The Hunger Games Book Review by Firewizard23

OK, so I just finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This is the first book in the Hunger Games Trilogy.

I want it to be clear. I have NOT watched the films. I did watch a review of the first movie -- so the plot did get a little spoiled. But, here is how I feel about it.

I read a book called Battle Royale, written by Koushun Takami. In this book, a class of middle school kids in a future China (Japan?) school are transported to an island to be part of the Program. This Program is them killing each other off till ones survives -- as a way to keep the kids under control of their gov't. Each chapter of that book during the actually Program serves as a small vignette of how each student deals with this situation. Kills happen frequently. The emotions and bonds of the kids are completely analyzed and thought over, and the book has a rebellious ending.

Does this sound familiar? Not only is The Hunger Games similar to this -- save that the Hunger Games are broadcast -- the plot is extremely similar. Not only that, but Battle Royale was just a better book. It focused on ALL the kids, not just a pair.I don't really know what to make of the Capitol in HG. They seem to like watching the games, but this was never analyzed in the book. They just come across as hollow and nameless. I don't understand why they tolerate it. I know why the Districts hate it -- they have to sacrifice their kids. But, what is the deal with the Capitol? Don't they see these kids as people too? Do they even care? It just feels soulless without that piece.

Now, yes, Battle Royale lacks that information, but the focus is so much on the characterization of each kid in BR that I don't have to stretch it to far to understand why the Gov't is bad. I hate seeing those kids die. I learn who they are. I see their struggles.

Now, ask me, tell me all about each kid in HG and what their struggles are..

..or can you only tell me about Peeta and Katniss?

I thought so. 3 out of 5 for me.