Collins' books are compelling reads

"THE HUNGER GAMES," by Suzanne Collins, Scholastic Press, 374 pages, $8.99 (young adult) www.amazon.com

Never before have there been so many options when it comes to reading. The sheer number of books released in a year is incredible.

With all those choices, there's a lot that's good and a lot that's mediocre. Every once in a while, however, there's something fantastic that comes along. Such is the case with "The Hunger Games" and its sequel, "Catching Fire," by Suzanne Collins.

Published by Scholastic Press, the books are billed for young adults. However, adults should not let this age suggestion keep them from reading Collins' novels.

Imagine a North America destroyed by war, famine and drought. Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts, rises from the ashes. Each district has a specific trade — textiles, electronics, mining, farming, etc.

The districts are subjugated to the Capitol, and each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games.

Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem, and all citizens are required to watch as the 24 participants are forced to kill their competitors. The games end when only one participant is alive.

In anticipation of the release of the final book in the trilogy, "The Mockingjay," on Aug. 24, Scholastic has just released "The Hunger Games" in paperback.

If you or the young adults in your household have not read these books, now is the time!

Though the main protagonist is a teen, Collins' writing is sophisticated and compelling enough to capture and hold anyone's attention. This is a story not easily put down. You may even have to have someone hide your copy so you can get your work done.

It's not often that books such as these come along, and it should come as no surprise that "The Mockingjay" already has more than 2,300 holds in the Salt Lake County Library system and nearly 1,000 in the Davis County Library system, as well.

Sparking imagination or perhaps a new love of reading is a definite possibility with "The Hunger Games." This is the perfect read to round out the summer.

e-mail: jharrison@desnews.com