'The Hunger Games,' a hit with teens, tweens and moms

'The Hunger Games', a book the whole world has either read, seen the movie it is based on, or at least heard of. Every where you have adults, teens, and even a few daring tweens enjoying it. I say 'daring' tweens because 'The Hunger Games' is not for the faint of heart, and perhaps the world-renowned author Suzanne Collins intended the book to be taken in by a mature audience, because the book is a 'young adult novel'. The book and its sequels focus on real-world problems like poverty and starvation, as well as oppression.

Far off into the post-Armageddon future, the ruins of North America are now known as the country of 'Panem'. The government is now an indirect dictatorship, a hegemony, with a modernised ruling capital city, called Capitol, with 12 poorer districts. To make the districts repent for a rebellion held against Capitol decades ago in which a 13th district was destroyed, the Capitol holds a publicly televised 'Hunger Games' annually, where one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 from each district are reaped by lottery to fight-to-the-death, and only one 'tribute' must come out of it alive to be a victor. Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old hunter, is the sole breadwinner for her broken family. When her sister Primrose is reaped for the Games, she volunteers, only to be paired with the male tribute who saved her life years ago. The Games proceed as they have for the past 74 years, and Katniss must make tough decisions to survive - ones that will make this years' Hunger Games unforgettable.

I will start by saying that 'The Hunger Games' is my favourite book series of all time, thus making it tough for me to review it. From what I have seen, this book series is appreciated by three different types of audiences : youngsters, aged under 14 who enjoy the romance and action of it. Then teens and young adults (such as myself), who take in and are thrilled by all events, and out of the series, the rebellion stands strong with them, and the characters, as well as the imperfect, but powerful and un-yielding female protagonist. Almost all the females in the story are powerful and strong on their feet, which gives the series an encouraging pro-woman sense. The third is adults, the majority of it being moms. They seem to enjoy the book as an interesting read, the contemplation, obsession and devotion is less with them and more with teens. Please note that this observation is not extensive. A point that remains fresh in the minds of readers are the consequences to suppression and fascism, which is basically what the books are about.

The book and its sequels focus on real-world problems like poverty and starvation.

I'd say this book is a fantastic read, though not for everyone, perhaps for teens and above. Its an unpredictable nail-biting dynamic book, blending science-fiction, action, adventure and romance. It will definitely make you look at the world and at yourself differently.

~Little Miss Abernathy

(Little Miss Abernathy is a 9th grader with a passion for animals, reading, drawing, and acting. She loves watching movies too, appreciates the beauty of reptiles and likes to paint her nails with weird colours. You can send her your feedback right here or tweet @ibnlivebooks)

Title: The Hunger Games; Author: Suzanne Collins; Publisher: Scholastic Press; Price: 481

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