Collins, S. (2008). The Hunger Games. [New York]. Scholastic.

In a future world, the remnants of North America are part of a new nation, Panem. The Capitol rules over the other twelve districts with force and cruelty, especially during The Hunger Games, where two teenagers from each district are forced fight to the death while everyone watches. Katniss, Peeta, and the other “tributes” must find a way to survive, knowing that only one of them will make it out alive.

While reading this story, I was really struck by the callousness of the Games, and I found it difficult to image the brutality. However, the story was so well written, that I found myself wrapped up in the emotional tug-o-war that Katniss faces throughout the story. It was really difficult to put the book down once I started reading, and I couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what would happen next. The pace of the story was great, and the author’s descriptions really helped me feel the pain, loneliness, anxiety, fear, and anger of the characters. I can’t wait to read the second and third books in the series next.