must reads: the hunger games series

I still have some serious catching up to do in the photo department. Hopefully I'll get our Christmas pics up sometime next week. I've been far too busy burying my nose in my book to get any photo editing/blogging done. The past two days I've been reading The Hunger Games and Catching Fire my Suzanne Collins and I think you should too!

I was supposed to read The Hunger Games for my book club in November and didn't get around to it. I finally got it this week and devoured it and the sequel! Devoured I say. I haven't been so engrossed in a book in awhile. There is one more book in the series but it doesn't come out until August! I already pre-ordered on Amazon though. :-)

These books are written for 7th grade and up so they are fast easy reading and oh so good. They are set in North America in the future. The United States is no more. Instead there is a country called Panem. It is divided up into 12 Districts and a Capitol. The Districts each specialize in an industry to support the Capitol. People in the Districts live pretty miserable lives while the people in the Capitol are the definition of frivolity. There was once a rebellion and to show the Capitols dominance and keep the Districts meek, they must now participate in the Hunger Games each year. A boy and girl (12-18) are chosen by drawing from each district and then forced to fight to the death against the other "Tributes". This is all televised and mandatory viewing for all citizens.

I don't want to give any more details than that. The stories are told in first person through the eyes of Katniss. She is a great heroine and you will come to love her.

Now I have to say that when I heard the premise of this story I wasn't super excited. I read it because everyone I know who's read it loves it. Now I know why. Although the subject matter is dark, the books are not depressing somehow. I mean there are definitely very sad parts, but maybe because it does feel quite removed from our way of life, it didn't get me down. They do definitely make you think. It is quite the ride. And there is even a love story which I am a major sucker for.

Don't be surprised if the wait to get these books at your library is very long. Amazon has the hardcovers on sale for only $10.50. I ended up buying them after I read the books because I know I'll read them again and these are gonna be classics. Now if only I didn't have to wait until August to read the last book.