The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

Intriguing look at a post-revolution future America, where an authoritarian Capital dominates all the remaining 13 'states', keeping them poor, impoverished, and subservient. The extreme dominance requires each state to supply 2 teen subjects for the 'Hunger Games', where they must fight each other to the death, with the last survivor richly awarded. Much of course is reminiscent of gladiator fights, but with slick media production elements thrown in to spice it up. All citizens are required to watch each night, as a reminder of the power of the Capital. Collins has given a rich description to the pageantry of the event, and cast an appealing girl as the heroine. Good plot twists with a few surprises, but also some melodrama. First in a series. 374 pg.