Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Wednesday=Book Review Time--I'm starving

Up for today:  THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by carly_cue

Why I bought it? This was another one on my Christmas list that my husband got me. I had heard so many good things about it, and it kept coming up different places that I felt I just had to read it.

Synopsis: The United States no longer exists.  In its place is a society where every year one girl and one boy ages 12-18 are chosen from each of 12 regions of the country as tributes to the Capitol to fight in the Hunger Games. All you have to do to win is survive. It's considered a death sentence for most of the 24 kids whose names are drawn. When Katniss' little sister's name is chosen, she volunteers to go in her place. The winner brings back needed food and honor for their region. How will Katniss ever survive? And what of her fellow tribute who once saved her life? How can she kill him?

What I thought? This is getting to be a trend, but I LOVED it. It is very compelling. The premise promises lots of tension and it delivers. It's a page turner extraordinaire. I had a hard time putting it down, and when I finished, I started over to remind myself of what happened in the beginning.

After the last book, I think I should write out what my ratings mean and get a better grip on the 5-star system.

* = Complete drivel. Not worth the paper it's printed on.
** = So, so. Has some redeeming qualities but is, essentially, a disappointment.
*** = An enjoyable read but nothing too terribly earth shattering
**** = Very enjoyable. This is where I'd recommend for others to read. I'd consider buying it.
***** = So much fun reading that I can't put it down or so compelling that I can't stop thinking about it. I HAVE to own this book.
*****+ = One of my all time favorite books. I know some people would think this is over the top, but then again sometimes I am that kind of person. I won't give many books this rating though. 

My rating:  *****

Cleanness Score: 7--there is a lot of violence as you would expect in a book that is a fight to the death. Some of it is very disturbing. I don't really remember any language, but the gruesomeness of some of the deaths is going to keep you from letting your "tender" ones read this one. It's classified as YA, but I wouldn't let those under 14 read it. 

The sequel, Catching Fire, comes out Sept. 8, 2009. I can't wait.

On Amazon, there is a review by Stephen King that does a great job (as you would expect) and is really funny at the same time. 

17 comments:

Kiersten White said...

This is one of those "on my list", which seems to be getting longer by the minute.

However, this may have bumped it to the top.

PJ Hoover said...

Loved this book! Has anyone not?

lotusgirl said...

Kiersten, I'd read it sooner than later, if I were you.

PJ, Even Stephen King liked it, so...

Jenni James said...

WOW! You know about all the awesome books! I'm so glad you found me! I can't wait to read more reviews!

lotusgirl said...

Thanks giddy! I'm glad you found me back.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the heads up about the King review...I hadn't know about that. And wasn't this book just brilliant? LOVED IT!

lotusgirl said...

yeah, his review cracked me up.

celeste said...

Today I began reading Steinbeck's Travels with Charley. It's a first time read for me. Typical Steinbeck, hooks you from the beginning. Thought you might appreciate his comments on page twenty. As he embarks on a journey across America with only his dog Charly along for the ride, he says, "It was like starting to write a novel. When I face the desolate impossibility of writing five hundred pages a sick sense of failure falls on me and I know I can never do it. This happens every time. Then gradually I write one page and then another. One day's work is all I can permit myself to contemplate and I eliminate the possibility of ever finishing." The quote doesn't fit today's post but made me think of your recent red light post. Today, Steinbeck's words seemed like providence.

Alix said...

I loved this book except I didn't realize there was a sequel until I reached the end. I was wondering how on earth she was going to wrap it up. I can't believe how long we have to wait until catching fire!

I agree about the violence that last scene in the arena was gruesome!

Loved Stephen King's review too.

lotusgirl said...

Celeste, It's nice to know that even Steinbeck was overwhelmed with the writing process sometimes.

Alexa, I didn't know there was a sequel til I got to the end too. It already seems like Sept. won't get here soon enough.

Rebecca Ramsey said...

I'll have to put this book on my list. Thanks!

Your comment on Nathan's blog on Thursday was perfect! I'm exactly with you.

Stephanie Perkins said...

Ooo, my hold on this book (at the library) JUST came in! WOO HOO!

lotusgirl said...

Becky, Thanks! I'm glad you agree. There weren't a lot that seemed to be voicing that opinion.

Stephanie, I think you'll love it. Let me know what you thought, when you've finished reading it.

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Can't wait to read that! It sounds really good. Thanks for sharing your rating system, too. That's very helpful. What would you rate your own book, I wonder? :)

lotusgirl said...

On a good day a five. On a bad day a one. When I being realistic about a 3.

Merc said...

Oooh, this sounds fun! *puts on her list*

Thanks for the review, Lotusgirl. ;)

lotusgirl said...

You're welcome, Merc. I think you'll love it.