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1. The plot is fantastic.
One of the surest ways you know you're going to enjoy the book is if the premise surrounding the novel grabs you from the start.
Take 12 boys and 12 girls, drop them in the wilderness, and let their districts watch on live TV as they're forced to outwit, outsmart and outlast one another - except, unlike in Survivor, winning comes at a price.
The main rule of the game? Kill or be killed.
The last boy or girl standing? Wins the game.
2. In spite of her awful name, Katniss is one kick-ass heroine.
Displaying none of that woe-is-me crap that the limp-wristed Bella Swan has shown in the Twilight Saga, Katniss is a born survivor.
She knows how to hunt, is loyal, fiercely protective and incredibly brave; as proven when she volunteers to take her younger sister's place during the selection process (also known as the reaping).
Not only that, Katniss is also very clever, resourceful and thinks and strategizes in such a way that she uses her surroundings to her advantage, something which certainly works in her favour.
3. The twists and turns
The book keeps you on your toes almost all of the time. Not only do the contestants have to fight against one another, but they have to deal with the hell of being caught up in the additional snares that the game organisers set for them.
Between dealing with mutated creatures, dodging deadly traps and deciding whether or not to risk their lives for the sake of rewards such as medication, food and other necessities, the book frays your nerves and keep you turning the pages throughout the novel just to see what happens next.
4. The settings
I've become a huge fan of dystopian fiction of late.
There's just something about reading books that are set against the backdrop of a bleak and desolate world that makes for fascinating reading. Combine this with underlying commentary about government and socio-political issues and how it relates to human nature, and I’m hooked.
In The Hunger Games, the reason the games have been brought into existence play a huge role in how the next two books in the trilogy play out as we see the various Districts rise up to, once again(the reason the games were put into play in the first place), revolt against the Capitol and the cruel system they have in place.
5. It's better than Twilight…
… And judging by the reception that both the book and the movie have received so far, the world seems to agree.
6. The books are compulsive, addictive and quick reads.
You'll be able to finish them in one sitting. They're just that good. And that addictive.
7. Suzanne Collins is a phenomenal writer.
If there's someone who is really great at creating an atmosphere that speaks of raging desperation and a landscape that is awash in harshness and hardship, then it's Suzanne Collins.
Her writing, at face value, appears to be somewhat simplistic, but I think it really works well; as it is the minimalistic prose that lends it the underlying nuances of the book.
8. Peeta and Gale make for interesting distractions. Of the boy kind. Again, even though Peeta is a crap name.
Ah, so you're familiar with Team Edward vs. Team Jacob? Well, in The Hunger Games you can prepare yourselves for a Team Peeta vs. Team Gale battle. At first, the romance aspect forms a huge part of a strategy play, but as the books progress, it evolves into so much more.
Oh and on a random note, just so you know, Peeta is the son of a baker. Go figure.
9. Because your kids will love them.
Even those who hate reading.
I know this because many of my friends have told me their kids hate reading, but devoured The Hunger Games. You might want to consider that.
10. Because you don't want to be one of those people who become a fan of the books only after you've watched the movie.
Head to your nearest bookstore (or order online) and buy yourself the box set. The books are awesome. The movie, we're sure, will be more so. And if you still need more convincing, read our review and check out the movie trailer.
What's your favourite book-to-movie adaptation and why? Tell us below.
Follow Tammy on Twitter.
One of the surest ways you know you're going to enjoy the book is if the premise surrounding the novel grabs you from the start.
Take 12 boys and 12 girls, drop them in the wilderness, and let their districts watch on live TV as they're forced to outwit, outsmart and outlast one another - except, unlike in Survivor, winning comes at a price.
The main rule of the game? Kill or be killed.
The last boy or girl standing? Wins the game.
2. In spite of her awful name, Katniss is one kick-ass heroine.
Displaying none of that woe-is-me crap that the limp-wristed Bella Swan has shown in the Twilight Saga, Katniss is a born survivor.
She knows how to hunt, is loyal, fiercely protective and incredibly brave; as proven when she volunteers to take her younger sister's place during the selection process (also known as the reaping).
Not only that, Katniss is also very clever, resourceful and thinks and strategizes in such a way that she uses her surroundings to her advantage, something which certainly works in her favour.
3. The twists and turns
The book keeps you on your toes almost all of the time. Not only do the contestants have to fight against one another, but they have to deal with the hell of being caught up in the additional snares that the game organisers set for them.
Between dealing with mutated creatures, dodging deadly traps and deciding whether or not to risk their lives for the sake of rewards such as medication, food and other necessities, the book frays your nerves and keep you turning the pages throughout the novel just to see what happens next.
4. The settings
I've become a huge fan of dystopian fiction of late.
There's just something about reading books that are set against the backdrop of a bleak and desolate world that makes for fascinating reading. Combine this with underlying commentary about government and socio-political issues and how it relates to human nature, and I’m hooked.
In The Hunger Games, the reason the games have been brought into existence play a huge role in how the next two books in the trilogy play out as we see the various Districts rise up to, once again(the reason the games were put into play in the first place), revolt against the Capitol and the cruel system they have in place.
5. It's better than Twilight…
… And judging by the reception that both the book and the movie have received so far, the world seems to agree.
6. The books are compulsive, addictive and quick reads.
You'll be able to finish them in one sitting. They're just that good. And that addictive.
7. Suzanne Collins is a phenomenal writer.
If there's someone who is really great at creating an atmosphere that speaks of raging desperation and a landscape that is awash in harshness and hardship, then it's Suzanne Collins.
Her writing, at face value, appears to be somewhat simplistic, but I think it really works well; as it is the minimalistic prose that lends it the underlying nuances of the book.
8. Peeta and Gale make for interesting distractions. Of the boy kind. Again, even though Peeta is a crap name.
Ah, so you're familiar with Team Edward vs. Team Jacob? Well, in The Hunger Games you can prepare yourselves for a Team Peeta vs. Team Gale battle. At first, the romance aspect forms a huge part of a strategy play, but as the books progress, it evolves into so much more.
Oh and on a random note, just so you know, Peeta is the son of a baker. Go figure.
9. Because your kids will love them.
Even those who hate reading.
I know this because many of my friends have told me their kids hate reading, but devoured The Hunger Games. You might want to consider that.
10. Because you don't want to be one of those people who become a fan of the books only after you've watched the movie.
Head to your nearest bookstore (or order online) and buy yourself the box set. The books are awesome. The movie, we're sure, will be more so. And if you still need more convincing, read our review and check out the movie trailer.
What's your favourite book-to-movie adaptation and why? Tell us below.
Follow Tammy on Twitter.
