Discussion - The Hunger Games

Week 8 (12.04.2014)

During the book reading session: 1.      Before deciding on the book, what are the determining factors that attracted you to the book? (Author, genre, book cover, reviews you have read?) Ø  Book cover - The original black cover features an alternate version of the mockingjay pin designed by Tim O’Brien with the mockingjay holding an arrow in its beak. Ø  About the book - The book received mostly positive feedback from major reviewers and authors. "The Hunger Games is a violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense. I couldn't stop reading." - Stephen King. "I was so obsessed with this book I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading. The story kept me up for several nights in a row, because even after I was finished, I just lay in bed wide awake thinking about it. The Hunger Games is amazing." - Stephenie Meyer. 2.      Who are the 5 most important characters in the book? List out the names of the characters playing them. Ø  Katniss Everdeen Ø  Peeta Mellark Ø  Gale Hawthorne Ø  Cinna Ø  Rue    3.      What is the story about? Ø  Each year, for 74 years, the Hunger Games have taken place, forcing 24 children from 12 districts (one boy and one girl from each district) between the ages of 12-18 (who are chosen at the annual Reaping ceremonies) to kill each other as punishment for the rebellion initiated by District 13. This year seems no different for Katniss Everdeen, until her younger sister, Prim, is called to participate. She takes her sister's place as tribute to save her sister from certain death. Ø  Katniss will do anything to survive, even if she may have to go against her own moral standards. But when a fellow tribute reveals his affection for her and another begins to act like and remind her of her sister, it becomes harder and harder to figure out how to survive without killing those closest to her. 4.      Which group of people would you recommend this book to? Ø  Teenagers Ø  Adults