I've been seeing The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins in bestsellers lists all year, and the film of this, the first book in a trilogy also received good reviews. So, when an offer came in on my usual audio book account I decided that I would give this book a punt. And I'm pleased to say that it is a punt that has paid off. This is the story of a 16-year-old girl called Katniss Everdean, who lives in a post-apocalyptic world, where there isn't enough food, but there are many, many rules! Every year, a boy and girl from each of the 12 districts is selected at random to take part in The Hunger Games - where the prize is 12 months worth of food for your district. There is only one way to win the games, and that is to be the last one to remain alive - and it's all shown live on TV! When her beloved younger sister is selected, Katniss volunteers to go in her place, and begins a journey into the brutality of the games where she has to find the strength of character to not only survive, but also to kill other children. I know that this sounds immensely distasteful - and indeed, the premise is just that. However, it is also an uncomfortable look into a future that is deeply unpleasant,and yet believable. Can our young heroine stay alive and keep at least some of her moral code and beliefs intact, or will the experience totally dehumanise her and all involved in the Games? This is a good read and a great central character. I think I might read the other two books in print or ebook as I found the narrator a little on the irritating side - but that's a personal thing. Don't be put off by the subject - this is a good read and I really do want to spend time with this character and see where she goes and how the narrative develops.
My STAR rating: FOUR
Length: 464 print pages
Price I paid: £4.00.
Formats available: print; unabridged audio download; ebook.
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