2012 Puddly Awards
 
 
Follow us on TwitterFollow us on FacebookFollow us on TumblrSubscribe to RSS


Recently Viewed clear list


Interviews | February 14, 2012

Jill Owens: IMG Stephen Dau: The Powells.com Interview



Stephen DauStephen Dau's The Book of Jonas is a marvelous, lyrical debut that examines the effects of war on everyone involved. Dau weaves together the stories... Continue »
  1. $17.47 Sale Hardcover add to wish list

    The Book of Jonas

    Stephen Dau 9780399158452

spacer
Free Shipping!

Ships free on qualified orders.
$17.99
New Hardcover
Ships in 1 to 3 days
Add to Wishlist
Qty Store Section
19 Beaverton Children's- Science Fiction and Fantasy
7 Burnside Children's Young Adult- General
2 Hawthorne Children's Young Adult- General
25 Local Warehouse General- General
20 Local Warehouse Children's Young Adult- General
25 Remote Warehouse Children's Young Adult- General

eBook editions

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #01)

by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #01) Cover

ISBN13: 9780439023481
ISBN10: 0439023483
All Product Details

 

Staff Pick

Destined for widespread popularity and quite possibly a little controversy, this post-apocalyptic tale about teenagers who fight to the death to help feed their families is so riveting and heartbreaking, I ceased all essential functions until I finished it.
Recommended by David, Powells.com

Review-A-Day

"As a bibliophile who is fondly interested in young adult literature, I found The Hunger Games to be one of the best books I've read, regardless of its difficult content. As an extremely thought-provoking piece of literature, I hope this book will be added to English curriculums across the country, sparking conversations about subjects such as war, poverty, and death. Collins raises the intellectual bar, while empowering young adults with tools to instigate their own opinions and ideas." Sarah Miller, Powells.com (read the entire Powells.com review)

Synopses & Reviews

Publisher Comments:

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Review:

"Signature Reviewed by Megan Whalen Turner If there really are only seven original plots in the world, it's odd that 'boy meets girl' is always mentioned, and 'society goes bad and attacks the good guy' never is. Yet we have Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, The House of the Scorpion — and now, following a long tradition of Brave New Worlds, The Hunger Games. Collins hasn't tied her future to a specific date, or weighted it down with too much finger wagging. Rather less 1984 and rather more Death Race 2000, hers is a gripping story set in a postapocalyptic world where a replacement for the United States demands a tribute from each of its territories: two children to be used as gladiators in a televised fight to the death. Katniss, from what was once Appalachia, offers to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, but after this ultimate sacrifice, she is entirely focused on survival at any cost. It is her teammate, Peeta, who recognizes the importance of holding on to one's humanity in such inhuman circumstances. It's a credit to Collins's skill at characterization that Katniss, like a new Theseus, is cold, calculating and still likable. She has the attributes to be a winner, where Peeta has the grace to be a good loser. It's no accident that these games are presented as pop culture. Every generation projects its fear: runaway science, communism, overpopulation, nuclear wars and, now, reality TV. The State of Panem — which needs to keep its tributaries subdued and its citizens complacent — may have created the Games, but mindless television is the real danger, the means by which society pacifies its citizens and punishes those who fail to conform. Will its connection to reality TV, ubiquitous today, date the book? It might, but for now, it makes this the right book at the right time. What happens if we choose entertainment over humanity? In Collins's world, we'll be obsessed with grooming, we'll talk funny, and all our sentences will end with the same rise as questions. When Katniss is sent to stylists to be made more telegenic before she competes, she stands naked in front of them, strangely unembarrassed. 'They're so unlike people that I'm no more self-conscious than if a trio of oddly colored birds were pecking around my feet,' she thinks. In order not to hate these creatures who are sending her to her death, she imagines them as pets. It isn't just the contestants who risk the loss of their humanity. It is all who watch. Katniss struggles to win not only the Games but the inherent contest for audience approval. Because this is the first book in a series, not everything is resolved, and what is left unanswered is the central question. Has she sacrificed too much? We know what she has given up to survive, but not whether the price was too high. Readers will wait eagerly to learn more. Megan Whalen Turner is the author of the Newbery Honor book The Thief and its sequels, The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Review:

To punish rebellious citizens, the government of a future dystopia strikes at their children. Selected by lottery, 24 young people must participate each year in a televised survival game. Similar to Roman gladiators, they enter a large outdoor arena — and must hide, hunt and fight until one victor emerges.

