Reading: Hunger Games

The Hunger Games is about a post-American society where the ruling class demands its 12 territories send "tributes", one teenage boy and one teenage girl, each year to compete to the death in the Hunger Games. This book centers around one of those tributes, Katniss, as she volunteers to replace her young sister's place in the games and goes on to experience them herself.

I really liked this book. I am a fan of strong female characters, and Katniss definitely has that going for her. She's smart, physically strong, and maintains a strong moral compass despite the violence of the games. Since the book (and I presume the rest of the series) is meant for young adults, it's not quite as dark and descriptive as it could be (for example, The Road was more disturbing in its violence) so in that way it strays from realism. However, that wasn't a turn off for me since I tend to shy away from dark novels.

The plot is great, it really keeps moving along throughout the book and there weren't really any slow sections that I had force myself to get through. The characters are compelling and likeable and the book really keeps you rooting for the underdog. Overall a good read that'll make you want to check out the next book in the series.