Hunger Games

Summary: In the ruins of what was once the continent of North America lies the nation of Panem, where a shining Capitol sits, surrounded by 12 outlying districts. The Capitol keeps the districts under its firm hold by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 to compete in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death broadcast on live TV. When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her younger sister’s place in the games, she regards it as a death sentence. But Katniss is used to the threat of death, and surviving has become second nature. If Katniss is to win, she will be forced to weigh survival over humanity and life over love.

My Takeaway: This is a fast paced, action packed story with questions like survival vs. morality? You might want to be aware that this book has a lot of violence, with moderate gore, and various undescriptive kisses.

Romance: Mild, romantic thoughts, profession of love, various undescriptive kisses, and two characters share a sleeping bag to survive the cold nights.

Nudity: Light, when Katniss dresses for events she is naked in front of her dress team.

Language: Light, mentions swearing, occasional use of “da*m”

Alcohol/drugs/smoking: Mild, a side character is always drunk.

Violence: Heavy, Katniss hunts, various fights with moderate gore in the games.

Darkness: Mild, the Capitol takes disgusting pleasure in watching the competitors die, the Hunger Games are a fight to the death, several characters have dark deaths.

Bad Messages: None promoted.

Good Messages: Themes of freedom, bravery, and friendship.

Stars: 4