The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Here's how I came about reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins:

On a beautiful morning in Stratford, walking through the non-chain book stores, VeCe looks at me all incredulous that I haven't read this book - just read the first page,she says, and you won't be able to stop.  I do and it's okay so I buy it.  Two weeks later, Jadek is asking me what he should read on the R66 trip and, being a good librarian girlfriend, I open my own shelves and hand this one over.  I convince him it's really good, even though I've only read the first chapter.  He finishes it and gives it back with glowing reviews.  I mean, he goes out and buys the trilogy in hardcover... that's commitment!  Two week after that and we're discussing a October's Book Club pick , trying to find something Halloween-themed but that isn't horror (our newest member was a bit squeamish and we didn't want to scare her away).  We settle on Hunger Games.  luckily, I had just finished my last book so I could get started.  Four days later, I was finished.  Poppets, you know how long it takes for me finish a book.  That should be testimonial in and of itself; but, in case it isn't....

Hunger Games is one of those novels that opens up unexpectedly.  It's full of flawed characters headed by the likable but decidedly imperfect heroine, Katniss Everdeen.  The plot is driven forward relentlessly, even when you feel like you need to take a breather.  In many ways, Collins forces the reader to struggle along with Katniss, implementing a sometimes brutal pace.  Then, just when you think you can't handle it any more, she gives you a respite.  And the descriptions! I could actually picture these places, see the chariots, taste the food.

I can't review THG without talking (a little) about the society in which it takes place.  A society that allows the hunting of teenagers both as a form of entertainment and control.  Can such a society really exist in our too-too-distant future?  It's not hard to imagine.  We already watch people starving slowly on reality shows, pay good money to watch torture-porn or so-called "revenge" flicks.  The only thing that stops us from feeling guilty - if you feel guilty at all - is that we can say that no one got hurt, really.  But what does it says about us as a people that a franchise like Saw has seven instalments, that movies like The Hills Have Eyes not only gets made, but gets remade?  /end philosophical soapbox

Anyway, a great book, The Hunger Games.  Engaging, thoughtful and, most importantly, fun.  I shall never doubt the power of YA again.

Edit: here are my thoughts on Catching Fire and Mockingjay as well.