"Hunger Games" (photo by Karina Monticone).

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins was published on Sep. 14, 2008.

The book has become a huge hit and a big media buzz since the release date of the movie based on the book to play in theaters in March of 2012. Popular stars, such as singer, song writer Taylor Swift, have contributed to giving hype to the book. For example, Swift released her single “Safe and Sound” which is a song in the soundtrack from the soon to be shown movie.

Many critics and readers have praised the book.

“I was so obsessed with this book. The Hunger Games is amazing,” said Stephanie Meyer, author of Twilight Saga.

Other readers also found the book captivating and hard to put down.

“I used to enjoy reading,” said sophomore Nichole Rodriguez. “It’s hard to now that I don’t have as much free time and have to read other books for my english class, but once I find a good book to read I can’t really stop, The Hunger Games was that kind of book.”

The movie will be in theaters March 23, 2012.