I listened to this because of all the hype, but did not think I would really enjoy it. To my surprise I have enjoyed this story very much. I have the entire Trilogy now and am listening to the 3rd. The writing is both simple and easy, yet there are layers and layers. Well done Ms. Collins.

Very simply the best audio book I have listened to. Pulls you in from the first paragraph and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. If you have to stop listening, you will count down the minutes until you can dive into their world again. I found myself thinking about this book and the characters long after I finished listening. It will stay with you. Luckily, there are two more books in the series!

Suzanne Collins has created a real gem! My daughter originally talked me into getting this book because she had read and enjoyed it. I must admit, I was reluctant at first because this series is aimed at a younger audience. After I started listening to this, my doubts quickly faded. The plot is well structured and, at times, somewhat disturbing. Although the book deals with the dark subject matter of kids being forced to fight to the death, the author tastefully navigates the story in a way that makes this appropriate for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

The characters are very human and are easy to relate to. The main character, Katniss, is especially likable because she is not the "super hero" that many books try to create. She has many fears and insecurities which bring great depth to this story. At first I didn't care for the narration by Carolyn McCormick, but after listening a while longer, her style seemed to enhance the Audible experience. She really illuminates the inner conflicts that Katniss wrestles with in a way that I doubt many narrators would be able to pull off.

I'll admit to being surprised that I liked this book. I like the genre but know nothing about the author. The movie got so many rave reviews I thought I'd try enjoying the book first and I'm very glad I did!

The first twenty pages(minute) seemed like it was going to be slow-paced, but it picked up quickly and didn't stop until the last page. I've already ordered the second one in the series. A definite must read!

No I already enjoyed it.

Not sure.

Pita, Sina (not sure of spelling)

Don't know

As a first experience with an audio book, I had expected sound effects. I didn't really miss it tho.

The Hunger Games is destined to be a classic. It raises some very important questions about what happens in a totalitarian state where the government thinks the citizens exist for its pleasure. It shows how this type of state tries to rob people of their humanity. It is a story of triumph of the human spirit. Not since I read (listened to, actually) The Lord of the Rings have I been so emotionally grabbed by a story. I could write my own book about the moral questions it raises, and about how it is applicable to the current debate in our society between progressives and conservatives. I will definitely listen to this again.

Of course, I love Katniss because she is the heroine. But I also love Cinna, because he is her loyal friend as well as her fashion designer. He doesn't sugarcoat what she is going through.

I really enjoyed Carolyn McCormick's narration. I felt she really brought life to the different characters, and I think she really captured what Katniss would sound like. I think she did an excellent job with Haymitch's voice.

This book made me feel a range of emotions. I felt angry at the brutality of the capitol, touched by the kindness of Peeta, protective of Rue, Inspired by Katniss, but also frustrated by her stubbornness at times. I also felt very anxious during the Games, almost as if I was in them myself.

This is a very well written book. It takes a serious subject and really brings you into it emotionally. This book will take its place among the great modern works of fiction alongside The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and the Foundation trilogy.

The setting and the circumstances of this story are incredibly intriguing and they keep you listening

I love that the main character is a heroin who is skilled and deadly. I also like that she has these abilities out of necessity because she must use a bow and arrow to keep her family alive. Although this is a novel of fiction, I think it can remind us what can be accomplished even when there are very few resources available.

She is too old to read for this character.

I think this is a fantastic story with good characters. I was hooked and couldn't stop listening once I started. That being said, there were a few things that nagged at me a bit. I really don't think they chose the right narrator. I think she's a good narrator, but I don't think she was right for this character. We are talking about a sixteen-year-old girl and Carolyn McCormick sounds like a very mature woman. Also, Carolyn McCormick should never sing. Ever. I don't think she did a horrible job by any means and if you're thinking about listening to this book don't let this small thing stop you. This was recommended to me by a friend and, as an adult, I was skeptical, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is a great story for anyone and is not just for young adults.

This book was amazing, but the narrator left something to be desired. I really wished they had gotten a younger reader to read the book.

I expected a gritty adventure with controversial overtones on par with the film Battle Royale. But instead it set itself up as this hard hitting commentary and instead pulled every punch it could. Most of the 'children' committing murders were secondary sketches that barely register so their emotional reactions remain vague. The main character defends herself basically by accident and spends most of the book sleeping in trees, killing animals and whining about her family. So much opportunity wasted.

I want to move on to the latest Dark Tower book but am a bit leery of Stephen King's narration. He's not a professional reader and the quality of his voice is lacking. But I'm hopeful the story will override this misgivings.

No nonsense. Best suited for more hard boiled crime books.

The overall adventure set up was intriguing and moved a long at a good pace.

The story was very compelling and well written, and features themes that may not be new (the idea of making others fighting for their lives pass for entertainment goes back at least to the Romans in the Coliseum), but are certainly relevant in the era of reality TV. The saddest part is how those in the Capital have completely lost their compassion and humanity because they're so far removed from the distrcits.

My favorite aspect is the lead character, Katniss. Strong-willed yet more vulnerable than she portrays to the world, she makes it through not only the games, but also her exceedingly difficult life with her grace and compassion still intact. She's a skilled hunter and a fierce competitor in the games, but she's still not immune from insecurities common to those her age. She kills in the arena, but not for the glory of the kill, unlike others. Unlike the female protagonist in another popular, young adult series which shall remain nameless, Katniss is a well-rounded individual outside of her relationships, and is thus a much better role model for young girls. She is not defined by her romantic choices.

My least favorite part is the narrator. It's not all her fault, it was rather the fault of whoever cast her. I understand Katniss is very mature for her age, but let's face it. The narrator is certainly over 40 years old. Katniss is 16. There's just a disconnect there, especially given that the story is written in first person. Also, her young girl voices, (Primrose, Rue) tended to be comical. I'll echo what others have said and say that she would be good for children's books.