The Hunger Games
Written by: Suzanne Collins
Narrated by: Carolyn McCormick
Length: 11 hrs and 14 mins
Series: Hunger Games, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date: 10-01-08
Publisher: Scholastic Audio
Amazing, I’m really unsure where to start! The Hunger Games is the first in the trilogy of audiobooks by author Suzanne Collins and managed to leave me holding my breath on more than one occasion. This wasn’t the simplest review to write since probably the entire world population has already read the book.
I’ve kept this audiobook in my to-read list for quite a while and have even given it out to a couple of friends yet never listened to it personally. I’m leary of the hype associated with audiobooks such as this trilogy. I feel like I’m going to be disappointed whenever everyone informs me how wonderful and intense it is and that I assume I’ll like it.
With that said, I eventually let myself to be persuaded into listening. As I read, I met quite a few interesting characters including Katniss, Prim, Gale and Peeta while they prepare for the reaping.
The four live in District 12 in a future post apocalyptic North America and practically are constantly starving. Thankfully Katniss and Gale’s families eat reasonably well with the wild game they seek out and catch in the wilderness. What they aren’t able to hunt they barter in the town and if they don’t need it – sell it to the townsfolk to make ends almost meet.
The complete novel is from Katniss’ point of view and you’re immediately sucked into her story because the reaping starts. Every person ages 12-18 must attend the annual reaping and will have their name entered to get drawn as one of the two tributes representing their district. There’re 12 districts in all and each one is represented by one boy and one girl.
I won’t go much further in the story, because giving away too much isn’t what I have in mind. If you’re one of the few people who still haven’t listened to the book, this is a perfect opportunity. The movie that came out in 2012 was pretty good also, with Jeniffer Lawrence as Katniss. I made myself wait until I was finished with the audiobook prior to seeing the movie and still it found it quite enjoyable!
The massive hype is utterly true for me, I adored this audiobook in addition to the excellent writing by Suzanne Collins. I can’t wait to plow through the second audiobook in the series, Catching Fire.
Narrator Assessment
I’ve observed murmurs of good and bad things regarding to Carolyn McCormick’s narration, both personally and on the web. Honestly, I recon she made quite a decent performance. I by no means found her voice whiny and it didn’t stop me from loosing myself in the story. Her narration of the teens in the games plus the folks in the Capitol was well done. Great narration for a great audiobook!
Here’s a sample of the audiobook:
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