The Hunger Games

via Amazon.com

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (read in January 2012)

This book was an incredible journey.  I read this before the movie came out, and I haven't seen the movie yet.  The beginning was very emotional, showing sisterly love and loss.  As a parent, it definitely hit me in a different way than a few years ago.  Katniss, the protagonist, is a strong girl who is also an archery extraordinaire and basically the head of the household since her father died.  This futuristic tale takes place in a post-apocalyptic world called Panem, where the United States existed.  Every year, to remind every district about the dangers of rebellion, the Capitol creates The Hunger Games, choosing one girl and one boy from each of the remaining 12 districts via lottery.  After a emotional-stirring sacrifice, Katniss becomes a tribute along with a boy named Peeta (representing District 12.)  The character development is incredible as you get to know Peeta, the other competitors, and District 12's mentor Haymitch.  Katniss' character development is also worth noting, with even in a life-or-death situation there is teenage angst- a coming to age story.  I could just feel the anticipation while reading it, and really had no idea what would come next.

There is so much strategy, suspense, love, friendship and adventure in this novel.  As you read it, you can picture where each district exists in the current United States' geography.  There is a lot to think about with classes, competition, sacrifice, government, freedom, and "big-brother" (just to name a few!)  Worth all the hype!

I give Hunger Games 4/5 stars.