The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication Date: October 1, 2008
Pages: 374


From Goodreads:
Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

I have to first thank Shanyn at Chick Loves Lit for recommending this book! I probably wouldn't have picked this out on my own to read, and am super thankful she kept bugging me to read it :)

Now on the the review. The book begins by explaining that Panem (formerly North America) is separated into 13 districts and the Capitol. In the past, the 13th district led an uprising on the Capitol, and the Capitol demolished the entire district. Now, as a reminder that the Capitol is in control and to never question their authority, they host the annual Hunger Games. Each of the 12th districts sends one boy and one girl age 12-18 to quite literally fight for their lives. Only one "tribute" can survive and be declared the winner, and the entire nation is forced to watch the televised game.

I was completely sucked into this book from the beginning. The author really makes the reader wonder how he/she would handle each situation and tugs on your heartstrings through the whole book. Not everything turns into a "happy ending" and not every outcome is ideal. The story is an emotional roller coaster and leaves you rushing to turn the next page to see what happens next.

All I can say is this - get to the library, bookstore, or somewhere and buy a copy of this book! I'm glad I purchased mine because I definitely plan on re-reading it in the future. I've already started Catching Fire, and it is proving to be just as exciting and though-provoking as Hunger Games. Stay tuned!