The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

This book was originally marketed for teens, but it is now wildly popular among adults and adult reading groups. It is a fast-paced and imaginative view of a dystopian society. America is now a country called Panem, derived of a capital city and 12 (once 13) districts. After district 13 attempted an uprising against the powerful capital, the rebels were wiped out and the capital instilled “The Hunger Games” to remind the districts of the devastation that resulted from the unsuccessful campaign. For 70 + years now, each district must enter their children, ages 12-18 into a lottery. Two are chosen, one male and one female, to enter into the Hunger Games, a televised to-the-death battle which changes yearly. Twenty four tributes enter the games, not knowing what challenges or terrain they will face, but only one can survive to be crowned the winner. This first book in the Hunger Games trilogy introduces readers to Katniss Everdeen’s epic journey of self-discovery.

This book is extraordinarily written, with deep characters that become very real to the reader. We are caught up in the struggle to understand the Hunger Games, as well as the children who are sent there to be warriors. Publishers Weekly hit the nail on the head: “It's a credit to Collins's skill at characterization that Katniss, like a new Theseus, is cold, calculating and still likable.” In contrast to Katniss, we also get to know her District 12 counterpart, Peeta, whose sweetness of temper and own personal agenda make him a dangerous competitor.

The Hunger Games is rich with political intrigue, a touch of romance, and a bird’s eye view at what horrors people can inflict on one another for “entertainment.” I personally read the trilogy so quickly that I felt I must have missed things and had to reread sections until I was satisfied. Collins successfully hooks the reader and we struggle along with Katniss to grasp the multifaceted strategies of the games. This book is fascinating and honestly, a little scary due to the fact that it’s not terribly difficult to believe that the human race can sink to this level. A must-read, especially since the movie will be released in early 2012. Try The Hunger Games, surely you’ll be wanting to read Catching Fire and Mockingjay too.

A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

      A fascinating and unexpected debut novel that examines the dark nature of humanity in the face of illness and loneliness. The book describes the rich landscape of 1907 Wisconsin and delves into how the harsh winters can affect the people of a small isolated town. Ralph Truitt, the wealthiest man in town, is surprised when Catherine Land steps off the train. He has placed an ad in the newspaper for “A Reliable Wife” and Catherine does not match the photograph she sent.

     The book chronicles the uneasy start of Catherine and Ralph’s marriage and the reader comes to find that Catherine is certainly not the pure, faithful woman she claims to be. Ralph, too, proves to be more than he appeared at first sight and encourages Catherine to help him locate his estranged son. The story escalates when Catherine begins poisoning her husband slowly and we are allowed insight to the tortured thoughts of a conflicted woman.

     A Reliable Wife is an interesting character study where each player is deeply developed. They may not be entirely likable, but each character is real with histories and intricacies that make them both believable and endearing. I also enjoyed how Goolrick turned color into a character all its own, with beautiful descriptions. Woven into the main plot are fascinating vignettes of how easily “cabin fever” can turn to madness when a small town is cut off from society. This book is not for the faint of heart; it is dark and sometimes sad, but the conclusion is satisfying. I would recommend this title for the reader who doesn’t mind desperate and truly flawed characters.