Around the time that Catching Fire came out this year, I began hearing of the buzz around this series. So I requested a copy of The Hunger Games from the library and calmly waited until it came in. Then I devoured it (that pun might be intended). I read it in 3 late night reading sessions last week after Husband had gone to bed forcing myself to put it down each night so that I could get a few hours of sleep. The plot moved quickly, the premise was fascinating, and the characters came to life. Like most young adult books, the writing may not be fantastic, but the story makes up for it.. I’m saving the sequel, Catching Fire for the read-a-thon and the wait is killing me.

For those who don’t know, the Hunger Games is a dystopian novel taking place sometime in the future in what is now the United States. The Capitol rules the outlying Districts and to show its control and prevent rebellion, every year 2 teenagers – Tributes – from each district must take part in a competition to the death that is nationally televised. The winner returns to a live a life of luxury in his or her district. This year Katniss takes her younger sister’s place as a Tribute. Peeta, a boy her age, is chosen as the second Tribute. Together they journey to the Capitol where they must participate in the pomp and circumstance leading up to the games and then fight for their lives
once it begins.

This book is sort of a mash-up of The Lottery and The Most Dangerous Game with a little love story thrown in for kicks. I highly recommend it to those of you out there who love a good young adult dystopian novel.