Try The Hunger Games for a Great Read Wednesday, October 19, 2011 By Palmer Szarko - Yahoo Advertising            I recently read the first book of The Hunger Games trilogy that was released in 2009.  I was a little late to reading it, but I loved the book and was even happier to find out a movie version was set to be released in March 2012. But before you see the movie, you need to read the book.           The story is set in the ruins of North America, where there is a capitol and 12 surrounding districts. There was a 13th district, but the people rebelled and the district was destroyed. So in order for the capitol to keep control, they host the Hunger Games. The contestants are kids, two from each district, who are between the ages of 12-18 and are chosen at the reaping. The main character Katniss Everdeen takes her sister's place in the games and goes to compete. Another main character is Peeta Mellark, son of a local baker.          From the moment I read the back of the book I knew it was going to be a great book. I was hooked by the first page. The details are incredible, and I was able to watch the movie in my head while reading.       Once The Hunger Games begins the action is nonstop. There are twists and turns along the way. For example, during the Hunger Games, the gamemaker’s people who control everything throw in traps. They do things like introduce dangerous animals. One such animal wasTracker Jackers, bees with deadly venom; if you aren’t strong, one sting will kill you or, if you are strong, you'll have nightmarish hallucinations.      Another item that changes the path of the games, and adds twists to the story, is sponsors. If you impress everyone you will get more sponsors. These people will send you gifts in the arena that could help you survive.               Each contestant has their own personality and motives for winning. Katniss and the other contestants have to watch everything they do because the capital is watching and can kill them at any moment. They cannot even say anything that might offend the capitol.      One other wrinkle to the story in that during the Hunger Games, romance develops between Peeta and Katniss. This romance conflicts with Katniss’s frenship with a boy named Gale back in District Twelve. This is just another issue that plays into the overall plot.         I highly suggest you read it this book.  It’s part of a trilogy so the story doesn’t have to end after one book. It’s one book in a trilogy including Catching Fire and MockingJay, so if you read one you have to read the others.

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