The Hunger Games' Story

It has almost been a year since I found out about The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. When I worked at my University's library, I remember seeing the book and it's sequels on the shelf countless times (and I possibly even checked it out to patrons many times; I think). However, it wasn't until news of a movie being made from it that I really started to take interest in this series.


Of course, it wasn't just because there was going to be a movie of this story; it was also because of the hype from people I knew who had been fans of the story for a while. That revived hype got me interested in reading the first book during the summer holiday.


You see, ever since J.K. Rowling finished the final Harry Potter book, I've been looking for a series that has an engaging storyline for its characters. I tried to "get into" the Twilight series (don't judge me!) but, by chapter ten, I just couldn't stand most of the characters and their descriptions and habits. (My sister said it was because I wasn't a girl. My feelings about gender discrimination aside, as someone who loves a good story, I don't think I didn't like the Twilight novel just because I wasn't "a girl.") So, after that failed attempt, I was kind of hesitant about reading another series (from an author I never knew of) that consisted of a fan base largely made of females. However, I love a good story, so I eventually checked out The Hunger Games last summer. (The summer time is usually the time I focus on reading new stories. Most of the time.)


My initial thoughts of the book were positive ones. It does contain a great storyline, and its characters are believable and experience a life in a world in need of a savior (go Katniss and her gang of people!). I like how it reminded me of the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson (the way of choosing Champions), and a little bit of the television show LOST (the jungle scenes). Sure, being male, there were times, when Katniss played on the girlish flirting for the cameras, that made me cringe a little while reading certain scenes, because I knew it was against her character and that she did that to get sponsors. Although, I understand she did that to go with the flow that society expected her to be in this competition. Also, I find it a pet peeve if there are errors in books, and I found several errors in the copy I checked out from my library. (Just a few, near the end.) With that aside, I found it to be a good story. Although, I stopped reading after the first book, because there were other stories I wanted to read, and other things I wanted to do, during the summer before I started my student teaching. However, I really do recommend this story for those interested in a good adventure.


With that said, seeing the trailer for the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games really got me excited about the movie. However, soon after feeling excited, I soon felt sad. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to see this in the theater, solely because I don't want to be the one male in the room not forced there by his girlfriend. I mean, I am aware it's a story that captured a female fan base (which is wonderful, we need more, better/stronger female characters for young girls/ladies) and some males, but it's the kind of movie you know certain people are going to be squee-ing over solely for the male actors - every series (especially one like this) has those kind of movie-goers. Nonetheless, I will probably, most definitely wait until the movie is on DVD to enjoy it.