Recently I finished reading The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I admit that the only reason I actually picked up this book was a combination of the awards it has won, the hype surrounding the title in librarian circles, and the fact that a friend bought it for me for Christmas. All that being said, am I ever glad I forced myself to read this book.

The story is that of a young girl who through circumstances out of her control, is sent to the Capitol of her land to fight against 23 other people for glory and honour while everyone watches. The catch? Only one will survive.

Hunger Games is one of those rare books that manages to do violence and gore without actually setting off my very sensitive stomach. Collins writes in such a way that her readers get pulled into the plot and don't want to put the book down. You cheer for Katniss and want her to win, while caring for the other contestants too. You quickly learn to loathe those in charge but even more than that, those who sit back and watch the show without ever showing an ounce of understanding that they are cheering for the deaths of teenagers who have no control of their own fates.

I loved The Hunger Games, and am sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for its sequel to come out in September. Whether you enjoy YA fiction or not, give Hunger Games a try. I promise you its better than 99% of the action shows on tv right now!