"The Hunger Games" focuses on one character's struggle to maintain her humanity... Washington Post Book Review (read the entire Washington Post review)

Review:

"[A] grand-opening salvo....Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance." Booklist (Starred Review)

Review:

"[A] violent, jarring speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense....Collins is an efficient no-nonsense prose stylist with a pleasantly dry sense of humor. (Grade: B)" Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly

Review:

"Survivor meets 'The Lottery' as the author of the popular Underland Chronicles returns with what promises to be an even better series....[A] compulsively readable blend of science fiction, survival story, unlikely romance, and social commentary." The Horn Book

Review:

"Impressive world-building, breathtaking action and clear philosophical concerns make this volume, the beginning of a planned trilogy, as good as The Giver and more exciting." Kirkus Reviews

Review:

"[A] thrilling adventure that will appeal to science fiction, survival, and adventure readers. The suspense of this powerful novel will keep the reader glued to the page long after bedtime." VOYA

Review:

"Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing." School Library Journal

Synopsis:

The acclaimed author of the New York Times-bestselling Underland Chronicles series delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in a stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to the present.

Synopsis:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival

Synopsis:

In this dramatic conclusion to the Grasslands Trilogy, Corki, Pippa, and all their friends are reunited for a final fight to determine the future of Grassland. After escaping the mountains of Grassland, where Corki and Pippa and their friends were slaves and soldiers, the fugitives finally found a new life, and are seemingly safe at last.

 

But as the former slaves explore new lands to the north, they discover that cruelty and injustice are not only found in Grassland, and that the people they visit may need their help. Grassland, too, may need assistance. When an appeal from an old friend reaches Corki and Pippa in their travels, will they have the courage to do whats right for their old land, despite its cruel history? What will it cost them to change Grassland for the better?

Video

About the Author

Suzanne Collins's debut novel, Gregor the Overlander, the first book in the Underland Chronicles, received wide praise both in the United States and abroad. The series has been a New York Times bestseller and received numerous accolades. Also a writer for children's television, Suzanne lives with her family in Connecticut.

What Our Readers Are Saying

Add a comment for a chance to win!
Average customer rating based on 43 comments:

Ashley Koznek, January 3, 2011 (view all comments by Ashley Koznek)
Amazing, I couldn't put it down. The entire trilogy was so riveting - this is on the top of my list of favorites that's for sure!
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(3 of 5 readers found this comment helpful)
sammychapman-man, October 4, 2010 (view all comments by sammychapman-man)
This book is awesome, I simply could not put it down, today, my class mates and I sat around all lunch and talked about this amazing series. I couldn't believe how addicting this book was.
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(2 of 4 readers found this comment helpful)
ltobin, July 8, 2010 (view all comments by ltobin)
After my ma sent this book, it sat on my shelf for weeks. Only after promising a student that he could read it (my half-hearted endorsement coming from my reading the back cover), I picked it up so I would know what words he would not understand (English is his third language). Immediately, I was swept away by Suzanne's writing style, her ability to paint a believable dystopia, and her character development. I read the whole thing straight through in a matter of hours. Unfortunately, for my student, he still is waiting for this book - I have passed it on to every Peace Corps Volunteer in my group! I can hardly wait for Book 2 & 3 to arrive at my post office!
Was this comment helpful? | Yes | No
(3 of 8 readers found this comment helpful)
View all 43 comments

Product Details

ISBN:
9780439023481
Author:
Collins, Suzanne
Publisher:
Dutton Juvenile
Author:
Ward, David
Author:
Condie, Ally
Subject:
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
Subject:
Television programs
Subject:
Survival
Subject:
Action & Adventure - General
Subject:
Fantasy & Magic
Subject:
Science fiction
Subject:
Interpersonal Relations
Subject:
General Juvenile Fiction
Subject:
General-General
Subject:
Love & Romance
Edition Description:
B-Hardcover
Series:
Hunger Games
Series Volume:
01
Publication Date:
20121113
Binding:
Hardback
Grade Level:
from 7
Language:
English
Pages:
384
Dimensions:
8.25 x 5.5 in
Age Level:
12-12

Other books you might like

  1. $9.24 Google eBooks add to wish list

    Graceling

    Kristin Cashore 9780547351278
  2. $8.99 Google eBooks add to wish list

    The Host: A Novel

    Stephenie Meyer 9780316128650
  3. $5.50 Used Trade Paper add to wish list

    How I Live Now

    Meg Rosoff 9780553376050
  4. $15.50 Used Hardcover add to wish list
  5. $7.99 Google eBooks add to wish list

    The Graveyard Book

    Neil Gaiman 9780061972652
  6. $7.50 Used Trade Paper add to wish list

Related Aisles

The Hunger Games (Hunger Games #01) New Hardcover
0 stars - 0 reviews
$17.99 In Stock
Product details 384 pages Scholastic Press - English 9780439023481 Reviews:
"Staff Pick" by ,

Destined for widespread popularity and quite possibly a little controversy, this post-apocalyptic tale about teenagers who fight to the death to help feed their families is so riveting and heartbreaking, I ceased all essential functions until I finished it.

