Tuesday, April 10, 2012
April 10th: Teacher initiated blog
Analyze the popularity of The Hunger Games. Over 800,000 copies of The Hunger Games have been sold. The book spent 100 consecutive weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list, and it has been translated into 26 different languages. The film has grossed 152.5 million in its opening weekend alone. Personally, I've recommended it to my daughter, my students, my friends, and my own father....and even though their ages span 40 plus years, they have all liked it. So what's the appeal? What is it about this story line or the characters that draws us in? What captured you? And, is this a book just for entertainment or is there educational value? (consider vocabulary, difficulty of plot, characterization, setting, etc.)
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I think that the book is level is a little lower then what a normal high schooler might be reading but that doesn't stop this from being a good book.I think it is the story arc that captivates people and draws them in. They want to see who wins and how. This is certainly what got me.
ReplyDeleteThe book itself is a fast paced and suspencefull action book. It is no surprize that the book entertains a large age range. Older readers probably pick up on the deeper stuff in the book more though. I connected with Katniss because I also have some skill with a bow and arrow, but other then that I did not really connect with any of the charactors. For me, the deeper you read into the book the more philisophical it gets and I find it to be less interesting that way. I gues I prefure my books to be kept at a entertaining level because if I wanted to read about philisophical/depressing stuff in our society I would just turn on the evening news.
ReplyDeleteThe Hunger Games is a book that either appeals to people or doesn't. I have heard from some people that it is really good, but then again there are some people who do not like it. I think the people who like the book and movie like the thrill of the storyline. The life v death I think draws people. I know some people also enjoy the love in the book. My little sister has asked me if I would ever volunteer if she were to be called. She liked how Katniss loved her sister so much that she risked her own life. I don't know exactly what it is but there is obviously something that is getting people's attention. I think this book is just for entertainment. I don't see how it can be very educational.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most unique books that I have ever read. I don't remember any book that has a similar plot to the Hunger Games. The fact that there are children at a very young age actually killing each other is very unorthodox. The book isn't exactly complex buth there are many lessons that can be learned. The characters always put their family first. Katniss will do anything in order to provide for her family. There are also many scenes where characters performed small gestures of kindness. Such as when Peeta gave Katniss a piece of bread even when he knew he would get punished.
ReplyDeleteI think the fact that the book is a little easier is a huge impact on why it's so popular. It's not super easy but it's also not difficult like Shakespere. So people can read it and actually understand and enjoy what they are reading about. Also, it's a huge hit with the guys because of the action and fighting and a hit with the women because of the love interest. There are so many different dynamics in this book that make it attractive to everyone.
ReplyDeleteI think the main attraction of the book is the story line. A fight to the death intrest many people. The book is a fast and action packed read which appeals to a lot of people. It is also a true underdog story mixed with lots of emotions.
ReplyDeleteI thought at the start of the hunger games that it was very slow and boring, but when the games started it pulled me in. I couldn't stop reading the book, I loved the suspense and not ever knowing what could happen, that is what pulled me into the book. I love reading books that have this sort of suspense and fighting. This is now one of my favorite books and I would really like to read the other two books in the series. I think people read this book for pure entertainment, I dont see how teacher's could really push this book for educational purposes, I can see how people could tie this book into education, but not teach it for education.
ReplyDeleteThe book attracks a lot of teenagers due to the "rebellion." A lot of the teens can relate to not wanting to conform to what their parents or their society is telling them to do. Katniss at the end of the book tries to trick the Gamemakers. She tries to make so that no one will win. Not only is the book appealing to the younger generation, but also to the older ones too. I have heard from several adults that one reason that they are reading the book is to figure out what all the teens are so enfatuated with. The read it not necessarily because it interests them, but they want to know what every one is takling about. There is also the appeal of the love story within the Hunger Games. Katniss has to pretend to love Peeta, but then back home she has Gale watching. Much like Twilight I think that there will be Team Peeta and Team Gale. I don't feel as though there is much educational value to the book. Although it has a good story line and atracts many readers, you don't learn much from it. The book was not very challenging to read and all the words were familiar. The book does indeed make you use your imagination because picturing a lot of the plot and setting could have been difficult because it was unworldly from what we know.
