Off the Shelf: Hunger Games

This article was submitted by Alyce Deveau, the  director.

The release of a new movie that is based on a book usually causes a great demand at.  This has never been more evident than with The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

We cannot keep copies of this book on the shelf despite the fact that we have numerous editions of it. This is a book that crosses over generations for we have teens, as well as adults, wanting to read this series.

The Hunger Games is the first of a trilogy and the basis for the new movie which hit the theaters this past weekend.

To my mind this book seems like The Lottery by Shirley Jackson meets Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Collins does a credible job of joining the two basic story lines of chance  and survival.  

This story is set in a post apocalyptic world know as Panem. This country which is a replacement for the United States, contains a capital and 12 districts. Once a year a lottery is held and two children from each of these districts are chosen to participate in an annual televised event called the the Hunger Games. 

The object of this game is to kill or be killed. Participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, while all the citizens watch, this is reality television at its utmost.

When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. Katniss has been responsible for keeping her sister, as well as her mother, alive since the death of her father. She is an extraordinary hunter, who will be forced to use her skills if she hopes to survive.  Her teammate is Peeta, the baker’s son, who doesn’t seem to have a chance of survival.

He recognizes his failings and will accept his death willingly. Both of these young people are thrown together in this futuristic “Survivor” show, entertaining all of the citizens with their exploits.

Albeit the story line is one in which you must suspend your disbelief, the characters are very realistic and sympathetic as they struggle for existence.  This is a valuable read, one that should not be missed.

Get in line for your copy of The Hunger Games as they go “off the shelf” at the Swampscott Public Library.