Here's the story: In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins' characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like "Survivor" and "American Gladiator".
Here is a new fan made trailer:
The third book in this series will be coming out this summer. I already have it on my "must buy" list. What do you think?
I love this book! Haven't read Catching Fire yet because my students keep nabbing it first. Can't wait for the 3rd book. You can preorder it at amazon for like 50% off right now!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love that trailer way better than the scholastic one. I showed both to my students (we do trailer Tues in my classroom) and they like the second one better.
I've been sort of wanting to read both since eeeeveryone speaks so highly of them, but they don't really sound like my cup of tea ... I'm very intrigued though and I just might give them a try someday!
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