada

I found this book really interesting, thrilling and action-packed. The book is page-turning, absorbing, fast-paced, and adventurous, and I often found myself sneaking them under the sheets along with a flashlight. I think that they should have included a bit more about Gale because they never added a scene with him in it. But when I watched the movie it was not at all how I imagined it to be. I think that the book is better that the movie. The book includes all of the details and every thought that every character is thinking. At the part when Haymitch talks in Katniss’s head is really badly filmed in the movies. I love how Katniss is a rebel that does not support the Capitol. This book changed my perspective about life and makes me appreciate that I was not forced to enter the Hunger Games.

Cat Fitzpatrick from UK

I'm very late to the party with this one, with all the fuss around the film adaptation probably putting me off a bit, but I was very pleasantly surprised when I finally picked this up. I literally just sat down and read it straight through - it was gripping and entertaining, and I really liked the concept and main character. It is one of those novels where a very clear image appears in your head whilst you read it, and I'm looking forward to reading the following books, but the pace sometimes dropped a little with a very heavy focus on what Katniss was eating. Obviously it's a survival story and I do like realism in my books, but this can go a bit far and I don't need to know about every bit of cracker she eats. Overall I would definitly recommend this.

Tunaisthebestfishtoeat from UK

I really enjoyed this book and due to the easy flow of action it became a very quick read. For those who have read this, I would like to suggest the book 'Divergent' as it has a similar theme. Trust me,if you enjoyed The Hunger games then you won't be able to put Divergent down. About The Hunger Games, I would suggest you definetely read the book BEFORE you watch the film! Good book 8/10 for original content and well formed characters.

From from UK

I really, really, really did love the books when I read them. They were page-turning, absorbing, fast-paced, and adventurous, and I often found myself sneaking them under the sheets along with a flashlight. However, it was when I looked back on them that I realized they weren't really anything special. The writing was pretty bad, and to be honest the whole first-person present thing made it kind of hard to read. Nevertheless, if you're simply looking for entertainment and nothing to really think over or look deeply into, it would be a lie to tell you its not a great choice.

Stella Mellark from Mexico

I just love the book. It completes my life. In some way I feel like Katniss, she tries to survive and protect her little sister Primrose. Maybe I am obsessed with The Hunger Games, cause, you have to see my room and my school stuffs. Aand i want to say thanks to Suzanne Collins, for writting "The Hunger Games".

Reece from England

I loved this book, I have read the other two books and seen the film four times. It is by far the best book I have ever read.

Bella from Brisbane

As I am only 13 this book came to me through Taylor Swift as she wrote 2 songs for the film. I came across it and started to get into it and after 3 days I could not put the book down. It was just amazing!!! I love it so much that I recently did my English oral on the film. I say, if anyone is into a killer of a book you NEED TO READ THIS!!!!!!

Stefani from Istanbul, Turkey

It was extraoridinary! It was so great I couldn't put it down. It was one of the best books I have ever read and that's saying a lot since I've read tons. It was amazing and it changed my perspective about life. Definitely worth the time!

Katniss from Holland

I love these books. Katniss (I have the same name, seriously) isn't the nicest person in Panem, but how she loves her sister and her friend Gale is fascinating. I love how she never wanted to be a heroine, but she is though.

Ryan from Canberra

This isn't the best written story I have read, Katniss is not a particularly sympathetic / relatable main character, and yet I could not put this book down. The Hunger Games has a way of getting into your head, it is an example of some very clever story telling that explores some very dark themes, and despite not being able to fully connect with the main character, you can still admire her skills and determination.

Gary from Canada

It was a hell of a fun read, though I could not help but feel a little disentangled with some of her dialogue throughout the book. It's either in their world kids are pretty stupid or she doesn't realize how smart they really are. I also found that it was stolen from the Battle Royale comics, which I found to be much more heart rendering and nervousing but nonetheless, her vigorous spirit in writing this tale kept me reading throughout and I rather enjoyed the action.

Fan from South Africa

COULD NOT put it down, nor Catching Fire but Mockingjay lost the plot a bit. I got a bit confused when they actually made it to the Capitol. At any rate, I will be trying Ms. Collins other works as well. GREAT READ!!

Anke from USA

This book took me by surprise. It has a great story and the pace is fast. It is fascinating and truly a page turner. Highly recommended.

9.1 /10 from 17 reviews

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