The books are good, but I don't know why they are young adult books given the high amount of violence. Anyone thinking of letting their kids read/watch these should check them out carefully first and consider whether their child can handle it. This is high-octane nightmare fuel.

Lots of brutal violence, torture, murder, children forced to kill or be killed, children threatened with the torture or murder of their loved ones - but because the lead character is 16 it's considered young adult? I don't get it.

Or you can watch Battle Royale. Read the long walk and running man and call it a day because the hunger games is so unoriginal its ridiculous. And I like kids killing each other without the twillight romance over it, thanks.

Books are WAYYYY better!

I'd say both. The books are intense, but very good. The movies will add to the experience, but reading the books first would be good.

I'm not a big movie person, but I read the books. I loved them, but certainly don't think they are books kids (teenagers) should be reading!

The book series of the hunger games is a phenomenal experience. I highly recommend them to everyone! The movie is good.

I haven't read them or watched the movie. I just can't seem to find any interest in this series.

Seen the movie and own it

I read the books -- they needed an editor and maybe some quality tweaks, but they were certainly entertaining. It might be a good gateway book to more reading for young adults as an easy but provoking read for teens who say they aren't interested in reading at all (and again, should be followed up with real literature like Brave New World or 1984).

i only usually watch the movie, but i want to read the book too

When things are over hyped, it takes me a while to even WANT to watch/read it. I'd hate to waste my money on something and have an overcrowded theater/bookstore with the prices jacked up.