The Hunger Games

Explanation of this novel courtesy of the School Library Journal:

"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."

The first in a series of three, I loved this. It was an easy, addictive read. I was on the edge the whole time, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. And yes, I bought the second and third book even before I finished the first one. There's a brand new protagonist heroine, Katniss Everdeen. What else can I say? For some reason this is considered "young adult" (probably because its a nice flowing narration from Katniss), but this book can be brutal and graphic as hell. I could feel myself in the narrators shoes, and being there was actually pretty terrifying. What would you do if failure was not an option, or you'd die? Loved it.