I’d like to preface this post by stating that I did enjoy The Hunger Games.
I found the story incredibly engaging and captivating; in fact I read
the entire book over two days while lying on a beach during spring break
(maybe that helped). The book successfully appeals to an incredibly
wide audience. It has the action for the boys, the romance for the
girls, and a coming-of-age/success story that can appeal to everyone.
Now notice how I specified boys and girls in the previous sentence;
that’s because The Hunger Games is a book for children. The story is awesome, but the writing? Not so much. Just like Harry Potter and Twilight, the author of The Hunger Games wrote her book towards a young, elementary to middle school audience. The book has a grade equivalent reading level of 5.3, and the interest level targets students grades 6 to 8.
I understand that ever since your 11th grade AP English teacher required you to read The Scarlett Letter, you've despised the English language; but students, adults, everyone; Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games,
and so many other books like them that have experienced instant fame
throughout the American public were written for an elementary school
audience. You shouldn't read them past the age of 20. A family member of
mine, who will remain anonymous (or else she'll kill me), has read the
entire Harry Potter series at least 5 times - that's pretty
ridiculous. Yes I know, it's difficult to find the time to sit down and
enjoy a casual book, but maybe instead of watching that one episode of The Real Housewives of New York
for the 11th time, crack open some classic Henry David Thoreau.
Alright, maybe that's a little extreme, but I think everyone just needs a
constant reminder of the benefits of reading, I've chosen a classic
American proverb as that reminder:
"Reading is good, can we start the story now?"
-Adam Sandler in Billy Madison
Josh,
ReplyDeleteI think you definitely provide an interesting perspective on the all the attention surrounding The Hunger Game. However, while I definitely agree with some of your points, I don't think it has to be either or. I am an avid reader myself, and I know I will ever stop reading. Yet, just because a book is fiction and involves an active imagination does not mean it doesn't compare to classics such as Thoreau, Sylvia Plath, Toni Morrison, and other well-loved authors. There are times when I want reading to be more of a relaxing way to pass my time, especially after a long day of school work. These are the times that I would choose to pick up a book like The Hunger Games and get lost in this adventure. Reading classics definitely require more thought, which I think is why these classics are so amazing because they challenge you. Needless to say, there are times when we just don't want to be challenged, and that is okay. Reading does not have to be for one purpose, it can have many purposes. I think the most important thing is that people just keep reading because that is something that should never be undermined by reality shows or video games. So read something, whatever it may be!
Taylor Rothman
As an avid reader myself, I can agree that sometimes we do not always want to read a challenging classic, and likewise, we do not always want to read a book with a reading level of 5.3. Some of my favorite books are books that range from all different levels. I do not choose my favorite books based on their reading level, but instead, based on how compelling the story is, how engaged I am, and how much I can relate to the characters; these are the qualities that I judge most important when reading any book. I recently finished the book The Hunger Games, and although I did think that the reading level was low, I was still captivated by the story and finished the book in one day. Despite the 5.3 reading level, I think the speed with which I read this book also shows something about the quality of the story as it was a book that I did not want to put down. While still in the hectic life of school, The Hunger Games is just the kind of book I want to read; and that way, I can save the challenging classics for summer reading!
ReplyDelete- Mallory Harwood
The Magic Circle
Great Points Josh, I feel like I have fallen to the same issue. I have no idea why, but my favorite books of all time are Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider Series, which I plan on finishing this upcoming summer, as well as, the Cherub series by Robert Muchamore, which I will also finish. I feel as though students want an opportunity to read a captivating story that is easy to absorb after being exposed to intelligent, convoluted, and educational pieces or literature required for classes. Billy Madison is right, and I wish there was more time in the day so that I could read more, but it's too hard to find, unless you count reading ESPN articles. As my mom always told me, read, it will make you smarter, if you don't you will regret it later, and she was absolutely right! Reading helps improve one's vocabulary and writing skills. I wish I listed and read more, and I'm sure many other people agree with me. Still all great points, and I will be adding these books to my summer reading list. I intend on enacting upon the saying, "Better late then never!"
ReplyDeleteI do agree with your statement that these kinds of books are not at a high writing level at all; however, I feel that as long as the writing does not detract from the story itself, the books should still be considered a good read. Sure, the book doesn't use complex structures or advanced literary techniques, but it tells a tale, and an enjoyable one at that. By no aspect is Hunger Games a G-rated book though, there's plenty of killing and political commentary (unoriginal but present). You may not be able to analyze any extended metaphors or motifs, but instead, you can focus on characters and the events that occur and understand that the book is an exaggeration of governmental strategies to control the public.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately in our society, most people do not strive to read books so they can be deeply analyzed, which is why more straightforward books like Harry Potter and Hunger Games become so successful.
Though the language of the Hunger Games series may be viewed as elementary, that in no way demerits the content. I will admit that I found some portions of the Hunger Games to be a bit ridiculous for my liking, but it admittedly deals with themes that are rarely touched on in other books.
ReplyDeleteIf anything, the simple language of the Hunger Games makes it more accessible. Young children are able to read it and analyze its themes. They may have a more difficult time doing so with Thoreau.
While Thoreau is an amazing writer (one of my favorites, in fact), some writers prefer telling straightforward stories without frills. Arguably, the Hunger Games, being written from Katniss' point of view, would be awkward to read in a more advanced style.
I guess it just depends on what you're looking for in a book.
- Jonathan Lipkin
This is a very interesting point. Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games all have in common that they became huge phenomenons. All of these books were turned into movies and eventually brands including an array of products related to the books. In order for these brands to achieve maximum popularity and maximum profit, these books need to appeal to the widest audience possible. I think this is a huge reason that the writing is so basic, however, I do think it is a bit unfortunate that people our age have come to appreciate these type of books as much as or more so than more legitimate, age appropriate literature, though I am completely guilty of it myself.
ReplyDelete-Paige Rowin
The Ninejas
As smart students who go to Michigan, we are used to reading novels that challenge our ways of thinking. We, however, are not the majority. I think these books are so popular due not only to their content, but also due to their reading level. With only a 5 point reading level, the audience of the book starts at 5th grade. By numbers alone, it makes sense why these books have all been popular trends in our culture. However, the hunger games is not the average 5th grade book. It reminds me a lot of Lord of the Flies, a classic school reading that deals with death and survival, but also at an easier read than other classics. The writing style in the Hunger Games is not basic enough that we feel stupid for reading it, and the content is fascinating enough that we look past the slightly easy read. Its cultural popularity comes from the fact that every age takes away a slightly different message. The younger children might read the story as a fantasy and take it at face value, while the older adults that read it are able to take the messages deeper and relate it more to our reality.
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