The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins *****

Honestly, I think this is a book that you should read, not knowing anything about it. Having read a few descriptions, I started it with preconceived notions and it took a few chapters before I could set them aside and simply enjoy the story. So, if you trust me, don't bother reading the rest of this review until after you're done the first book. Just pick it up and read. I haven't heard anybody say anything bad about it, so I feel confident is suggesting this.

If you're the kind of person who needs a bit of an idea about what they're getting into, carry on.

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 other districts in line by forcing them to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight-to-the-death on live TV.

One boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and sixteen are selected by lottery to play. The winner brings riches and favor to his or her district. But that is nothing compared to what the Capitol wins: one more year of fearful compliance with its rule. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her impoverished district 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 weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Acclaimed writer Suzanne Collins, author of the New York Times bestselling Underland Chronicles, delivers equal parts suspense and philosophy, adventure and romance, in this stunning novel set in a future with unsettling parallels to our present.

This is not my usual genre of books. I read it because my 11 year old nephew demanded that I do so. We don't usually have the same reading interests, but since I've been pressuring him (and and getting my way) to read the Harry Potter series, I was leaning towards reading his suggestion. When a friend who does generally read the same sorts of books that I do said she'd read and loved the series, I thought I'd give it a chance.

I really liked it, which surprised me. It's along the lines of but not really just about everything that I dislike in stories. It's futuristic, but the author doesn't make wild assumptions or predictions about society or the technology. It's fantasy, but not weird. It's a story about a girl who is put into an arena and forced to fight to the death, but it's not gory or horrendous. It was a good story about a girl who struggles to survive before and after she's forced into the arena. It's full of suspense - a few times, I was tempted to put it down because I was so disturbed about the potential of what could happen next. But then I remembered it was a young adult (children's) book, so the events that I imagined and dreaded were highly unlikely to happen. Just the fact that I had to remind myself that, though, goes to show you how well the book was written.

Loved this one. Loved the twists and turns.
The next book that I pick up will be the next book in this series.