The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, is a captivating, futuristic young adult (YA) read.  Not only will this appeal to kids (and probably even those who don't tend to like to read much), but it will appeal to adults as well.

America is gone, destroyed in a revolution that created the new country of Panem, which consists of 12 districts and the Capitol.  The districts are kept poor and separated, and each year two "tributes," a boy and a girl between the ages of 12 and 18, are randomly selected from each district to participate in the Hunger Games.  These are only "games" to the people living in the Capitol, however; to the districts they're a terrible reminder of the strength of the Capitol, and what could happen to them all if they try to revolt again.  The tributes, 24 in all, are required to meet in the "arena," a landscape of the Capitol's choosing, and then hunt each other down until there is only one tribute remaining.

I thought the very beginning of the book was just a little slow, due to the necessary fact of introducing the heroine (Katniss Everdeen) and the circumstances of her life.  But as soon as the games began, I was hooked.  I didn't want to put the book down, and I finished it quickly (I actually want to read it again already).  Collins put in just enough detail to bring the disturbing circumstances to life, but not too much that it would be too gruesome for the YA audience.  This is the first in a series, and I can't wait to read the sequel, Catching Fire, as soon as it comes to me through the hold list at the library.

4 out of 5 stars.  This was very, very good, but I felt there was a little room for improvement (the slow start and the lack of any plot twists I couldn't see coming).  I have high hopes for the sequel!