ReplyDeleteThe Hunger Games is very suspensfull and interesting. I think this makes people want to read the book, no matter their age. Violence is a big problem in our society. The Hunger Games shows violence in a different way. What if something that horrible happened here? It's weird to ask yourself how far violence in the world will go. When I first started reading it I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not. Once I got fairly far into the book I started to love it. It is one of my favorite books that I have ever read. I wouldn't say that this book is exactly educational. The vocabulary isn't very difficult and the story is very easy to follow.
ReplyDeleteI think people enjoy the book so much, because it is so different yet has a great story line. The way she describes the events with such detail entices the reader and makes you want to find out what is going to happen next. It really comes to no surprise when I would ask people about the book they would all say "I just couldn't put it down" and now I know why. It is such a feel good story that promotes the values of trust, honor, and courage. Katniss will always do what's right no matter what the circumstances and it makes it very difficult to cheer against her. Katniss provides a great role model and a great example of the power of doing the right thing.
ReplyDeleteI think that The Hunger Games appeals to a wide range of people because it's an entertaining book and is full of action.I think that people are drawn to it because the book is about life and death. I know that I wanted to know how the games would end and who would be the survivor. What kept me reading the book was the fact that people were fighting for their lives and only one person could win, even if it ment killing your friend. I think the book was more for entertainment and didn't have much of an education value to it.
ReplyDeleteThis is the most interesting book I think I have ever read. It really makes you think, it makes you feel so many emotions in just one book that is only 374 pages long. You feel hate, love, concern, every emotion you can think of she (Suzanne Collins)makes you think about what it would be like to kill another person if you were in the situation. What you would give up to stay alive, or even to keep a family member alive. I think their alot of lessons about freindship and family in this book, knowing what is important and when to stand up for what is right and wrong.
ReplyDeleteI think the reason this story has appealed so many of all age groups is because of the values you learn. The innocents of the people in the districts that are hanging on to there last hope. I think the passion brings in the girls, and the action brings in the boys. The vocabulary isnt difficult for young viewers. ALso the brutality and the concept brings in the older ones. I honestly dont know what it was that brought me to love it so much. I think the consept of the hunger games is terrible, but yet its so addicting to find out what happens next. I think the book is mainly for entertainment purposes but also there are many valueable lessons you can learn.
ReplyDeleteI think that Hunger Games is so popular because there are a lot of plot twists. With some books or movies whats going to happen is sort of expected. You know that thing is going to happen. In The Hunger Games the twists are totally unexpected. Also I think the author really makes you visualize whats going on. It feels like you really know Katniss and Peeta so when things happen to them it affects you more then it would if they were just characters.
ReplyDeleteI think that the book is mostly for entertainment, but there are some aspects that can be educational. Entertainment for the thrill and suspense the author puts you through every chapter. The book can also be educational in a way that the main characters are really good role models. Katniss going into the games for her sister and hunting everyday in woods, where she isn't supposed to be, just to provide food for her family. Also, Peeta giving the bread and taking a beating knowing that Katniss, a girl he hadn't ever talked to, would have a meal for that evening. I think many people like the book because you can really connect with wanting the best for your family members and close friends and almost risking everything for them.
ReplyDeleteI like the book because of the story line and how it all takes place. It keeps the reader on edge because it makes them want to see what will happen next. I also like the setting of the book and where it takes place. The book is well written and is an easy read. The plot wasnt too difficult to follow either.
ReplyDeleteThis book is well liked, because it has a great plot that is easy, and also fun to follow along with. This book also draws us in because of the way Katniss willing steped in as a tribute so that her sister would not have to go to this brutial game, which Katniss feels Prim would have no chance at winning. Another character that makes this novel interesting is Peeta, becasue of how he tells everybody that his is madly in love with Katniss, and everybody knows that one of them is going to die. After this Rue appears which reminds Katniss of her sister Prim, making Katniss feel bad about Rue's position, just as she did for her own sister.
ReplyDeleteI think what was so appealing about this book was how captivating the story is while still having at a low reading level as to along younger people to understand it better. This combo makes for a great book that draws in all ages of readers. Plus, the story itself is very suspensful and thrilling read and they've got the classic love scheme going on in it, even though it is a fake one at first. Another very interesting spin on the story I saw was how the "predicted" future of the United States of America would be if it were flooded and broken apart (which seems highly unlikely.)
