Hunger Games

"Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor."

This past Friday, The Hunger Games movie premiered in theaters. Opening night, Hunger Games grossed over $155, making it the 3rd highest film opening. Based on a trilogy by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games has gathered millions of fans around the world, despite its somewhat controversial topics discussed.

The Hunger Games is set in a post apocoloyptic North America in which, each year as punishment for a previous rebellion, two children from each District, ages 12-18 are forced to compete in this event called the Hunger Games in which they fight to the death until the last one standing is the victor. To many people, myself included, the idea of reading (and now watching) teenagers kill each other is unthinkable. Many people won't even give this series a chance solely because of that. I would advise to give this wonderful trilogy a chance. These books are not centered around the killing of children; there are many more messages and themes that trump the violence. Children fight for their families, to end starvation, and in Katniss Everdeen's case, to also rebel against the corrupt government known as the Capitol.

Here's my thinking: If you love Harry Potter, you will love the Hunger Games. Both are extremely well-written books and an easy read. Both allow you to dive into a perfectly crafted world completely different from our own. No matter how dark, depressing, or frightening these worlds are, millions upon millions of readers find themselves thinking, "If only I was a wizard/witch..", "If only I lived in Panem District 12...", "Ron/Petta/Harry/Gale is the perfect man for me...". Readers want to become these characters, to live in these worlds...and I believe that makes these series extremely successful.

Go ahead, go see The Hunger Games (get your tickets in advance). I have a feeling you will join the incredibly large fan base...we welcome you with open arms.