The Hunger Games

I received a Kindle Fire for Christmas. It is a nice little tablet with reader capabilities which I decided to try out. I picked up The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I know that it has been out since 2008 and has been a big hit. I just didn't know if this would be something I would like, so I steered clear of it. When I saw it available through Amazon for $4, I thought that was well worth the risk. If I didn't like it, I was only out $4. The surprise was that I enjoyed it.

possible spoilers ahead, so you have been warned.

What I enjoyed most about the book was its call backs to several stories of which I am particularly fond. The Reaping immediately conjured up images of The Lottery by Shirley Jackson. As I read the reaping, I could easily see the similarities to The Lottery. The comparison makes sense for me as it highlights the struggle for personal independence versus powerlessness that is a major theme for the Hunger games. It was this connection which elevated The Hunger Games in my perceptions. Katniss is powerless to stop the reaping, yet has the personal capacity to keep Prim from being the tribute this year. The Lottery shows the finality of powerlessness while The Hunger Games shows that even while powerless we have choices. The other short story that sprung to mind as I read the Hunger Games was The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell. The Hunger Games themselves are evocative of General Zaroff hunting men for sport in his own private hunting ground. President Snow is only mentioned in passing throughout The Hunger Games, but it is apparent that he is the master of the arena in which the Tributes fight and die. The arena also reminded me of The running Man, especialy in that the contestants fight for survival was broadcast for the amusement of the masses. Seeing these echos of favorite works increased my enjoyment of this book immensely.

This was my first science fiction book in quite some time. My previous forays into science fiction have been more in line of Dune or Boat of a Million Years. So, something more terrestrial was a bit of a departure for me. The components that are introduced to show off the advanced technology of the setting are interesting. The mockingjay is an example of this technology and has it's own sub-story taking place. Early on, Katniss is associated with the mockingjay. We find out that the mockingjay was designed as a spy by the capital but was abandoned once the birds capabilities were discovered. I see the mockingjay as a foreshadowing of the change in Katniss. The bird was designed for a malign purpose but becomes something beautiful in an otherwise bleak setting. Katniss starts out as a hardened survivor but begins the process of healing and becoming something new. The mockingjay provides a thread which connects Katniss' father, Rue, and Peeta throughout the story. This thread deepened the impact of the flower scene for me.

I recommend giving this book a read. I enjoyed the mix of dystopian future, coming of age, and commentary on reality TV. I look forward to picking up Catching Fire.