my take: It’s hard to say I love this book because it is brutal. Seriously, I had nightmares. and, yet, I love this book. It’s a young adult novel that’s suspenseful, endearing, and chock-a-block full of things to ponder.  Issues of wealth, poverty, life, death, killing, “game”, government control. It brought to mind the gladiators of Rome, reality tv, and the Olympics meshed together.
This book got into my psyche.
We had a great discussion at Book Chicks.

my source: Sons Owen & Dirk; Book Chicks 2010; Susan-the-school-librarian (bought at the book nook)

rating: A+

recommend to: book groups, middle school or older kids, food-for-thought types

genre: young adult