I already posted a book review today, but our phone just rang. It was my mom, home from Thanksgiving dinner at our house, calling to discuss the book that my 12-year-old son and I convinced her to read while she was here.
"How’d you like it?" I asked her.
"It was awful," she said. "Wonderful but just awful. Put the boy on the phone. I need to talk to him about the end."
So Nana and J proceeded to discuss Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games – an amazing dystopian adventure of reality-TV turned nightmare. Before they had their book chat, Nana had to go upstairs so Papa wouldn’t hear. She didn’t want to spoil it; he’s reading it next. That, my friends, is a book that transcends ages. In fact, when I was at Flying Pig Bookstore this week, The Hunger Games was displayed with a sign listing it as Josie & Elizabeth’s favorite fantasy of 2008. (And if you know Josie and Elizabeth, you know that they know their stuff.)
You can check out some of the many glowing reviews on Suzanne’s website — or just trust me. You must read this book. When you’re done, share it with a reluctant reader, who will love it, too.
Kate’s Holiday Book Review Note: I hope you’re shopping with independent bookstores for the holidays! After all of my holiday season book reviews, I’ll be posting a short note on how each title might fit into your gift list.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Suggested ages: 12+
Buy it for kids who love: adventure stories, books set in the future, fantasy, and fast-paced action. My mom is right — The Hunger Games is disturbing, so it’s not a good choice for very sensitive kids who don’t like to read books that are sad or dark. This is my top pick for reluctant readers this holiday season, though, and it’s one that readers of many genres will stay up late to finish.