On October 15th, Dear Author will host a book club event for Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games. This is a book that was recommended by Jia. It’s a story about a sixteen year old girl who offers herself up as a Tribute in place of her younger sister, as a player in the annual hunger games, whereby 12 children compete to the death to win a year of boon for his or her district and a lifetime of wealth for themselves.
This is a gripping story. With twists, turns, and lots of action, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Not only that, there’s no denying the power of its themes. War and violence leave scars on the next generation. Haymitch may be the town’s middle-aged drunk but can you blame him? Not did he survive a brutal battle to the death, now as a victor he must mentor future tributes. That hurts. Imagine getting to know these children, coaching them, hoping for their victory… and then watching them die. Year after year, that has been Haymitch’s fate. Of all the things he could have resorted to in order to cope, drinking might be one of the least destructive options available.
I can’t recall that we’ve ever hosted a Book Club before so we are bound to do it weirdly but we hope you will come on October 15th and participate in a discussion of the book including speculation on where it will go.
This book can be purchased in hardcover from Amazon or Powells. No ebook format.
Also, if you are reading this in your feed reader, you’ll note that there are ads on the bottom of the feed. This is intentional. We have added Google Adsense ads to the feed where we think it will be the least intrusive. The way we get paid is if you click on an ad but don’t feel compelled to do so.
Loading ...
Open Threads at Dear Author. Want to know what new releases are out this month and what readers are excited about reading? Check out the threads below. 
We don’t like to censor comments nor do we endorse the comments of any poster. We do reserve the right to moderate comments but most of the time will not, believing, as Justice Brandeis did, that the greater good is in “more speech, not enforced silence.”
Actually, it is 24 children (age 11-18)–a boy and a girl from each of the 12 districts–who complete in the Hunger Games, IIRC.
I look forward to your Book Club, since this is a very interesting book.
Darn it, no ebook????
Sigh.
Hmm, the synopsis puts me in the mind frame of Lord of the Flies, a book that I didn’t really like. I do think I’ll give this one a go, though.
Since I buy all of my books online, I won’t be able to participate. There just isn’t enough time to order the book, read it and join in. Maybe next time, you could give longer notice?
Sorry Bev. We did talk about it in the thread of Jia’s review, but yes, I could have done a better job of promoting it.
Jane…
I rarely read most of the review below the cut unless it’s a sub-genre or an author I enjoy. I make note of the book and the grade, and may look into it more if there is an A grade, but I can’t remember the last time I read a review thread.
I’m guessing that many people who would have participated in the book club aren’t going to be able to because they didn’t know about it in time to get the book. It sounds fun and interesting, though, and maybe I can participate next time :)
I loved this book! Can’t wait to discuss. :)
Hunger Games just came to me in the mail a few days ago. I love the Book Club idea! I’ll try to read it by next Wednesday. Operative word is ‘try.’
I’m so excited! I just finished this book the other day based on Jia’s recommendation. I was completely hooked so I’ll try to participate. I wish the next book was coming out already, lol.
Love the book club idea. I just got Hunger Games for my daughter because of Jia’s review. I’ll see if I can read it by the 15th.
I’ll be late participant.