Book Reviews

The Hunger Games, By Suzanne Collins 

By Eliza Chaudhary       

Katniss Everdeen who is the main character In the book ¨The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins. Volunteered for the reaping after her sister Primrose Everden was selected for the reaping, but Katniss volunteered to go as tribute instead. The reaping is when 2 kids, a boy and a girl from each district, are chosen to be put in the wild and fight the other districts to survive not allowed to leave until there is only one district left for the capital's entertainment and to remind the districts who is in control; they call these cruel acts the hunger games. The male tribute, Peeta, also is forced to participate in these games. 

The book demonstrates a controversial issue of power and the government's abuse of it. The book shows a society in which the government sends 2 children to fight to the death. This act of forced violence serves as a clear demonstration of the government's control and manipulation over its citizens. The government officials themselves are not required to participate in these brutal games, further showing the unfair distribution of power.

The reason this is a controversial issue is because people who are forced to participate in these games might see it as unfair. However people that are a part of the government or are loyal to them might see it as  fair or another source of entertainment.  However, in my view, the government in The Hunger Games undeniably gives the government an overwhelming amount of power. The manipulation of the citizens, particularly through allowing extra entries in exchange for money, is a clear indication of the government's way of taking advantage of the poor districts.

Additionally, the frequency of poverty, as seen through the main character's perspective in district twelve, highlights the government's neglect of its citizens' basic needs like food. The book shows the picture of people starving to death and further emphasizes the government's cruel hold over its people.

The theme of power and the government's abuse of it is a central theme in the Hunger Games. The government, known as the Capitol, shows its power over the twelve districts by forcing them to participate in the annual hunger games. This act demonstrates the government's control and manipulation over its citizens, and they are forced to send their children to fight to the death for the entertainment of the capitol and as a reminder of the Capitals power the citizens of the districts are powerless against the the Capitoles rule, and this theme of power is a critical aspect of the book narrative.

The Hunger games also highlights the unfairness in power and wealth between the Capitol and the district. The citizens of the Capitol live in luxury while the people in the districts struggle to survive and are facing poverty.

The government's manipulation of the citizens through the Hunger games serves as a tool to maintain its power over the districts. By instilling fear to maintain its power. The Hunger Games also serve as a form of entertainment for the citizens of the Capitol, further illustrating the government's callous disregard for the lives of those in the districts. 

The issue of power and the government's abuse of it in The Hunger Games is a reflection of real world concerns about power. The book serves as a warning about the dangers of uncontrolled power and the impact it can have on society. The government's exploitation of its citizens and use violence to maintain control are themes that repeat.

The Hunger Games shows the nature of power and the responsibility of the government. It shows the reader to consider the consequences of power imbalance in society. The book gives a reminder of the importance of holding those in power responsible for the health of their citizens. The Hunger Games also shows the braveness of the protagonist Katniss Everdeen and how she and Peta stood up against the tyrannical government.

In conclusion, The Hunger Games addresses the controversial issue of power and the government's abuse of it through its portrayal of a society controlled by a manipulative and power hungry government. The book serves as a powerful reminder of the danger of an uncontrolled government as well as the impact of power imbalances on society. The themes and issues raised in the Hunger Games are highly relevant to governments now and social injustice and political corruption. This is why I think that the controversial issue in the Hunger Games is power.

Matched, By Ally Condie

By, Aashna Sharma

In the book “Matched” by Ally Condie we find out about how the Society controls every aspect of life. The Society has a really tight control over the lives of people. The book starts with Cassia Reyes going to her Matching banquet. In her ceremony she is matched with Xander Carrow, but when Cassia opens her microcard (the micro card is supposed to have information about your match) she sees Ky Markhams face not Xander’s face. A bit after this Cassie’s grandfather turns 80 (everyone in the society dies when they turn 80 because illnesses and dementia are supposedly supposed to start at that age) so he has a final banquet. Cassie's grandfather shows her a secret compartment that her compact (her artifact) has. In the secret compartment there is an old piece of paper. 

On this paper there are 2 forbidden poems (the society got rid of almost  all paintings music and poems. They kept 100 paintings 100 poems and 100 songs). Cassie’s grandmother was an sorter that helped choose the 100 poems, songs, and paintings. Her grandmother snuck 2 poems and hid them for many years in the compact until Cassie's grandfather gave Cassie the artifact and showed her the secret compartment. This compact is really important in this book because reading the 2 poems is the first time Cassie rent against the Societies rules. After this Cassie began to question the Societies rules and started to rebel against the society.

What the Night Sings, By Vesper Stamper

By, Emma Klein 

I would recommend this book because it was beautifully written and was an incredible story. This book is about a girl named Gerta who has survived the holocaust and has lost absolutely everything. Before the war music was her whole life and she dreamed of becoming an opera singer. But after the war she doesn’t know how to sing again after she has lost everything and forget all the tragedies she had seen. She then meets Lev who has also lost everything like her. With the help of Lev she learns that she can choose her own future and learn how to find happiness while not forgetting all the people that were lost. 

Half A Chance, By Cynthia Lord

By: Avital Ilyadi

The book  Half A Chance is an amazing book. I would recommend reading this book because a lot of people might be able to relate to it. It’s about a girl named Lucy and she just moved to an old house on a New Hampshire lake, with her dad who is a famous photographer, her mom, and dog. But Lucy's dad is already leaving on another business trip. When her dad is packing his stuff to leave, Lucy finds out that her dad is entering a photography contest, so she decides to enter too. And she even has a new friend to help her. His name is Nate and he lives in the cottage next door. With Nate, Lucy takes pictures of mountains, the lake, and the loons. Lucy tries to make the best of this new place that she just moved into with her new friend.