The Hunger Games

I just finished reading The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. It's been a while since I've been so wildly impressed by literature intended for a younger audience. Back in the day (for example when Grimm's fairy tale's were first being compiled) children weren't coddled. Stories were a way to introduce children to certain themes which are universal as well as difficult to stomach. Fairy tale's were a way to teach children about death and love and the gamut of human emotion.

The death of a parent isn't as widespread in modern times as it has been in the past. I think parents are inclined to shield their children from as much pain early in life as possible. Who can blame them? I want my children to have an ideal childhood of creativity and discovery. But are we doing more harm by lying about the worlds problem's?

I'm no expert. I'm not even a parent. But I do tend to think that literature is a remarkable way to introduce children to themes that are otherwise unpalatable. In a round about way, removed enough from their own tiny lives, a book might prepare them for the shock of losing a grandparent. It seems to me, even as an adult, that when there is a character in a book that I relate to in someway, it helps me to feel less alone. It stresses the universality of humanity.

The Hunger Games is brilliant in that it refuses to talk down to children. It is written like an adult book with death and war and love. There isn't a fight of good over evil. There's grey area written on every page. Decisions are made that aren't good and just, but the right decision all the same. They are terribly glum books, but addicting and all consuming until the very last page.

The Hunger Games will rank up with His Dark Materials and the Harry Potter series as my favorite "literature for young adults", though I hate that label. I hope there is turn in the genre towards more thought provoking plot and characters. Perhaps it is the twilight of the Twilight's.