The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summery:
The United States has collapsed due to fire, drought, famine and war. In it's place, Panem has risen. Panem is the new country, divided into 12 districts, not counting the Capitol. Originally, there were 13 districts, but the 13th district was obliterated when the 13 districts rebelled against the Capitol. As a reminder of their failed success, Panem keeps it's districts starving and surviving on minimal necessities. In addition to this painful reminder, every year, the Capitol holds an annual even known as the hunger games. Each district randomly selects two "tributes" i.e. children between the age of 12 and 17, one male and one female. These tributes must complete against each other in a fight to the death. The winner receives a lifetime of comfort and their district is well fed for an entire year. This year, Katniss' 12 year-old sister Prim is selected as the female district 12 tribute. 16 year-old Katniss steps up and volunteers to take her sister's place. Along with her male counterpart, a son of a baker named Peeta, Katniss enters the hunger games armed with the desperate attempt to stay alive or die trying.

Review:
Back in 2000, when Battle Royale was released, I remember watching with complete horror. How awful it must be to kill other innocent humans, much less children, in order to survive. Collin's book The Hunger Games, really drives this point home. How far would you be willing to go to protect yourself, your family, your life? This book has received much praise, and I am inclined to agree. This book is faced-paced, heart-wrenching, and filled with ethical questions. I highly, highly recommend it.

Cover Art Commentary:
Simple. Eloquent. Classic. I love the mockingjay on the cover. There is another on the cover itself when you take off the sleeve. I wouldn't hesitate to buy this book based on the cover alone.

Overall Rating:




Other reviews of The Hunger Games can be found at:
Book Love Affair
Jawas Read, Too!
Temporary Worlds