A Book Series I Will Never Stop Recommending

Favorite book series ever? Well, no. But I feel like there's a lot to learn from them. Each time I read it, I feel like I'm seeing something new. From the critique of its society to its relationship dynamics, it's so rich. I'm always thinking about it after I read it, comparing it to other works. I honestly don't know what it is about this series that has me so captivated. Perhaps it's everything?

Now, I know these books have been turned into movies, (and I'll admit, they're pretty damn good). But as the saying goes: the books are sooo much better. Don't believe me?

Well, here's the list of reasons I give when I recommend this book series to people.

1. It's compelling.

It absolutely is. From the very first page, Suzanne Collins has us hooked. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, internal dialogue has a bleak and somewhat cynical tone that remains throughout the series. I mean, the opening is a memory of how she tried to drown her little sister's beloved cat. That alone sets the mood of the story and the principles we'll be expecting from her character. Everything within her screams survival, and if something jeopardizes that, she detaches from her emotions and lets self-preservation guide her instead.

I commend Suzanne Collins for her ability to maintain Katniss' mindset, yet also make her relatable to the reader. It's no easy feat to accomplish. After all, we have no idea what living in a dystopian world is actually like. So we live vicariously through Katniss, believing we'll probably make the same choices she does. From the very beginning, we embark on this adventure with her, rooting for her while taking notes for ourselves (at least that was the case for me). And the narrative paints a pretty vivid perspective of how it'd feel to be in that world alongside her. Which brings me to my next point.

2. The Plot

For me, the plot is a deal breaker in any book series I get into. If it doesn't have a good plot, it instantly loses me.

For those who haven't heard of The Hunger Games, this is my quick summary: The book takes place in Panem, formerly America, which is an organized utopian society formed after a war took place seventy-five years prior- making it a dystopian era. Instead of states, the country is broken up into twelve districts, where the citizens are basically enslaved to the Capital with specific labor responsibilities. We follow the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, a sixteen-year-old girl, who lives in (arguably) the worst district to be in; the twelfth district, which focuses on coal mining. Annually, a nationwide event takes place called the Hunger Games, where one boy and one girl are chosen from each district to compete in the deadly game.

If that isn't enough to convince you that this is a well-written book, then dystopian fiction probably isn't your thing. And that's okay! Not everyone wants to read about kids killing each other. I, for one, couldn't stomach Lord of the Flies, probably because they acted viciously by choice, whereas in The Hunger Games, they're being forced (as if that's better!).

But it's not just the brutal trials that make this plot so captivating. Katniss becomes a beckon of hope; The Mocking Jay. It's the simple (complex for us, but simple in her world) things that she does that inspire the other districts to rebel. "Unintentionally", she rocks the foundations Panem was built on, and it all started with her volunteering for the games in place of her sister.

To quote her famous words "I volunteer as tribute!" and it all went crumbling down.

3. Strong supporting characters

The villain.

We love a bad villain, and Cornelius Snow is downright evil. If you appreciate an antagonist who's immoral, despicable, has self-righteous views, and a god complex, then you'll find pleasure in despising him. He's the ultimate chess player, moving everyone around like they're pawns in his game. Everything he does is calculated and with a grand scheme in mind. The only piece he can't seem to control is our lovely Katniss. He tries. Oh, boy, does he try. But she just can't seem to fit in with the game. She's playing by her own rules, which makes her dangerous to him. But of course, she has her help.

The Mentor.

Haymitch is a mood. He's the only victor district twelve has when Katniss enters the game. He's a middle-aged drunk who wishes he could erase his memories from when he was in the arena (wouldn't anyone?). As the only victor, Haymitch is obligated to mentor both contestants every year. None have ever survived, which only adds to the toll the games have taken on him, making him snarky, rude, and unfriendly. Moreover, he's hard to be around. Kind of like a spider on the wall that you pretend you don't notice. His presence is a dark cloud, a reminder that even if you survive the games, you never actually win them. And you're paraded around as a public spectacle for the rest of your life, whether you like it or not.

What an existence. Can't say I blame him for turning out the way he did.

The Game Maker.

HA! Poor Seneca Crane. Not getting the fame and glory he'd expected when taking up his position. Fun fact, he actually doesn't have an appearance in the books. His name only gets mentioned in Catching Fire, and by then he's already dead. Anyway, I just wanted to add that little fun trivia.

Moving on!

The Host.

Suzanne Collins really did a great job filling in chapters of the book by adding this character and, in turn, building up the suspense. The vision she had writing this astounds me. You see, Caesar Flickerman's character isn't just a mere host- he represents the power of the Panem. He creates a barrier between the Capitol and the districts by interviewing the participants, making them a public spectacle. He employs his own kind of brainwashing, convincing everyone in Panem that they're doing the right thing by allowing the games to take place and forcing children into the arena. To their deaths.

He's the one who truly opens our eyes to the system, showing us just how inhumane and cruel the Capitol really is. They know what they're doing. And still, they do it. They make a mockery of humanity. And he's their spokesman.

But the biggest factor that makes him the perfect host is that he has the ability to manipulate the audience. He's so good at his job, that even the reader doesn't see the problem with the games. If anything, he's only increasing the hype, accomplishing his goal. He makes them (and us) see what he wants them to see. What power. What control. He's so good at it. And he does it all with a smile.

Everyone knows him. They love him. He's an idol, a celebrity, and knows how to play the game. He's the first to notice Katniss has fire and turns it into a performance, which adds to the climax of the book and sets the stage for the next ones.

Oh, I just love to hate his character. Can you tell?

The Best friend.

Ah, Gale. The things I could say about Gale. But seeing as they'll spoil the ending, I won't get into them here.

He's a supportive friend who's always been there for Katniss and her family. He's loyal. He's sweet. He's protective. Just overall the kind of guy you'd want to have as a friend. Until he decides he doesn't want to be platonic anymore, but we're not going to get into that either.

... I guess that concludes things about him then.

The Love Interest.

Peeta Mellark. Ok, so I have to be honest. I'm not a fan of the love interest in this book. Don't get me wrong, I love Peeta as a character, and I'd probably go to war for him too if I were Katniss. But the way he was written in this book just makes him sound like a puppy following her around. Though I guess he gives her the necessary stability she desperately requires for the story to progress. Still, I can't help but feel like he was merely an afterthought to make her appear more sympathetic. Because I don't see the chemistry between them.

But that's just my opinion.

Anyway! Thank you for staying 'til the end. If you haven't read The Hunger Games, I hope my review convinces you to do so. Just bear in mind that it'll take you on a wild emotional roller coaster.