I already posted a book review today, but our phone just rang. It was my mom, home from Thanksgiving dinner at our house, calling to discuss the book that my 12-year-old son and I convinced her to read while she was here.
"How’d you like it?" I asked her.
"It was awful," she said. "Wonderful but just awful. Put the boy on the phone. I need to talk to him about the end."
So Nana and J proceeded to discuss Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games – an amazing dystopian adventure of reality-TV turned nightmare. Before they had their book chat, Nana had to go upstairs so Papa wouldn’t hear. She didn’t want to spoil it; he’s reading it next. That, my friends, is a book that transcends ages. In fact, when I was at Flying Pig Bookstore this week, The Hunger Games was displayed with a sign listing it as Josie & Elizabeth’s favorite fantasy of 2008. (And if you know Josie and Elizabeth, you know that they know their stuff.)
You can check out some of the many glowing reviews on Suzanne’s website — or just trust me. You must read this book. When you’re done, share it with a reluctant reader, who will love it, too.
Kate’s Holiday Book Review Note: I hope you’re shopping with independent bookstores for the holidays! After all of my holiday season book reviews, I’ll be posting a short note on how each title might fit into your gift list.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Suggested ages: 12+
Buy it for kids who love: adventure stories, books set in the future, fantasy, and fast-paced action. My mom is right — The Hunger Games is disturbing, so it’s not a good choice for very sensitive kids who don’t like to read books that are sad or dark. This is my top pick for reluctant readers this holiday season, though, and it’s one that readers of many genres will stay up late to finish.
Disturbingly brilliant! My mother and I both sat back in awe of this book when we finished it. Definitely transcends ages 🙂
It’s on my school and local library’s hot list. Weeks ago I was in the library (like every other day) and a lady picked it up and then put it back. I was like ‘No! You want to read that book! It is fantastic’ and she had on a survivor t-shirt I was like ‘because it’s about a reality tv show.’ she checked the book out and i saw her the other day and she was like that book is really good. It turns out it was my friend’s mom! I was laughing.
OH YEAH I PUBLISHED MY BOOK! YAY! I STAYED UP UNTIL FOUR AM CONVERTING THE FILES AND I PUBLISHED IT ON TUEDAY! I HAVE SOLD 9 COPIES!
Cool – I just bought this book the other day, but haven’t started it. When I’m done, I’ll pass it to my teens and then to my mom, lol.
You know I loved this one. And think it oughta score something in a Printz Award/Honor.
This is funny because I just shoved this book into my brother’s hands — after having read it, having my husband read it, having my sister read it, one of my friends . . . etc. Just an amazing, brutal, cutting book.
Ivy and Bean
Hi Kate,
I was scrolling through your posts and was excited to see Ivy and Bean pictured in the one. My eight-year-old daughter and I LOVE Ivy and Bean. Ivy’s crazy ideas and Bean’s willingness to try anything keep us laughing. So, to Kellyrfineman and anyone else reading this… I highly recommend this series. Lot’s of fun!
Re: Ivy and Bean
My daughter and I are huge fans of Ivy and Bean, too!
We have a Scholastic book fair at my school this week, and the kids are already swarming around it!
Wow! You sound just like me at the library – I’m constantly pushing books on strangers.
Congratulations on finishing your book! What a great, great feeling!
Whatever you do, don’t start it when you have anything that needs to be done. You won’t be able to stop reading.
I agree. Or maybe even Newbery? It fits the 14 and under criteria, so…
Hard to forget, isn’t it? I’m so hoping I cross paths with Suzanne Collins at a conference one of these days.
Oh, that would be great, wouldn’t it? Especially since we share a publisher.
Yes. I am super happy. Amd you know whats funny I get this weird feeling of excitment every time I see books in the library. I get very very crazy and like a kid at christmas time.
I’ve had this on order from my library for 3 weeks. Even though I’m a very sensitive kid I’m going to be brave and read this book.
I’m pleased to say, I learned the word, “dystopian” from your blog, Kate. It made me realize I haven’t experienced any dystopian adventures since I read “Welcome to the Monkey House” a long, looooong time ago.