"Catching Fire"

Alright, I forgive you. I know it was a short summer and your reading list was as long as your arm, but you have no excuse that's good enough if you haven't read "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. The book blew me away. I read it all in a night, and was tossing and turning after I fell asleep, visions of Katniss and "The Handmaid's Tale" (by Margaret Atwood) dancing through my head.

Well, the sequel to "The Hunger Games" is out, and I bought it and finished it yesterday. For young adult literature, its good. I thought it was a bit rushed, but the story line continues to be amazing and the plot moves so fast you can't put the book down. You still love Katniss and hate the Capitol, and by the ending you find yourself hyperventilating in anxiousness for a resolution that never comes...I'll let you know when to expect the third book.

If you're an older reader and unsure as to whether you would like the book, I would say give it a try. Young adult literature is well written and has some of the best plots/story lines out there. Young adult writers aren't afraid to take chances like some adult fiction writers are. Plus, no one gets tired of teenage angst and rebellion against something clearly sinister...do they? If you are a young reader I warn you that this book contains some more mature themes, but there is no swearing or sex.

All in all, five out of five starts.

Like "The Hunger Games"? Try "The Handmaid's Tale" if you are 15 and older, or "Life As We Knew It" if you are part of the younger crowd.