Hunger Games series

The titles by Suzanne Collins are marketed as young adult, but really not limited to young adult readers. Actually, I often believe that YA books are as creative, or more so, than many books written for the adult audience. The Harry Potter books are a good example of this - and this series also has a lot of very grown-up ideas and responsibilities being carried on the shoulders of young protagonists.

The setting is the US after a war - and it is divided into 12 districts, plus the capital city. People in the capital live in luxury, while the districts supply various goods and mostly live in poverty or near-poverty. The districts once rebelled and thus are being restricted so they cannot rebel again. On top of that, there are some pretty sadistic controls built into the system that are reminiscent of the decadence of past societies - like the Roman bread and circuses, the people are kept pacified by plenty of bloody entertainment, along with near-starvation.

The Hunger Games are the annual Olympics - being chosen for the competion is something like being chosen for the arena. Two young people are chosen from each district - a girl and boy from each - and then thrown into combat where the last one living wins. Not only do they win their lives, but they live in luxury for the rest of their days, and every person in their district gets additional food for the next year. Everything is televised, and everyone is required to watch. There are elaborate ceremonies before hand, interviews, costuming, etc., to draw in the public. It is a mix of our reality television plus a sports team affiliation, but with lots of blood and suffering.

So when Katniss, a 15 year old girl who supports her family by (illegal) hunting to supplement their meagre diet, sees her younger sister chosen to participate, she doesn't hesitate to volunteer to replace her in the Games.

Book 1 takes Kat through the games and eventual triumph. Book 2 concerns a special, 25-year event that pulls back the winners of the annual games to compete against each other. Book 3 details Kat's transition from competitor to leader of the rebellion against the capital rulers in an effort to free the people from the tyranny of their society.

An excellent effort.
___
Other books read since last post - 61 Hours by Lee Child, Little Men by Louisa May Alcott.