Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Audiobook Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins


Title:  The Hunger Games

Author:  Suzanne Collins

Narrator:  Carolyn McCormick

Unabridged Length:  11 hrs, 14 mn.


Here is a summary of the book from the Goodreads website:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister Primrose, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before — and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


My Review:
I am not one to hop on the bandwagon of popular fiction, but my friend Miranda said that I HAVE to listen to this audiobook!  I have to admit that I didn't really know anything about this book when I checked it out at the library, so it turned into a pleasant surprise.  

Collins immerses us into a dystopian society that was formerly North America, but is now known as Panem.  The time of the annual Hunger Games is approaching as everyone prepares to attend the Reaping.  All citizens are required to attend the Reaping, where they will choose each Districts representatives that will participate in the games.

As you can tell from the summary above, young Prim is selected from her District, but that is when Katniss comes forward to take her place in the games.  It takes a courageous girl to step forward knowing that it is very possible she will be murdered because of her decision.  A boy and girl from each District will be chosen to participate, and the games will not be over until there is only one child standing.

When the games actually begin, I think I turned into a nervous wreck as I listened to this audio.  It was very intense as these young people are forced to murder in order to stay alive.  We see how Katniss herself deals with these conflicting feelings that arise as she fights for her own survival.

I am not going to tell you any more about this book, except that it was amazing!  I know that this book is considered a young adult novel, but obviously readers of all ages have found enjoyment from it.  With themes of survival, honor, trust, and family, there really is something that will appeal to just about everyone.  I don't hesitate in recommending this novel to just about anyone I know.

My Rating:  5/5

Disclosure:  I borrowed this audiobook from the library for my own listening entertainment. 

12 comments:

bermudaonion said...

I didn't love this one - I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I'd read Battle Royale before reading this one and it felt like the same story all over again.

Anna said...

I didn't listen to the audio version, I'm not big on audio books, but I did really enjoy this book. I hope you'll continue the series!

Angie Vik said...

A few of my daughters have read this and really enjoyed it. Seems like most people do. Fun that you read a book that both you and your daughter liked.

Jo-Jo said...

Kathy: I think it's fun to not enjoy a book as much as everyone else once and awhile. That's how I was with Secret Life of Bees...everyone loved it and I thought "whatever".

Anna: I'm definitely continuing on...just waiting for Catching Fire to be available at my library.

Angie: Vicki just saw the movie-no matter how much I bragged up the book, she wouldn't read it. She figures she spends enough time reading textbooks right now. lol

Serena said...

I loved this book on audio. My husband and I had to finish this book on audio after we started it for book club.

JLS Hall said...

I've heard so much about this one, but I've been hesitant about trying it. Maybe the audio version is the way to go - I'll have to see if our library has it. Definitely want to read or listen to the book before seeing the movie.

stacybuckeye said...

I decided to watch the movie to see what the hype was about instead of reading the books :) Loved the movie and can't wait for the next one!

Jo-Jo said...

Serena: That's neat, I was telling my husband that I thought he would have liked to listen to this one.

JLS: I was hesitant myself, so I figured I have nothing to lose listening to it...and it was great!

Stacy: I just don't have enough time to read all the books that I want to. I just picked up the second one from the library so I'll be able to start that one soon.

audio books said...

I have not read the book, heard the book, nor seen the movie but find the plot interesting if not a warning of what could happen if we do not limit our population. My father loved audio books to listen do while driving, in the summer trips would be hours long and often through the prairie so audio books were excellent entertainment.
Back to the Hunger Games for a moment, there has been a recent joke on a tv show I watch featuring a bear in diapers, it is in reference to the movie, I am really curious as to what that is all about.
Great blog, enjoyed.

The Lawver's said...

I am so glad that you enjoyed it and can't wait until you begin book #2!!! I also loved MORE that we had an unplanned movie date with this one! Hugs

The Lawver's said...

I am so glad that you enjoyed it and can't wait until you begin book #2!!! I also loved MORE that we had an unplanned movie date with this one! Hugs

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