The Hunger Games

Collins, Suzanne (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: New York Scholastic.

Wow is the first word that comes to me after reading this book!! I can't remember the last book I read that makes me feel the way this book did. I honestly neglected my home and family for a couple of days because I couldn't get my head out of the book.

Katniss Everdeen steps up to the plate and takes here little sister's place in Panem's annual Hunger Games. Every year, each of the 12 districts must pick one boy and one girl to represent their district in the "fight for your life" games. Each of the 24 participants (tributes) must do what they can to be the last one to survive and be named the "winner" of the games. In turn, they will take prizes and fortune to their district. Luckily, Katniss is a skilled hunter and able to hold her own. The book is packed with emotion and is quite realistic (considering it is set in future time). I expected a lot more blood and guts, but the Author did such as great job of providing imagery without being too gory. The characters had to overcome cold nights and hot days, hunting and eating anything and everything they could find, and missing their families they may never see again.  In the end, when all is said and done, district 12 comes out victorious- and both Katniss and Peetra (the boy from district 12) are able to outsmart their competition.

I can't wait to continue with the trilogy!! (Of course, I've got a lot more reading to do for class- so this will have to wait.)