Book Review: Hunger Games Trilogy

     I recently finished reading the Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins.  The series of three books takes place in a sort of post apocalyptic United States, Panem, where 12 districts all with a unique means of production support the one ruling district, The Capital.  As reminder of their loss in a rebellion the capital requires each district send two children to fight to the death in a once a year gladiatorial 24 on 24 death match.  Katniss Everdeen, is our brave heroin, who volunteers to take her young sisters place in the games.
     Katniss, is your typical flawed hero, she appears brave to those on the outside, but in reality is torn and scared.  Through her actions and bravery as a Tribute in the Games Katniss, becomes a national hero throughout both the districts and the Capital.  And of course any good teenage novel is not complete without a love triangle, where our young lady must chose between two equally handsome young men.

     Katniss', choice is between Gale, her best friend whom she has spent her entire life with and Peeta, a fellow tribute in the games whom we learn has quietly loved Katniss from afar for many years.  Katniss, has feelings of some kind for both, but has difficulties sorting them out.  Her struggle to understand her feelings and decide who she will choose continues throughout the series.
     The Hunger Games trilogy is a quick read, short on details but very good for its intended audience of middle school age kids.  The series has a little bit for everyone, there is the gore and action of the games paired with the romance and longing of the love triangle.  Parents should not be worried as though there is violence, it is short on details and true gore, probably 'PG 13' at best.  The romance is strictly rated 'G'  with little physicality and mostly just talk of feelings and speculation on as to what the three parties are thinking.  This would be an easy series to get both genders engaged in reading and offers many avenues to teach creative writing, reading strategies and elements of literature such as theme and character development.
     For the adults reading the series it will seem a bit familiar.  The books pulls from many similar plots over the years.  The Running Man comes to mind in particular to me.  It incorporates the standard love triangle of teenage fiction and at times the characters are frustrating and predictable.  Being that it is aimed at teenagers the writing and details can be a bit simplistic and lacking in details.  However, the quick pace of the plot and shear typical shock value of the post apocalyptic setting will keep you reading and wondering what happens next.
   The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay, are mindless entertainment books that I'd recommend.  Perfect to read on an airplane, or beach or somewhere where intense concentration is not possible.  Middle School aged children, especially the latter grades should enjoy these books and they'd  be a great way to attempt to pry them away from a screen and engage them in reading of some kind.