Yes, it's happened. Like many, I've started reading "The Hunger Games" or, more correctly, "The Hunger Games Trilogy" by Susan Collins. Unsurprisingly, I like it. Well enough that is.
I won't go into a synopsis of what it's about (it's up to you to read it or not) but the main characters are likable, the plot line is interesting and the action is fast paced. The main premise of the book is that the United States as we know it is destroyed and a new civilization has taken its place. Not exactly a novel idea but certainly intriguing. Susan Collin's writing is not brilliant but OK for the teenage audience she is targeting.
As for the violence, it is violence. As Collin's herself has said "It is about war." That said, I don't feel it's more violent than other books/movies in the past. "Star Wars" was certainly violent. "Planet of the Apes" wasn't G rated. Overall, I didn't find the violence to be off-putting. "The Hunger Games" is a quick, easy, interesting read and I definitely recommend it. It would be a great beach read. As for the movie, I can't wait to see it.
So go on, indulge, enjoy and then move on.
