The Hunger Games

On a recommendation from my son's computer teacher, I recently read The Hunger Games by Susanne Collins.  The book takes place in a futuristic society but pulls us back into the time of the gladiators.  We are introduced to Katness early in the book and realize that while she is a central figure in the story, there is much more to her story that we can begin to comprehend.  She demonstrates compassion not only to her family but even strangers she is pitted against in the games.  Her unselfishness is apparent when she takes the place of her younger sister as a participant in the games.  Games designed to entertain but also to remind the citizens of each district of the power of the Capital and their need to remain compliant to the rules.  The book follows Katness throughout her journey to survive the games.  The book can be difficult to read at times but it can also be a way for us to realize the freedoms we are afforded in our country.  It challenged me to look at how we as citizens need to always be mindful of our freedoms and not take them for granted.  It also allowed me to look at my life and wonder if I would be willing to make the sacrifice that we see so many making, whether by choice or "luck of the draw".  Although written from a worldview perspective a Christian cannot help but be reminded of the ultimate sacrifice made for us through Christ. 

The one drawback of the book, is that being a part of a trilogy, the final chapter leaves you hanging-anticipating what will happen next.  Of course from the author's standpoint, she succeeded because of course, the book I downloaded this week, was...Catching Fire.