The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Summary from Goodreads:
Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

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 districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place 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 will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My take:
Okay, first of all, I really didn't know what to expect from this book. I had seen it in book stores and even read the back cover but for some reason it just didn't seem like something I would like. I'm not sure why since I really like dystopian fiction.  I finally decided to read it after reading so many good reviews from other book bloggers that I respect. Now, I can't figure out why I didn't grab it as soon as it was available. I read The Hunger Games in one day and it was almost impossible to put down the book to have meals with my family.  The book is so action packed and the tension is so high and the characters are so very memorable. I want to rush out right now and buy the next book. I am about to start really gushing over this book, so I'll just say that between the story that is told and the characters that really stay with you - this book  is definitely worth reading.
Rating: 5 of 5