So I was at Wal-Mart today and, out of boredom, flipped through the Guide Book to the Hunger Games. From what I'd glanced, it seemed very interesting. I won't likely see the movies any time soon, but I may want to pick up the books. Here's my question though, are the books actually worth reading? I'm not looking for fan boy 'YES!!!!!!!!' or the whiny 'NO IT SUX CUZ ITZ MAINSTREAM!', I just want fair and neutral or as neutral as possible reviews of the books.

I know a few of the spoilers, but for the sake of any one who hasn't read the books fully reading this, please don't ruin the books for them by posting spoilers in this thread. Thank you.

I haven't read it, but based purely or hearsay it sounds like a second rate rehash of logan's run, or that film with arnie.

Never saw Logans Run or the film you claim.

It was ok, think 1984 for kids.

Oh and add some sci-fi elements and gladitorial combat.

I would check it out at the library myself or get from a friend if possible. They have a good flow and you can read them quickly.

I read the books when they first came out cause everyone in my school seemed to like them. Haven't seen the movie yet but it looks pretty good from what I saw. As for the books, I wouldn't try to make them an instant top priority to read them unless you want to go see the movie and have it make sense. But if you don't have a whole lot to do at the moment, I'd definitely recommend atleast reading the first book.

Logan's Run is fun, and The Running Man is hilarious, particularly if you like 80s cheesiness.

As for The Hunger Games, my experience with this starts and ends with a maps of North America during the time the novels are set. I found the district boundaries to be highly suspect, and I'm very skeptical they're properly explained. It made my inner cartophile weep, weep.

Actually the movie was okay, but as close as you could get to the books. The books were really good to me, the only reason most people don't like it is the lazy world building.

1984 is another one of my 'To Do's actually. As for library, I'd have no problem with it, but given my life may become busy soon, I'd like to buy them and set them aside to read just to see what the hub bub is all about.

Well, the books are thin, which is good, since for some reason, as I've gotten older, my attention to reading books has gotten shorter. I'm in no real rush to see the movies though.

I'll have to look into Running Man. I'm always up for an 80s movie.

What was so bad about the cartography of the maps?

Edit: After doing some Googling, I really don't think the Author planned out the world building so well. It's obnoxiously vague and nonsensical in terms of consistency. While it could be vague, still seems to be a cop out to not do any work and let the fans squabble until a map is made the author liked.

It's a very easy read. You should just head to your library or a bookstore and read a bit. You'll find that jumping into it finds you the best answer.

It's terrible, and since I haven't read the book or seen the movie, my opinion is completely free of outside influence.

I like the way you think Amigo. I think I shall share in this opinion as well.

I've read them all, and I would generally say, "Yes, they are worth the read."

Now, in reading them, I did feel that it was noticeably directed to teenagers. So, the writing wasn't superb, and there was sappy love sideplots or whatever you call them. Also, I did feel that the main plot wasn't necessarily maturely presented. For example, I felt that the plot was directed for the reader "to feel bad and change his ways," rather an open-ended, not really opinionated piece.

So, again, if you like this genre (dystopian type, I think), then I would say read it. I don't think you will be all, "This was a [censored] classic," as I surely do not feel that way, but I enjoyed reading them, and I certainly do not regret reading them.

Well, I'm not exactly looking for Hegel here. I'm just curious whether it has any depth beyond Dystopia being a backdrop plot setting. I have a love for Dystopic settings, but I also love deep plots as well. I don't expect it to have meanings and metaphor like Tolkien mind you, just some relative depth.

Looks like a rip off of Battle Royale to me.

Everything is a rip of something that's been done or said at least once in some way shape or another at this point.

This looks like a rip off of another post I read on this same board 2 days ago.

Is it even possible to have an objective opinion?

Or better yet, is it possible for an objective to have an opinion?

Are there [censored]? It might be good if there are [censored].

its never a waste of time to try reading a book.

if you like it you will read on and your time will be well spent.

if you hate it you will get only so far and quit, then spend your time occasionally sharing your negative experience of the book with others.

either way you have gained some experience that you will be able to relate to at some sort of intelligent manner.

It's nothing like Logan's Run, and it's not that similar to 1984.

It's decent, not bad, btu not grade A+ stuff. You'll probably find it enjoyable.

And Hungry Donner, what do you mean about the maps? I never got to see any maps.

Read all three books this week (I read fast ). They were pretty good, well worth a read if you have nothing else to do. Pretty complicated love triangle going on too. But, do keep in mind that this a book aimed at teenagers, so don't expect anything to deep and dark.

There is none.

Basically the author just names the places and describes most of them briefly.

Not the most detailed or geographically driven background.

MouseKing -

Mediocre pop-lit written for teens. My best guess is to why they're popular is that people compare them to Twilight for teen literature. So they seem AMAZING.

Finished the trilogy 2 days ago. I really enjoyed them. I don't really care if other people don't like them anyway. I may go watch the movie this Sunday, depending if this damn cold goes away.