"Publishers Weekly Review" by , "Signature Reviewed by Megan Whalen Turner If there really are only seven original plots in the world, it's odd that 'boy meets girl' is always mentioned, and 'society goes bad and attacks the good guy' never is. Yet we have Fahrenheit 451, The Giver, The House of the Scorpion — and now, following a long tradition of Brave New Worlds, The Hunger Games. Collins hasn't tied her future to a specific date, or weighted it down with too much finger wagging. Rather less 1984 and rather more Death Race 2000, hers is a gripping story set in a postapocalyptic world where a replacement for the United States demands a tribute from each of its territories: two children to be used as gladiators in a televised fight to the death. Katniss, from what was once Appalachia, offers to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, but after this ultimate sacrifice, she is entirely focused on survival at any cost. It is her teammate, Peeta, who recognizes the importance of holding on to one's humanity in such inhuman circumstances. It's a credit to Collins's skill at characterization that Katniss, like a new Theseus, is cold, calculating and still likable. She has the attributes to be a winner, where Peeta has the grace to be a good loser. It's no accident that these games are presented as pop culture. Every generation projects its fear: runaway science, communism, overpopulation, nuclear wars and, now, reality TV. The State of Panem — which needs to keep its tributaries subdued and its citizens complacent — may have created the Games, but mindless television is the real danger, the means by which society pacifies its citizens and punishes those who fail to conform. Will its connection to reality TV, ubiquitous today, date the book? It might, but for now, it makes this the right book at the right time. What happens if we choose entertainment over humanity? In Collins's world, we'll be obsessed with grooming, we'll talk funny, and all our sentences will end with the same rise as questions. When Katniss is sent to stylists to be made more telegenic before she competes, she stands naked in front of them, strangely unembarrassed. 'They're so unlike people that I'm no more self-conscious than if a trio of oddly colored birds were pecking around my feet,' she thinks. In order not to hate these creatures who are sending her to her death, she imagines them as pets. It isn't just the contestants who risk the loss of their humanity. It is all who watch. Katniss struggles to win not only the Games but the inherent contest for audience approval. Because this is the first book in a series, not everything is resolved, and what is left unanswered is the central question. Has she sacrificed too much? We know what she has given up to survive, but not whether the price was too high. Readers will wait eagerly to learn more. Megan Whalen Turner is the author of the Newbery Honor book The Thief and its sequels, The Queen of Attolia and The King of Attolia." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)
"Review A Day" by , "As a bibliophile who is fondly interested in young adult literature, I found The Hunger Games to be one of the best books I've read, regardless of its difficult content. As an extremely thought-provoking piece of literature, I hope this book will be added to English curriculums across the country, sparking conversations about subjects such as war, poverty, and death. Collins raises the intellectual bar, while empowering young adults with tools to instigate their own opinions and ideas." (read the entire Powells.com review)
"Review" by , "[A] grand-opening salvo....Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance."
"Review" by , "[A] violent, jarring speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense....Collins is an efficient no-nonsense prose stylist with a pleasantly dry sense of humor. (Grade: B)"
"Review" by , "Survivor meets 'The Lottery' as the author of the popular Underland Chronicles returns with what promises to be an even better series....[A] compulsively readable blend of science fiction, survival story, unlikely romance, and social commentary."
"Review" by , "Impressive world-building, breathtaking action and clear philosophical concerns make this volume, the beginning of a planned trilogy, as good as The Giver and more exciting."
"Review" by , "[A] thrilling adventure that will appeal to science fiction, survival, and adventure readers. The suspense of this powerful novel will keep the reader glued to the page long after bedtime."
"Review" by , "Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing."
"Synopsis" by , The acclaimed author of the New York Times-bestselling Underland Chronicles series delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in a stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to the present.
"Synopsis" by ,
Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival

"Synopsis" by ,

In this dramatic conclusion to the Grasslands Trilogy, Corki, Pippa, and all their friends are reunited for a final fight to determine the future of Grassland. After escaping the mountains of Grassland, where Corki and Pippa and their friends were slaves and soldiers, the fugitives finally found a new life, and are seemingly safe at last.

 

But as the former slaves explore new lands to the north, they discover that cruelty and injustice are not only found in Grassland, and that the people they visit may need their help. Grassland, too, may need assistance. When an appeal from an old friend reaches Corki and Pippa in their travels, will they have the courage to do whats right for their old land, despite its cruel history? What will it cost them to change Grassland for the better?

spacer
spacer
  • back to top
Follow us on...


Powell's City of Books is an independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, that fills a whole city block with more than a million new, used, and out of print books. Shop those shelves — plus literally millions more books, DVDs, and eBooks — here at Powells.com.