The Hunger Games

I haven't eaten very much for the last couple of days. Partly, that was because I was unable to put down this book. Also, I felt guilty whenever I did tear myself away to eat. Why should I cram my mouth with beef, while these people are desperately trying to catch squirrels and chew on tree bark? I would feel much better about myself if I could just go out and gather some roots and berries for dinner.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was thrilling and satisfying from the first word to the last. I love this one so much that I may buy extra copies and hand them out on a street corner. I knew, vaguely, when I started this that there was a sequel. I assumed it was out already, but now I know that it's being released Sept 1. I don't know how I will manage to fill the time between now and that date.

I will try to outline the plot here, but I think that you are better off just skipping the rest and getting the book right away. The thing is, I was put off from reading this one for a long time because of numerous plot synopses just like this. The Hunger Games does not sound like my usual book. I generally do not care for action-packed stories with bold protagonists that are set in the future. I usually prefer wimpy and angsty leads that moan about love. But anyway, here I go: The nation of Panem is set in the ruins of former North America, where one shining Capitol rules with an iron fist over twelve downtrodden districts. The districts are reminded each year of their former rebellion by the institution of the Hunger Games. Each district is mandated to provide one boy and one girl to participate in the games, a nationally televised fight to the death. Sixteen-year old Katniss is chosen from District Twelve, along with a fellow tribute with whom she has crossed paths once or twice in the past. Katniss finds some talents that were previously unrealized, but exercising them may require compromising her own humanity.

Anyway, forget all that plotty stuff and give the book a try. I found the people in it to be the most compelling element, anyway. My heart pounded away audibly for the entire time that I was reading, and so I believe that the book qualifies as both a diet and an exercise plan.