Anyway, I finally got around to reading The Hunger Games last week. Despite hearing about the books a year or so ago I'd put off reading them after hearing phrases like "the next Twilight" being tossed around. *

After much begging and insistence from some of my friends, including one who also hated Twilight, I picked up the book two weeks ago and struggled to put it down. The story is gripping, and I think because the plot line is so far removed from reality that it suddenly becomes more fascinating.

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins tells the story of Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl from District 12, Panem somewhere in the near future. She is selected to participate in the 74th 'Hunger Games' after taking the place of her sister. The games themselves see 24 participants imprisoned in an arena of sorts where they then must fight to the death. The last one standing is of course the winner.

I really enjoyed this book despite survival stories not usually being my cup of tea. As I said the story is so unusual that the reader just wants to keep reading for that reason alone. If you're thinking of seeing the film I'd suggest reading the book first. The movie was a bit of a disappointment having enjoyed the book so much. Then again movie counterparts are never quite the same...