Read With Me Wednesday: Hunger Games

I know, I’m a little late getting on the boat.  Last week I finished reading the first book.  Loved it!  Loved it so much, I hit up my wonderful cousin, who let me borrow the next two books in the series.  I love that they are something beyond lovey dovey vampires (don’t get me wrong, I loved Twilight, read the whole series at least twice).  The Hunger Games is just deeper, it has really made me think.  I think the mark of a really good book is one that makes you think about it even when you’re not reading it.  I have definitely been thinking a lot about Katniss and Peeta this last week or so!

Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins
384 pages

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’ young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district 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’ 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.   Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK