The Hunger Games

Flashplot: In the future post-apocalypse America, whether they're from the Capitol, or you're nothing more than a pawn used to support a very unusual way of life. You are entertained and entertainers. Sickest form of entertainment Capitol created the annual Hunger Games, each district must offer up two of their children to participate in this fight to the death competition in retaliation for participating in an unsuccessful rebellion. Sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen becomes districts eleven women is a tribute when her younger sister's place during the harvest. Any decision from that point forward could save her life or end it.

As a reader: Suzanne Collins had a string of successful young people before the Hunger Games books, so I was surprised when several of my students to recommend a title for me. I never expected, however, to be blown away with the sophistication of the writing and themes. This is one of those rare books that speaks to readers of all ages and all sexes. It is a twisted love story, wrenching coming-of-life stories, and action-packed adventure. What makes it truly a gem, though, as it uses a futuristic setting to force readers to examine many aspects of contemporary society. I immediately fell in love with Katniss, who narrates this book and others in the trilogy. It is a symbol of an unreliable narrator, but she is so strong that you believe even what I know is probably true. Supports the characters in the book are equally beautiful. They are flawed, and unique, and Collins developed carefully over each book and the trilogy, so that each page offers a new insight into somebody.

As a writer: I was in the book three before I realized what was off about writing this book. They are written in first person present tense, very rare storytelling choice, but one that works for this book. First, it builds the tension, you can not assume Katniss survives the way could a first-person narratives told in the past tense. Second, Collins is clearly a master at it. The fact that such a unique form of writing can go unnoticed meaning that the author is skilled at her craft. The reader is also in Katniss's head that it does not seem at all unnatural that the story will be told in present tense. As mentioned above, Collins is also a master of characterization. It creates a world in which a large chunk of the characters, those of the capital, might seem outrageous and unbelievable. She described them, after all, look at the way the image of performers in Cirque du Soleil show, but as we meet, love or hate his personality alone. The final skill I envy Collins for her creation of the world. As I mentioned above, this is not the author who is new to fantasy writing, but the detail with which she describes the world and a variety of settings, creatures, and the technology is amazing.

Bottom line: I think I've gushed enough. Read for yourself. Read to your kids. Read with your students. You will not need me to tell you that it is worth all nighter.