"Harsh" doesn't begin to cover this short, punchy work of genius. The legacy of long-term poverty, the loss of compassion in a community that grasps each thing (including pride and secrets) because things are so few--all is painted in vivid brushstrokes of word-perfect prose. And if the story weren't enough, this novel is worth studying for its effortless wielding of omniscient point of view.

Note: The film is commendably true to the book, and Jennifer Lawrence proves her chops in a role requiring subtle shades of Katniss.