Hunger Games
This is the exact theme of the novel.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is simply a great novel. It is the exact contrast Little Brother by Cory Doctorow for me; I loved it. In a futuristic setting, Suzanne Collins creates a Survivor type game to be the center piece of the opening novel for the trilogy. There is only one catch; only one person is able to walk out of the game alive. This combination of Survivor-esque tactics and Gladiator style battling create for an interesting novel. The back story is just as amazing. The futuristic world has crumbled into a dwindling society. The area that Katniss grows up in is run down, and many of the people struggle just to find enough food to eat. There are different districts spread throughout the modern day United States and one capitol. The capitol is where all the nice things are. They create this battle of teens throughout each area to determine who can bring ultimate glory and honor to the district in which they live. This novel even has a potential romance building that can be focused on for the future of the trilogy.
This novel focuses on so many aspects of life today. It deals with government influence and how they are trying to control what goes on in our lives. It deals with how society has always had a tendency to watch even the most grotesque things and not think twice about it. Americans today have an obsession with reality television and peoples’ misfortunes, and this aspect of life can only get worse from here. This shows a time where all of these things have gotten out of control. All of these bad habits and circumstances have progressed to a stage in which things are as bad as they could be.
Outside of those things, young adults will(and do) love this novel. It has had a pretty high level of success. It really presents things for anyone and gives a great interest to both genders. There are enough battle scenes and manly things to keep the boys of the younger generation eager to keep reading. The girls will find themselves relating to Katniss in some aspects and maybe even enjoying the potential love building. The mental aspect to the novel is just a plus on top of all that. It constantly keeps you guessing and wondering what is coming next. This is a great novel to introduce into the classroom, and one that I think the kids would respond to. It is engaging, and it would be something that would actually hold their interest.
