Book Review #2: The Hunger Games

This book has been disagreed-upon by many Christians today

This book is loved by many teens in our society 

This book was recently made into a movie starring Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson 

Yep, you guessed it; this book is The Hunger Games.

Since the recent creation of the first Hunger Games movie, it is nearly impossible for anyone to NOT know something about Suzanne Collins's first book in her applauded series.  I mean, if you asked someone what The Hunger Games was you'd probably see a  horrified gaze and gaping mouth looking back at you through unbelieving eyes.  Okay, maybe not quite that dramatic, but lets face it, NEARLY everyone really does know SOMETHING about this book or the whole series.

Okay, so we have established that this book is hugely popular among teens today, but should it be popular (in a good way) in the Christian society of teens?  Is it even worth reading?

WRITING STYLE                                                          

After seeing the movie once shortly after it hit the theaters, I started reading the first book in the Hunger Games series.  I was pretty much expecting to dislike everything about the story and the writing style, but I was pleasantly surprised.  Though, in my humble opinion, Suzanne Collins writing style is very choppy and unprofessional, it is also intriguing if you don't mind using your creative powers more.  Collins writes from the main character (Katniss Everdeen)'s point of view.  The sentences are short and poorly thought-out because originally the book was actually supposed to be a script/story line for a movie (or so I have heard).  If you like to use your skills of imagination and picture yourself in the character's point of view, you may get a little more out of this book.  Beware. 

CONTENT REVIEW                                                     

Frankly, I don't know why people love these books so much.  Sure, the movies are enjoyable to watch because of the quality of acting and cinematography, but its just disappointing that people love these books SO much.  Let me explain myself.

LACK OF HOPE.  This book has no hope.  NONE.  AT.  ALL.  Really, the smallest of hopes in this book is that somehow Katniss and Peeta will make it out of the arena alive.  Good authors entice their readers with a glimpse at the light when the darkness of their story becomes oppressive.

WEAK (MALE) CHARACTERS.  The beloved Peeta is simply a weak character.  Throughout the Games, he is portrayed as the sweet, loving, and handsome boy of District 12.  Lovable and loyal though he is, Peeta really isn't a deep character.  This is quite unfortunate, really.  Collins had a good story line going and could have fleshed her characters out much much more yet stuck to a very basic way of writing. 

Similarly, when Gale tells Katniss that killing people in the arena will be no different than her usual hunting, we see a definite flaw in his character.  Sure, he is trying to soothe his friend, but really?  Elements like this make the Games a perfect example of the idea of SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.

BLACK & WHITE                                                          

Some Christians claim that The Hunger Games shouldn't be read by Christian teens because of the 'kids killing kids' element of the story line.  Yet, while it is true that children really do kill other children in this book, it should not be cast aside as a 'bad book' just because of the bloodshed.  Rather, readers should realize that the BAD GUYS are the ones making the GOOD GUYS kill each other.  

Katniss is a strong character who simply does not want to kill anyone in the arena (who would?).  Yet she is prepared to defend herself so that she can get back to District 12 to take care of her sister.  Katniss soon makes a friend in a sweet girl named Rue.  They join up to fight the Career-ers, the kids who have trained for this moment.  Rue, however, is killed (*tears*).  Through this cold-blooded act, Katniss realizes that she NEEDS to get out of the arena as soon as possible and meets up with Peeta.  Really, the bad guys (the people of the Capital) are shown to be twisted and very sinful.  This, in my opinion, is a definite positive of the book.

Unfortunately (this is where it gets down-to-earth), people today literally adore Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as the characters who they portray.  Similarly, people adore the books, the story line, and everything related to The Hunger Games.  People have glorified these things to the extreme; to a point where they have put Hollywood on a pedestal.  Sound familiar?  You got it: Hollywood is the Capital-full of frivolous wishes, pointless gossip, gluttony, and selfishness.  And we are accepting that.

STORY LINE                                                                      

You've gotta admit, the story line of The Hunger Games is quite creative and (obviously) is now a very successful one.  It has a post-apocalyptic setting, good vs. evil elements, and is complete with a love triangle.  :)     

CONCLUSION                                                                    

Thus, since this book will most likely be debated within Christian circles for a long time, it is a good idea to read this book if you have not already.  Form your own ideas about the pros and cons of the writing style, characters, and story line.  Granted, this is not my favorite book by any means, but it is also a good quick-read.  If you love action-packed stories mixed with romance, this might be your book.  If you are desiring a deep, thoughtful, and beautiful book full of hope, look somewhere else.