ReplyDeleteThe Hunger Games is a very unique book, and in fact a very good book. I feel like the book is more for entertainments then for education, all books have some educational themes in them but this book was way more entertaining than it was educational. This book is unlike any other book I've ever read; just the whole plot of the series is so intriguing. I recommend this book to Middle Schoolers and High Schoolers just because of the theme it carries.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that draws people in is the action and thrill in it. There is always so much going on that people get so into it that they dont want to set the book down. The book explores a ton of different things and the different emotions throughout all the chapters helps you get the feeling of the book and helps to relate how the people feel. Another thing is that its easier to read so different ages can understand it to. Overall I think everything about it is good and really draws peoples attention no matter what it is.
ReplyDeleteAlot of what captures people's attention is that it is never ending action. Alot of people think they have a boring life, and spicing it up and seeing such drama and action is something we crave as humans. The characters are everyday people to start, and I think that gives us the idea that we could potentially do what they are doing, which excites us. This book is definitely both for education and entertainment purposes, it is a fun and exciting read, but also keeps our reading skills sharp.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading the series of the Hunger Games. SO much so that I finished the WHOLE series in four days! This book has constant action keeps you on your toes and what I personally enjoy the most in books is the uncanny ability to make you feel as though you are a character in the book its self. Thinking and feeling everything that happens to the characters is only something that a very talented author can do. Collins does a phenomenal job of relaying the characters thoughts feelings and emotions very well. The suspense and thrilling action also keeps you engaged and wanting to read the book more and more. I think it is most appropriate for kids age 14 and older but that just my personal opinion. The book is a great book it has strong vocabulary and is also good for teaching and learning. It is a great read and allows the reader to think creatively.
ReplyDeleteI read the Hunger Games like I was hungry for some reading action! Debatably, this is the most popular series that bridges generations and ages since the Harry Potter series.
ReplyDeleteI think what is so popular about this series is not because of the content, but the hype around it. These are first major books in years that has captivated so many so the appeal around the series is fantastic. After reading, you are almost forced to say you enjoyed it because I have yet to hear anyone today say that they didn't!
But if I had to single out one thread as to it's popularity is that Katniss and gang made the best out of an awful situation and maybe that can be related to today. Now, our country isn't awful, but it's not great either. The hope they protrayed and gave through every scenario makes all readers hopeful for Katniss and Peeta, but also for ourselves.
I believe that this book has become so popular due to the fact that is different than anything else. If I were a chosen tribute I would do my best to runaway, I couldn't bare the fact of having to kill or be killed. I wouldn't be able to live knowing that I have killed an innocent person to save my own. I definetly recommend this book to people of all ages. Although many people have considered it not appropriate to younger teens I believe it opens the eyes of others that somethings are done to innocent people due to opression
ReplyDeleteI believe what pulls us in the the fact the Katniss willing takes a spot in the hunger games to save her younger sister. I also believe that the conection with Rue also added some emotions, which made the book very interesting. Having Katniss see Rue die is also an important part to show Katniss how much she is glad that her younger sister is not there in Rue's shoes.
ReplyDeleteI believe the things that pull us into the hunger games is the fact that youing children are fighting to the death for a prize. Also I think that the feature of how the districts used to be american really gives readers a real life story and brings them in and makes them very interested. In my opinion I would love to be a part of the hunger games, because I love competetion and I would enjoy doing this for my family. All in all the hunger games is a book that well be a great sell for many year and many different people will be able to enjoy the book and see what a great book it is.
ReplyDeleteIt touched me because I felt that if you were in a life or death situation and you were forced to be there its more of a puller in. It helped me become accustomed to the story and I felt as if I wanted to keep reading and reading the story. I enjoyed this story because it was a very life changing thing being made into forcing to kill eachother.
ReplyDeleteThere is no question that the Hunger Games is one of the best books of maybe the decade. Its best asset is that it is good for people of all ages. The whole thing is filled with action and it is attractictive to either sex. The main character is a girl which also makes people get more attached. Overall it is a book that so many people can relate to that it was popular worldwide.
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