Hey Cedar Falls! Can Someone Explain the Hunger Games to Me?

People have been telling me for months I need to read The Hunger Games.

I know I should. It sounds like exactly the type of story I get into. I went to midnight book release parties for several of the Harry Potter books. I thouroughly enjoyed Twilight. And I recently finished a six-month reading spree devouring the Game of Thrones books.

But I haven't read The Hunger Games. In my defense, I have the first book on reserve at the . I'd hoped to read it before going to the movie, but one library employee said they have 17 copies of that novel, and all have waiting lists. Which says a lot more to this bookphile of an editor than sold out movie showtimes.

So, I now appeal directly to you, dear Cedar Falls Patch readers. Can you fill me in? What makes these books so great? What should I know before going to the movie? Should I skip the waiting list and just a buy a copy already?

Leave your answers in the comments section.

And just in case, like me, you haven't gone yet, here are the showtimes at the at and Crossroads Mall. Apparently they're expecting a crowd, because they have it showing every hour, on the hour, and sometimes more than that.

Let me know if you liked the movie!