The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Series: Hunger Games Book 1
Genre: YA Fantasy
Copyright: October 2008
Pages: 374
Book Source: Own Purchase

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

I bought this book not long after it was released based on a zillion rave reviews then left it sitting on my bookshelf, every week making promises to read it (sad I know.) Well, I can now say I'm sorry I waited so long, the rave reviews were spot on. The Hunger Games is amazing! Exciting, fast-paced, unusual, violent, suspenceful, sad, unputdownable - I read it overnight!

A 'last man standing' fight to the death, for 24 tributes (competitors), and if that's not brutal enough, the tributes are children aged from 12 to 18 and the event is broadcast to all districts for compulsory viewing. Survival depends not only on the physical and mental skill of the tribute but on their audience appeal. Likeability equals life-saving gifts from sponsors. Sound unbelievable? Well, Collins' writing is masterful making this a riveting read, completely believable and absolutely addictive.

District 12's tributes for The Hunger Games are Katniss and Peeta. Katniss makes a compelling narrator, she's spirited, courageous, smart, compassionate and formidable with a bow and arrow. Peeta, the baker's son has some unusual skills that are completely under-rated, his relationship with Katniss is complex and I loved the way it evolved. Collins does a brilliant job developing characters you truly care about and wrapping them carefully in this gripping story.

But it's not all kill or be killed, the fight to survive is tempered with humanity & compassion. Subtle attempts are made to thwart the system. Bravery, sacrifice, helplessness, and hope are all rolled together with some touching moments, the scene with 12 year old Rue and the gift from District 11 had me all teary.

The Hunger Games earns its place as a "keeper" on my bookshelf, it's one of the best YA books I've read and one of my favourite reads of 2009. If you're one of the last people on the planet to read The Hunger Games ... HURRY!!

One of the bonuses of waiting so long to read The Hunger Games is that I had the sequel, Catching Fire to continue immediately on with and I have to tell you I was not disappointed (review up soon.) Now I just have to wait for the last installment in this fantastic trilogy. Visit Suzanne Collins' website to find out more.

To celebrate my 1st Blogoversary two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in this month's spookalicious competition. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.