The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The author of the Upland Chronicles takes her readers on a suspenseful, romantic adventure in this page turner taking place in the future in a place once known as North America. Collins integrates her knowledge of the Greek myth, Theseus, as inspiration for the nation, Panem. Athens was forced to send young men and women to Crete to be devoured by the Monotaur, just as the Districts of Panem are forced to send two of their children each year to the games. The message of both is clear. Mess with us and we will do worse than kill you, we will kill your children. Sixteen year old Katniss volunteers to take her younger sisters place when she is one of the chosen for this year's games, equivalent to a death sentence, as twenty-four chosen children must track down and fight one another until only one winner remains. The book is addictive. You will will not want to put it down, and you will think about the events, long after you have finished. I am looking forward to book two, Catching Fire, which makes its' debut on September 1st, 2009. Visit the author's website at http://www.suzannecollinsbooks