The Hunger Games
by Suzanne Collins

    THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins
    Category:  Science Fiction
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  9/14/08
    Publisher:  Scholastic
    Reviewed by:  Cat
    Rating:  5 Stars


    Twenty-four children: twelve boys, twelve girls, tributes selected by random lottery every year and sent to the
    capitol city of Panem to compete in a brutal, bloodthirsty fight for survival, with the last participant standing
    declared champion.

    Welcome to the Hunger Games, a grim reminder to those living in the twelve districts comprising what was once
    the United States of their place as virtual slaves to the gleaming Capitol at their center.

    Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen is this year's female representative for District 12, having volunteered to take
    her younger sister Prim's place. Sent to the arena with the baker's son and classmate, Peeta Mellark -- a boy who,
    several years prior, saved Kat and her family from the ravages of starvation after her father's death in a coal mining
    accident -- neither competitor from the final district seem to be contenders.

    But Peeta's good nature and Kat's small stature belie the former's cunning intelligence and the latter's experience as
    a hunter; while a revelation from Peeta during the introductory ceremonies sends Katniss into the first day of
    competition more than a little off-kilter.

    The stage is set, the tributes have arrived, and the cameras are watching...let the games begin.

    It is no exaggeration to call THE HUNGER GAMES a pulse-pounding page-turner. Collins grabbed me from the
    first page and didn't let go. While Katniss isn't always the most likable character (in fact, there were plenty of times
    I much preferred the affable Peeta, or even sweet, birdlike little Ruth), she is always compelling, thanks to her
    rational approach to every challenge and her dogged determination.

    While THE HUNGER GAMES is a plot-driven novel, the characters and their relationships are the heart of the
    story.  Ms. Collins has created a dystopian tale of Orwellian caliber for young adults, giving any reader plenty to
    churn their minds between now and the next installment of this trilogy.

    My only complaint is having to wait for the next installment.