Each year in Panem, children between the ages of twelve and eighteen are selected to fight in The Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death where there can only be one victor. Each of the twelve districts must draw the names of Tributes - a boy and girl - to fight in the games. When Katniss' younger sister is chosen, she steps forth to take her place.

Katniss knows how to hunt and survive but the Games will test her strength and stamina in ways far beyond what she knows. Can Katniss survive The Hunger Games, even if it means killing Rue, a girl the same age as her sister or Peeta, the boy Tribute from Katniss' district?

I've had a copy of this book since June '10. I read the first five chapters before it was packed up for NYC and after that it just remained on my book shelf. With the film release only a few days away, I decided to get stuck in from the beginning.

I was pessimistic about 'The Hunger Games' because of all the hype and the fact that the beginning was slow in pace and included plenty of back story. Regardless, it was undeniable from the start that Collins is a skilled wordsmith.

The novel progresses from compelling to riveting. I was engrossed in the concept of the Games and Katniss' endeavour to survive. The way in which the Games are presented is fascinating, with the Tributes flounced about like celebrities and sponsored and bet on like race horses...or more accurately, a dog fight.

The nail which Collins hit on the head was the development of Katniss' character and the dynamics between her and the fellow Tributes, particularly Peeta and Rue. These three characters are the strongest in the novel. Rue captured my heart, Peeta made me smile...but Katniss' strength was something I admired above all.

Katniss is not a perfect character. She is not without flaws or misgivings. She is strong in the way she faces the world and strives to survive, both before and during the Games. It is not easy to find a female protagonist who is sympathetic without being pathetic. It's a harsh fact but I find that it's true. Katniss deserves the title of "heroine" without being an archetypal hero.

Once I was finished reading 'The Hunger Games,' I set out to my local book store to pick up the sequel, 'Catching Fire.' It won't be long until I'm devoured by it, I'm sure.

I look forward to seeing the film adaptation of 'The Hunger Games,' curious as to what it will be like. I'm uncertain as to whether I should read the remainder of the trilogy before I do so.

My advice is not to be smothered by the hype of 'The Hunger Games' but to let curiosity get the best of you and read the book for yourself. You might find yourself just as enticed as I was.

In accordance with the FTC, I would like to disclose that I purchased this book. The opinions expressed are mine and no monetary compensation was offered to me by the author or publisher.

(From my blog: Quill Café)

If you find this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Please read it and share your thoughts here. Then, pass it on to others so that it can be experienced far and wide. ♥

Registered in WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND.

I couldn't put this book down. The action and environment are beautifully described and I liked the first person narrative where she puts her verbs in the present tense as if to demonstrate that she's narrating as things are happening.

Can't wait to read the next book in the series.

Picked up at the Dublin convention thank you. This book was heavily recommended by a friend so I added it to my wishlist recently.

For the first few chapters I was a bit 'meh' to be honest. The introductory setup was alright, but nothing to keep me gripping the edge of my seat. I was pessimistic about whether I would like this novel as much as others do.

But then the actual Hunger Games started and the plot lifted off to a whole new level of immediacy and suspense. From not really caring that much about Katniss, I became her strong supporter and willed her to find a way through the game in the least 'morally questionable' manner possible. The character of Rue helped a lot in developing the story. Plus, the neverending list of methods used by Gamesmakers to 'shake things up' was a perfect plot device for keeping readers on their toes without stretching events to ridiculousness.

The ending was very good and I'm intrigued enough now to keep an eye out for the second book in the series.

To be released at meetup tonight.

If you are new to bookcrossing - welcome and congratulations for finding a book! Please leave a journal entry to let me and any other readers know where it has gone and what you thought of it.

Okay, right ! I am giving in and will now finally find out what all the hype about Hunger Games is all about ! Picked up at July Meet Up in Edinburgh

Well, despite my earlier scepticism and all the hype about this book and the films attached to it I found myself quite drawn in the story. The thought of ''Big Brother'' watching every move and for instance changing the weather at their will to manipulate the tributes was cleverly done and said a lot about our society where we do indeed watch a much more harmless version of ''Big Brother'' on TV.
It was a gripping story and while I don't think I'll bother with the films, I'll watch out for the next instalment of the books.

Reserved for dschinny in Hamburg/Germany as a trade

On its way to Hamburg as part of trade. Happy reading !

Arrived today, thank you very much! I boycotted the series after all the big hype but after watching the firtst part of the trilogy on TV (by accident) I was quite fascinated and will give the books a go.

And it was worth it :-) Great book! I finished it in one day. And have immediately started the second one of the series. I think the movie is well done when compared to the book. By coincidence, they are showing The Hunger Games on TV tonight. I might look in (even though it will be in German). ;-)

I will see if there is an interest for a bookring.

No interest. Most people might have read it already.

Geht als mein April RABCK an mimi 4711.

Arrived today! Thanks a lot!

Although I've watched the film - I really liked the read!
It'll stay with me for a while.