The Hunger Games

By Suzanne Collins
Rating: 4 1/2 stars

In a post-apocalyptic future, 12 districts serve the Capitol City with different tasks of production, like coal or agriculture. To remind the people of their subservience to the Capitol's government, each year the Hunger Games are held where two "tributes" between the ages of 12 and 18 are chosen by lottery from each district and are forced to compete until only one remains. No one has won from district 12 in many many years and to be chosen in the lottery is basically a death sentence. But when 12 year old Primrose is selected, her older sister Katniss doesn't hesitate to volunteer to go in her stead. The other tribute is Peeta, a boy Katniss has known since kindergarten. The two are as likely a pair as the district has ever had, and as their preparations begin, Katniss begins to hope she may have a chance. But to win the Hunger Games, you must be able to become ruthless, to not let your feelings get in the way, to reject your humanity. When Katniss has to face her growing feelings for Peeta and for another competitor, Rue, can she still do what it takes to survive? This is a compelling read, impossible to put down, as both the fast-paced plot and the wrenching psychological decisions Katniss has to make keep the pages flying. Well-written, without a wasted word, our story comes to a breathless ending, with our minds filled with questions for the upcoming sequels. Great stuff!