The Hunger Games
Discussion
Haven't read it, but watch the films when they're on (always wanted to do that in a book thread. 
). I'm amazed anyone doesn't know about it!
It certainly seems a bit teen fiction, but I wouldn't say it was any more odd than your typical heroes-in-dystopia novel plot-wise. It focuses on the journey of the protagonist from her roots in abject poverty to becoming a state-sponsored celebrity, feted in the wealthy capital and broadcast globably while her hometown starves and the rest of the nation suffers brutal oppression, her difficulties in combining the lies she must live to survive and the conflict between being true to herself and doing what's right for the greater good.
The root of her celebrity is her performance in the annual gladatorial match the state holds, which is basically The Running Man-Meets Truman Show. Teen fiction version. During the games she gambles with her life and defies the powers that be forcing the state to gymnastically twist into a way of making themselves look benevolent and thrusting her into the insulated world of Capital stardom.
It's hardly mind-breaking like nineteen eighty-four was, but I bet it's a more enjoyable read!
). I'm amazed anyone doesn't know about it! It certainly seems a bit teen fiction, but I wouldn't say it was any more odd than your typical heroes-in-dystopia novel plot-wise. It focuses on the journey of the protagonist from her roots in abject poverty to becoming a state-sponsored celebrity, feted in the wealthy capital and broadcast globably while her hometown starves and the rest of the nation suffers brutal oppression, her difficulties in combining the lies she must live to survive and the conflict between being true to herself and doing what's right for the greater good.
The root of her celebrity is her performance in the annual gladatorial match the state holds, which is basically The Running Man-Meets Truman Show. Teen fiction version. During the games she gambles with her life and defies the powers that be forcing the state to gymnastically twist into a way of making themselves look benevolent and thrusting her into the insulated world of Capital stardom.
It's hardly mind-breaking like nineteen eighty-four was, but I bet it's a more enjoyable read!
Edited by glazbagun on Thursday 3rd December 07:40
Benrad said:
Depends on your tastes, but I enjoy it. I also enjoy the Twilight books though so YMMV. 29yo male.
What else do you like? Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series might be a better bet?
It's not for me, it's for my 15 year old son. Talked this morning, they showed the film at school a couple of years agoWhat else do you like? Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series might be a better bet?
Benrad said:
Note you've said that I have no idea why I interpreted your OP any other way
In that case, do NOT get him the girl with the drain tattoo series! It's got some very adult themes
He'll like Hunger Games, crack on
Cheers, I've read the first three books in the series, the "girl with the drain tattoo" must still be in the pipeline....In that case, do NOT get him the girl with the drain tattoo series! It's got some very adult themes
He'll like Hunger Games, crack on
Damn predictive text LOL
Hunger games seems to be a trilogy - worth getting all three?
bristolbaron said:
Skyedriver said:
Hunger games seems to be a trilogy - worth getting all three?
Absolutely! A 15 year old choosing to read - I’d fill shelves whilst you can! Ask him what he's doing, response is usually "nothing" until about 10.30 when he should have been showered and into bed and then he's busy with schoolwork. The term that Nissan used to use at their manufacturing plant "just in time" should have been coined for him. Never do your homework until the (very) last minute.
The trilogy it is then.
My son was an avid reader - and I mean it was almost sad. His shelves are full of Alex Rider, Skuldggery Pleasant, Spooks, Top Secret - every one of them, some signed by the author - he was that into it. Reading age at 13 of “17+“ according to his new school.
He turned 13 this July and suddenly....no interest in reading. None. My wife bought him The Hunger Games book, and he’s only a few pages in after weeks. He was always wanting to see the film, but we said read it first.
So..I don’t know whether it’s his age, or the book isn’t great.
He turned 13 this July and suddenly....no interest in reading. None. My wife bought him The Hunger Games book, and he’s only a few pages in after weeks. He was always wanting to see the film, but we said read it first.
So..I don’t know whether it’s his age, or the book isn’t great.
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