The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins, 374 pages

I recently saw Mockingjay, Part 1, and I was left with such a depressing ending that I had to re-read the books to remember what I liked about them.   I still really enjoyed The Hunger Games- it manages to be a fresh and unique dystopia, despite what all of those "this is a ripoff of Battle Royale" naysayers may insist (Do they still do that?).  Katniss is a strong female character, with real emotions and indecision, and the weakness of the other characters is kind of made up for with this.   Revisiting her growing, complicated relationship with Peeta was touching and frustrating at the same time- but that, more than anything, reminded me of why I really liked the series.  The story telling is sound enough for a young adult book,  and the narration on the audiobook is excellent.