In March 2010 a friend of mine raved about a book. She told me that it was excellent and that I should most definitely read it. I had never heard of it. I had no idea what it was about and it sounded quite weird when it was described to me. My friend lent it to me and as soon as I read the first chapter I was hooked. The book was called The Hunger Games.
It would not be unlikely for you to have already heard of this particular book as it’s popularity has increased with the impending arrival of it’s film adaption later this month. Soon after I finished reading it for the first time in 2010, I devoured Catching Fire, the next in the series and twiddled my thumbs until Mockingjay’s arrival later that year. The series is excellent. I have problems with a few plot turns throughout the three books that I will not disclose, but in entirety that is definitely outweighed by the good.
The trio of books follow protagonist Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a dystopian society known as Panem, formerly North America. Panem is divided into twelve districts in which people are poor, suppressed and controlled by the wealthy and selfish residents of the Capitol. A uprising prior to Katniss’ life ended with the Capitol prevailing and the formation of the Hunger Games, a fight to death between children of the twelve districts, to show the people that the Captiol is still in control of the districts.
Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister Prim’s place in the Hunger Games when Prim’s name is picked, against the odds. Written in first person from Katniss’ point of view, the books follow Katniss in the Hunger Games arena and her fight against the Capitol.
There are elements of romance to these novels which I am personally not a fan of, and at times Katniss’ narration can become a tad whiny. But the thing that makes these books great is just how gripping they are. It’s a story not for the faint-hearted and the continual adventure and chilliness of the plot will demand your immediate attention. Quite a number of my friends have read them for the first time quite recently and have smashed through them as quick as I did two years ago. Once you’re a chapter in, you’ll read to the last page of Mockingjay.
I myself re-read the series over the summer and was amazed at how much I still love them. There was so much detail I had forgotten about or misplaced amongst my brain cells and my affection for the books has increased.
It’s rather nice that exactly two years on from first falling in love with these books that the movie is being released. Considering this, it’s evident that I am excited for the movie. Not Deathly Hallows Part 2 excited, but excited none the less. When the trailer was released last November I was very impressed. The movie looks good, it looks like the book. The Hunger Games is a young adult novel, with it’s target audience hitting the 14 to mid 20’s bracket (although I know of a few mothers who have read and loved the series) and my hope for the movie is that it will stay true to this.
Regardless of whether you’re are one of those “Why would I read the book if I could watch the movie?” people, (which, if you are, your argument is completely invalid), I still fiercely recommend that you read The Hunger Games within the next two weeks before the movie is released. Having knowledge of the book will give you a whole background to the plot, as well as making you a true fan. It’s the quickest 454 pages I ever read.
COMPETITION
So to celebrate the movie’s upcoming premiere and the excellence of the book, we have one copy to give away to a reader. Simply like the Hello Noise Facebook page and tell us what your favourite book is and why. Best answer wins. Also, if you’ve read the book already, email us your review of it to info@hellonoise.com and it’ll feature in a post. Happy Hunger Games!
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