Another Young Adult novel that is NOT just for kids

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Another YA novel that will knock your socks off. I couldn't put it down and am waiting eagerly for the next one (waiting my turn at the library) and then the third is due out later this month.

The Hunger Games is set in a future US that has been torn apart by civil unrest and reconstructed into Districts. To entertain the masses, each district offers 2 Tributes each year to the Hunger Games. The object of this game is to be the last kid standing. Only kids from age 12-18 are chosen.

This year Katniss Everdeen takes her little sister's place as Tribute. The boy from her Distriict, Peeta , is the baker's son. To survive the Games, Peeta and Katniss eventually join forces. They pretend they are in love and end up winning the Games-but at what cost?

I love how the book is paced to keep moving . The action is well timed and not too gory (except maybe the last one and the plot twist to that one is something else.) The characters are engaging and believable. Very well written.

I'm looking forward to reading Catching Fire-the second installment in this trilogy.