The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I finally gave in to the trend of reading The Hunger Games trilogy and, as expected, was hooked about 1/3 of the way in. I'm patiently awaiting book #2 from the library wait-list, so I'm not as addicted as some readers, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next books. This is a young adult book, so it's a quick read. I've heard a movie is in the works. I'm curious how that's going to work, due to the graphic nature of the book, but we'll see...

School Library Journal review from Amazon.com:

Grade 7 Up -In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like 'Survivor' and 'American Gladiator.' Book one of a planned trilogy.