I'd had this book on my to-read list for ages now, ever since the guys at Unshelved used it for a Sunday comic strip about it. But it took 'Hunger Games' withdraw to finally make me crack and pick it up. Since I had one week left in my really long commute, I did the audiobook version.

One of the things I love about Suzanne Collins is that she doesn't pull any punches. She just tells a story. Yes, Gregor may only be 11 years old, but I think kids, teens, and adults will enjoy this tale of adventure. Sure there are times when she has to explain things a bit more to make sure her younger readers understand clearly what is going on, but she never talks down to the reader.

I think this book would be great for a younger hardcore reader and an older reluctant reader, especially boys.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.