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Life Goes On After Summer Reading...Don't mind reading at 2:00 am? Then This is the Book for You!

I'm a little blurry eyed as I write this review because I stayed up last night until 2:00 am reading until I had to put this book down and go to bed. I just picked it up again tonight to finish the last 1oo pages... I don't think I have finished a book that quickly since the Harry Potter series ended! This new book that has me so enthralled is Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins.

The story is set in the future of a destroyed North America where there are only 12 districts and a Capitol left. These 12 districts are completely at the mercy of the Capitol. One way the Capitol ensures its power is to preside over the Hunger Games which takes 2 contestants from each district and creates scenarios where they must fight to the death, while the world watches it all on TV. The winner of the Hunger Games brings honor, riches, and the necessary food back to their hungry district- besides the added bonus that he or she simply gets to live. However, not sure how much of a life you can expect to live after having to witness or be party to the deaths of 23 other people to ensure your own survival.

The main character of this book is sixteen year old Katniss who volunteers to take her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games. It is her struggle to survive that kept me turning the page late into the night. There are other characters too as we get to know the other 23 contestants of the Hunger Games, some who try to kill Katniss and others who fight to save her. Be forewarned that this book is not for the faint of heart; there is murder, deceit, suffering and loss. And while I am not a fan of any of those things, this book was still a hit for me, I think because while much of the book dealt with the darkness of humanity, there are also beautifully written moments of hope, love and sacrifice.

I love to read books that make me question what will happen- well I questioned throughout this book! I had no idea how it would all end or even how I wanted it to end? I will tell you I was not disappointed at the final pages... but still eagerly waiting for the sequel.

Last Words of Hunger Games: "dreading the moment when I will finally have to let go."

Last Word on Hunger Games: Once you start reading you won't be able to stop.