As you may have guessed from the title, today's post is about The Hunger Games. I'm sure by now everyone has at least heard of this series. And if you haven't read it yet...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

I know I've talked about it before. I know I've gone on and on about how I don't really read a lot of YA or anything remotely sci-fi. How I like to stick with my romance/chick lit/women's fiction and literary fiction. But I'd heard such good things about Suzanne Collins' series that I gave it a go.

I borrowed the first book from a friend. And, let me tell you. I could NOT put it down. And as soon as I finished it (in about a day), I had to go out and buy the next one. And after that, Dana bought me Mockingjay. I read all three in about a week.

For those of you that don't know what it's about The Hunger Games series is set in the not so distant future. The US has fallen apart and now there are twelve districts run by the wealthy Capitol. Each year, every district has to offer up "tributes" from ages 12 to 18 to take part in The Hunger Games, which is basically a reality show from hell. There can only be one winner, one survivor. The rest of the tributes must die. Our main character is Katniss Everdeen and the story is thrown into action when her littler sister's name is drawn in the "reaping" and Katniss steps forward to take her place.

What's so great about The Hunger Games? It's just an intense, heart-pounding ride that won't let you go. From the moment Katniss volunteers to take her sister's place, you can see just how high the stakes are for this girl, the provider for her family.

While all the characters are so well-rounded and real (Peeta, Haymitch, Gale, Prim, Cinna...I could go on...), Katniss is one of the best characters I've ever read. She's brave and strong, yet vulnerable. And in spite of so much happening around and to her, she never feels sorry for herself, never gives up. She's one tough chick.

(Hopefully Jennifer Lawrence can bring this bad ass character to life on the big screen)

I also love that it's written in first person, present tense. Very few novels pull this off well, but with this series, it works. It brings such a sense of urgency to an already-tense story.

So there you have it. My fangirl love letter to The Hunger Games.

What about you? Have you read it? Love it? Hate it? What do you think of the casting choices (so far) for the movie? Wouldn't Hugh Laurie be the perfect Haymitch?

October is flying by. I can't stand it. I love October. It's been such a beautiful fall this year, with mild temperatures and gorgeous shades of gold, orange and red. I want to live in that world forever. Sadly, with each day that passes, the weather gets colder. The leaves fall to the ground. Winter is nearing. I am not ready for it.

I have been neglecting my blog again. But it hasn't been for nothing, I swear! I've finished the outline for my NaNo novel, which is something I really struggled with last year. I still need to re-interview my characters and get to know them again, but other than that, I feel prepared for the insanity of NaNoWriMo.

I'm sure I would have had my character interviews finished by now if it weren't for the crack that is The Hunger Games. I've spent the majority of October immersed in the world of Katniss Everdeen and her friends, family and enemies. I have to say, I've learned a lot from these books. Suzanne Collins put that poor girl through hell but I think it just made me care about her and what happened to her even more.

It's gotten the wheels in my head turning. When we throw things at our characters -- death, the possibility of yours and probability of those around you, heartache, torment, indecision, etc -- it forces them to grow and react in ways we might not have realized. It's the true test of whether your character is developed enough.

So, as a result, I've been pondering my novels. Trying to think of anything I can throw their way. To see what they're made of.

What are your thoughts? Do you think hardship strengthens your characters and the bond your reader has with them?