Flashplot: In a futuristic post-apocalypse America, you're either from the Capitol, or you're nothing more than a pawn used to support their exceedingly outlandish lifestyle.
You're the entertained or the entertainers.
The sickest form of entertainment the Capitol created is the annual Hunger Games, where each district must offer up two of its children to participate in this fight-to-the-death competition as retribution for partaking in an unsuccessful rebellion.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen becomes district eleven's female tribute when she takes her younger sister's place during the reaping.
Every decision from that point forward could save her live or end it.
As a reader: Suzanne Collins had a number of successful young adult books prior to The Hunger Games, so I was not surprised when a few of my students recommend the title to me.
I never expected, though, to be blown away with the sophistication of the writing and the themes.
This is one of those rare books that speaks to readers of all ages and all genders.
It is a twisted love story, a wrenching coming-of-age tale, and an action-packed adventure.
What makes it truly a gem, though, is how it uses a futuristic setting to force readers into examining so many aspects of contemporary society.
I instantly fell in love with Katniss, who narrates this book and the others in the trilogy.
She is the epitome of an unreliable narrator, yet she is so strong that you find yourself believing even what you know is likely untrue.
The supporting characters in the book are equally wonderful.
They are flawed and unique, and Collins unfolds each carefully over the course of the book and trilogy, so that every page offers new insight into someone.
As a writer: I was into book three before I realized what was off about the writing of these books.
They are written in first person present tense, a very rare narration choice, but one that works for these books.
First, it builds suspense; you can't assume Katniss will survive the way you could in a first person narration told in past tense.
Second, Collins clearly is a master at it.
The fact that such a unique form of writing can go unnoticed means the author is skilled in her craft.
The reader is so in Katniss's head that it doesn't seem at all unnatural that the story would be told in present tense.
As mentioned above, Collins is also a master of characterization.
She creates a world where a large chunk of the characters, those from the Capital, could seem outrageous and unbelievable.
She described them, after all, to look the way one might picture the performers in a Cirque du Soleil show, yet as we meet each, we love or loathe them for their personalities alone.
The final skill I envy Collins for is her world creation.
As I mentioned above, this is not an author who is new to fantasy writing, but the detail with which she describes this world and the various settings, creatures, and technology is amazing.
Bottom line: I think I've gushed enough.
Read it for yourself.
Read it to your kids.
Read it with your students.
You won't need me to tell you it is worth the all-nighter.