Deneb: One down, two to go

Deneb is one of my personal favorite stars.  No, really.  Deneb is one of the few I can actually pick out.  It's in the constellation Cygnus, the swan, and is easiest seen in the summer, as it makes up one of the three stars in the asterism "The Summer Triangle."  Appropriate then, in many ways, as my first post to be on the first book in the trilogy: The Hunger Games.

Yes.  I just bought it yesterday.  Yes.  I'm already done with it.  No, I pretty much haven't done anything but read it since I got it.  I nearly fell asleep playing on my computer, then picked it up and managed to read until 1:15 this morning, then picked up again after work today, even after sneaking a few chapters during lunch and planning at work.

To those of you who have read Hunger Games, the bird tie-in should be obvious.  Thank you, Sagan, stars really are a part of everything. ;)  To those of you who haven't read Hunger Games - book three is called Mockingjay.  Nuff said.

HIGHLY recommend this book!  It falls under the category of books I enjoy all under the "dystopian society" theme.  Also, be prepared to have all three of the trilogy in hand, as book one will leave you hanging.

Written in three parts, Hunger Games takes on a society where, because of some historical rebellion, the country is divided into 12 districts.  Every year, each district must send a boy and a girl "tribute" to participate in the "hunger games."  The last one living wins.  Rules are highly involved about how your name gets submitted via lottery per district, and the whole shibang is broadcast like some awful version of Survivor across the country on huge screens.  The winner receives a life of luxury, and plenty of food for their district.

But then consider that it is "young adult" and you can't have young adult without some romance action... Thanks a lot, Twilight... so enter into the chaos of fighting to the death that you have some young lovers

To lovers of The Giver, you will recognize themes and enjoy these characters.  Suzanne Collins does a much more in depth job of character development, causing the reader to become emotionally attached, rooting for a winner.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have the biggest urge to locate some berries and start in on Catching Fire.