The Hunger Games

With the movie coming out, I decided to read the book.  I've purposely avoided the trailers thus far, so they won't skew my thinking about the story.  As we all know, a lot of times the movie doesn't come close to doing the book justice.  And I'm really hoping this wonderfully story won't fall into that category.
It's been awhile since a book kept me wanting more right from the start.  It was written IMO very well.  Lately, when I start a new book, I have to force myself through the first few chapters in hopes that it will get better.  This book?  Had me from the beginning.  Suzanne Collins did an amazing job with character development early on, and I was able to get into the main protagonists head almost right away.  I understood what made Katniss tick.  I was able to feel the emotion, and see the scenery as it was painted into my imagination.
For me, this is the most vital part of reading.  I should be able to take a journey through the life of the person(s) featured.  This was a no holds barred assault on my senses.  Incredibly, all of my senses were actually active while reading.  This may sound a little bizarre, but just by the description of the various dishes served before the games begin, I was able to imagine the smell and the taste.
My emotions were definitely being played on as things unfold.  Anger, tension, happiness, sadness it was all there.  Then when things took a turn, and you suddenly have these other characters that in a few short pages you become emotionally invested in, the writer throws in the twist that you KNOW has to happen, but it still takes you up short.
What I also noticed, is that very few details about the ordeal were left out.  A story with no pictures was able to graphically imprint on me, every detail of every injury.  Every sense of agony.  Watching hopelessness blossom into hope kept me turning page after page.   If it wasn't for the fact that I HAD to work and sleep, I would have read it cover to cover in one shot.  Few authors have been able to hold my attention in such a way.   
The ending left me with that sense of wanting more, and setting up my hopes for the direction that I hope it will take, but probably won't.  But that's ok.  I'm looking forward to seeing the tale brought to the big screen.  And I really hope the movie does the book justice.  I have finally brought myself to look at the actors cast.  I have to say, there's only 2 casting choices I'm questioning.  Woody Harrelson and Alexander Ludwig.
I have 2 other non related books to get through before I can go back to Panem.  I'm full of anticipation for the remaining 2 books in the trilogy.