The hunger games, by Suzanne Collins

Our book club decided to read this much-talked-about young adult novel to see what we thought of it.  One member, who dislikes anything involving children being hurt, refused to read it; another had to force herself through the more violent pages.  On the whole, however, the group liked it and found much to discuss, including its appropriateness for the target age group.  Some have grandchildren old enough to read it and shared their reactions to the book.  With echoes of The lottery and The most dangerous game, and bringing back memories of reading Lord of the flies, this dystopian novel draws much of its appeal from the well-drawn main characters.  I look forward to reading the other two books of the trilogy and seeing the well-received film adaptation.  384 pp.