The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Each year the Capitol, head of the nation of Panem (formerly known as North America), forces each of its twelve districts to send one boy and girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to compete in the Hunger Games. Designed to horrify the districts into submission, the Games are a televised gladiatorial fight. Contestants must kill or be killed, but the winner is awarded fame, wealth, and honor for their district. When Katness Everdeen's twelve-year-old sister is chosen as District 12's tribute, Katniss steps forward to take her place.
I would recommend The Hunger Games to anyone who enjoys dystopian stories or fantasy. The author avoids the worst cliches of young adult/teen fiction (like overwrought drama) and modern science fiction (such as environmental/humanitarian messages that overwhelm the plot). Most characters are well-thought-out, especially Katness; the author managed to show several different aspects of her character, and each felt genuine. However, the book's strength also accents its worst flaw: some of the most important characters seemed one-dimensional. Without spoiling the plot, I found the most important secondary character unsympathetic, almost boring, at a time when readers should care most about him/her. All in all, though, The Hunger Games is a pretty compelling book; I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

April