Title - The Hunger Games

Author - Suzanne Collins

Number of pages - 374

Genre - Young adult science fiction

The Hunger Games has been around for three years, and I've just finished it! I'm hopping on the bandwagon a little late, but better late than never, right?

The Hunger Games is set in the post-apocalyptic country of Panem, which lies in the ruins of what was once North America. Katniss Everdeen, a 16 year old girl from District 12, has to fight everyday to survive. There are 12 different districts, the rich Capitol and other poorer districts.

To punish the people of Panem for an unsuccessful rebellion against the Capitol many years ago, every year, each district must offer up one boy and one girl from the ages of 12 to 18, who become known as tributes. The two tributes must fight to the death in order to win the games.

At the reaping (the event in which the tributes names are called) Katniss's younger sister, Prim, has her name called. To protect her sister, Katniss offers herself up as the female tribute for District 12. Katniss's ventures in the games are televised live to the entire nation of Panem. After shocking revelations, and cunning opponents, will Katniss suceed?

When I started The Hunger Games, I wasn't too sure of what to expect. I wanted it to be as good as everyone has said, but I didn't want this to cloud my judgement. But I must admit that this was excellent. Once the story starts going, it really starts going! The Hunger Games is a page turner that will keep you guessing. You'll find yourself starting to root for Katniss and feel like you too are in the games.

I loved this so much, I'm getting Catching Fire as soon as I finish posting this!

Out of 5 stars, The Hunger Games earns a 5!

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Title - Sold
Author - Patricia McCormick
Numbers of pages - 263
Genre - Fiction

Sold tells the story of Lakshmi, a thirteen year old girl
living in the mountains of Nepal. Her stepfather, a
gambler who keeps the family in neverending debt, knowingly
sells her into prostitution after the Himalayan monsoons
destroy the family's crops. Lakshmi is taken across the
border into India (under the false assumption she is going to
serve as a maid to a wealthy family) and is purchased by
Mumtaz, an old women to whom Lakshmi must repay her family's
debt.

In the brothel, Lakshmi forms friendships that help her
survive this cruel and horrible world, but she must make a
life changing decision - how much will she risk for the
chance to reclaim her life?

I began Sold this morning, and immediatley was wrapped up in
it. Lakshmi tells us her story in clear, but symbolic, terms.
I finished the book a few hours ago, and it's a great read.
Lakshmi's story is tragic, but hope filled and can brighten
your day if you're able to look past the story's darkness.

Sold isn't your average book. It goes into detail about the
sex slave trade and what you read may be difficult for some
to read. Despite that though, I believe this is a book
that everyone should read. Sold is a serious book talking
about a serious topic. Through the darkness though, hope
shines through.

Out of 5 stars, Sold deserves a 5.