The Hunger Games

Something I should have read a long time ago!
I am so behind on this series that it is rather sad. So, before you judge me, I did watch the movies. Yes, I am talking about the Hunger Games. I have to thank my kindle unlimited subscription. I needed something to read I couldn't sleep and figured I would give it a chance. After the long delay I actually did enjoy it. My thoughts are much more positive then I thought they would be. I liked the movies but I didn't run to see them like most the world. Sorry!!! Due to the popularity, I knew how it began. It seems that so many books are going to the theme of a nation divided into districts and this book does as well.
Underneath all the fighting for survival is a boy in love with a girl and a girl who is desperate to return home. Willing to do anything, she goes along with the idea of them being in love, hoping that in the end, it will mean both will end up back in their district.
The imagery invoked a lot of breathtaking pictures. The characters had enough background that I found myself loving, hating, being indifferent, or hoping that nothing bad befell them. The emotions were sharp and cut deep in many cases; the fact that the nation forced children to fight to live as punishment for a long-ago war, I found horrid. Yet, in some cases, I have to admit that I was glad when some were taken out.
There are a lot of twists and turns that occur. Some you see coming, some you are told are coming even if what will happen isn't known and still others that come from seemingly nowhere. How each character reacts helps define their personality and chance of survival. This is a book with very few places were things become dull. I though seeing the movies would make this less enjoyable for me but not at all. The imagery is beautiful and makes me want to continue to see how the words of the next book compare with the movie. Overall, four star read for me.