The Compound | 
My last BOTM box sorted. I haven‘t been thrilled with many of the choices lately but wanted a free b‘day book. Will cancel when it arrives.
pan⭐️⭐️
Too much telling, not enough showing. Grossly underdeveloped characters. No backstory. No explanation for time, place, or why the show exists. Nothing to make me care what happened. Maybe if I watched reality dating shows, the satire would‘ve landed? Was this satire? I don‘t even know. It wasn‘t clever nor humorous. Want a dystopian competition reality show with a solid message? Try Chain-Gang All-Stars.
Meh… just meh for me. A quick listen though!
pickDo I need to watch more reality tv? I had such a good time with this! Hypnotically engaging, The Compound examines the insidious nature of consumerism as our ultimate escape from reality and barrier to connection. Loved the narration 🎧
pickWe meet Lily and the 18 other contestants as they arrive at The Compound, a place in the desert and location of a reality show of the same name. They compete in group and (secret) individual tasks to try to stay in the game as long as possible. There‘s so much here about interpersonal relationships, capitalism, and even climate change. I‘ve never been a fan of this type of reality show, but I did love this book.
so-so⭐️⭐️⭐️
“The Compound” was an interesting microcosm of human nature. It was bingeable, but I wish it had dug deeper and hit harder. I think reality show fans will like this more! 🎧
pickThink a Survivor/Big Brother ‘ish competition in the not to distant future where the end-date of the game is negotiable and the small amenities of life (received as rewards) as we currently know it have significant value on the open market. With a dwindling ensemble cast of 19 characters I liked this but it was a slow roll for me. With the ensemble I was expecting multiple perspectives but we only got the perspective of the FMC, Lily.
I want this book and I love the cover.
My friends hate the cover!
Who is right? Haha
The Compound is a house out in the desert where 18 young people compete in a reality competition by pairing up with another contestant. As they work together to solve challenges, they get rewarded with items from sponsors (don‘t forget to thank them!)
