I am fascinated by distopian worlds. The events that have created them and how society and community have worked themselves into something that kind of works. Since it’s distopian something isn’t right with the world the author created and the main character will have to find a way to resolve that.
I don’t think I would like to live in any distopian world I’ve read about, but some of the historical writers are remarkably prescient about future times.
Brave New World’s focus on pleasure and escapism. Fahrenheit 451’s emphasis on meaningless entertainment. Animal Farm’s some people are more equal than others. Atlas Shrugged where government regulation becomes so burdensome the economy can no longer function. I could add 1984 to this list as well, though I haven’t been able to make myself read it since high school.
The world that is most interesting to me is the one that is probably the least like our current world and I hope that in fifty years this remains true. I am choosing the world created in Hunger Games.
One of the things that fascinates me about this world is how the author allows us to view it… only through Katniss’ eyes. The first time I read the books I felt the distance that Katniss puts between herself and anything that could make her feel. I didn’t trust her stated affection for anyone but Prim, her sister. Was she playing the reader by pretending to fall in love with Peeta as much as she was putting on a show for Panem? I was certain this was the case.
My niece also read the books and loved Peeta. She was convinced the affection was real. We went back and forth, discussing and debating. I almost had her convinced that Peeta died in the end. That was her biggest fear, so she was blindsided by Prim’s death. We both loved the discussion, so I think that influences my interest in this world.
What would a world be like where you must take the chance of sacrificing your children in order to provide more food for the rest of your family? Or where you are forced to watch your child be celebrated in a kill or be killed contest?
Angela Schroeder
Patricia Kiyono
Elaine Cantrell
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Joselyn
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Four Foxes, One Hound 
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My older grandkids loved The Hunger Games, but I just couldn’t make myself read them, knowing the premise. I couldn’t make myself watch Sophie’s Choice, either. I read 1984 and Animal Farm in high school English and remember not sleeping well. How nice that you were able to have those discussions with your niece!
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It is pretty dark. Good for discussion though.
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I loved having book discussions with my niece(grown) and grandson, but neither are reading as much these days, (demanding job for her; high school for him).
I can’s say I have been drawn to The Hunger Games but my husband decided to watch all of the movies, (alone).
You really made me think for this week!
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I think the series gives us good things to think about regarding what we will accept from our government and what we expect from the victors.
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I’m pretty sure I read Brave New World… about the same time I read 1984. But I can’t recall the particulars. In fact, I may tend to get some of the details confused as to which was which.
And I still don’t know what I’m gonna write about for Hound Day!
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I haven’t read The Hunger Games yet but do plan to someday. I think that would be such a hard place to live. How can anyone make a decision like that?
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