The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
Quick Synopsis: The citizens of Panem are not equal. There are those who live in the Capitol, and then those who do their best to make it in the Districts. Every year, to remind those in the District of their weakness and inability to rise up against the Capitol, the leaders of Panem host The Hunger Games. Two Tributes from each of the twelve districts are chosen to fight to the death in an arena at the Capitol. The winner of the annual Hunger Games becomes a “Victor” and they are given the luxury of living in a special Victors’ Village in their district, income, and food for a year to feed their district.
Why I Like It: Yes, yes—it’s a young adult series. It’s not technically an “adult series,” but who cares. They are some of the most engrossing books I have ever read, and they make me think about who is “District” and “Capitol” in our own society. The first three books, The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay were fast reads. They follow the heroine Katniss as she battles through The Hunger Games and then battles the Capitol. To be honest, I read the entire series in one weekend. I did nothing but eat, read, eat, read. I’m not sure I even slept much. However—the final book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was not that fast for me. It’s technically a “prequel,” and details the President of Panem’s childhood. It tells about President Snow being orphaned, coping with hunger himself, falling in love, betraying a friend, and finally solidifying his loyalty to the Capitol. It’s got so much in it, it can’t move as fast as the other three. All of the books, though, are worth investing in. I have two copies of the series on my shelf, and I loan one set out quite regularly to students and friends.
Why You Might Like It: If you are looking for a series that you can read with the youths in your life, look no more. These are easy but extremely fast and captivating reads that have a plethora of ethical dilemmas for you to discuss. It is dystopian fiction, and yes, kids are killing kids in an arena for the amusement of a delighted audience. However, you fall in line with Katniss during the first three books and realize that some of the characters are purely evil and simply must die. And as for the other characters, you catch yourself pulling for Katniss even if that means you’ll have to eventually bid them goodbye. It’s emotionally, mentally, and ethically stimulating. Plus, the movie versions are fantastic :)
