Book Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins…bring on Book#2!

Ok, I admit it. I am late to the party. Vicky and Elizabeth were raving about The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins last fall when it came out. They loved it. Since they read it and were so enthusiastic I felt like I should read other things so we could talk about a lot more books, you know? Well…I picked it up the other day and just did not want to put it down! I was into it not in a “this is a young adult book I am trying out to recommend in the bookshop” kind of way but in a sincere “what a cool scenario I want to see what happens” kind of way. The Hunger Games is a futuristic story in the United States after a great war. Each of the 12 districts that make up the new country of Panem must send two teenagers every year to the annual Hunger Games. The Hunger Games is a week-long, televised event where the kids must fight to the death in a large arena the size of a state park. The winner and his or her family get food and shelter and a good life when they come home. This is a major motivator in a country where most are hungry. I was so intrigued by this futuristic “reality show” in the face of the reality show mania of today. People are willing to hurt themselves, humiliate themselves and others on reality shows for money or simply exposure. Is it really so far fetched to imagine a fight to the death? But I digress. A futuristic adventure with a romance mixed in! Perfect! Our heroine, Katniss, volunteers to take the place of her younger sister in the games. She is sent to the games from her district with Peeta, the baker’s son who has, unbeknownst to her, been in love with her since he was 5 years old. The problem? There can be only one winner at The Hunger Games. I can’t wait to read the sequel, which will be released September 1!! For the first time, I can understand the people who go to a midnight party for a sequel. Hmm…since our Bookshop is attached to my parent’s house, maybe I will sleep over the night before….set my alarm for midnight and buy the book the minute it is released! Hello Mom?