The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis:  In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlaying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one girl and one boy 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 is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has also resolved to outwit the creators of the games. To do that she will have to be the last person standing at the end of the deadly ordeal, and that will take every ounce of strength and cunning she has.

Reviews:  "{The Hunger Games} is a violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense... I couldn't stop reading." - Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly "I was so obsessed with this book I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading... The Hunger Games is amazing." - Stephenie Meyer "{B}rilliantly plotted and perfectly paced." - John Green, New York Times Book Review "{A} plot-driven blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance." - USA Today "Enthralling, imaginative and creepy." - Los Angeles Times "{A} superb tale" - Booklist, starred review "Readers will wait eagerly to learn more." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

My Review:  I was just like Stephen King, I couldn't stop reading!  There is so much in this short novel, its stunning.  Katniss is an amazing character, who definitely has her faults but whom you can't help rooting for.  She is the typical American rebellion, but also picks her battles. Her main focus is survival for herself and her sister.  Love doesn't seem to even occur to her until very late in the game.  I loved the realism in this, I think the "tributes" (contestants) are very realistic, and if you threw 24 teenagers into a pit and told them the last man standing is the winner, the events in the book wouldn't be far off!  At times sick and sadistic, and other times hopeful and heartwarming, I definitely recommend this read!  5 stars from me!