The Compound: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

WOW - This had such potential - Love Island meets Survivor meets Big Brother - NOPE - the MOST BORING female lead character I have ever read - literally NOTHING happens - it was like watching a very boring episode of Love Island / BIG BROTHER / Survivor where the FLOATERS make it to the end by doing nothing. It drones on and on and Lily is so self absorbed and just plain STUPID. She heartily admits all she has going for her are her LOOKS and she was fired from her previous job because she couldn't do simple math - (7+9) - WHAT ?? I sped this AUDIOBOOK up to 3x the speed just to get through it - but I would NOT recommend this book to anyone who was hoping for some spice / Lord of the Flies / Love Island / Survivor scenarios. Nothing happens. I am being kind by giving it TWO STARS - because it deserves ONE.

Felt slightly unsatisfying, had high hopes based on set up. Very compelling!!

The Compound is fast-paced and disturbing in the best way—full of characters desperate for fame and recognition, chasing rewards and “prizes” at any cost. The lengths they’ll go to, including physical harm, make it both horrifying and impossible to put down.

What struck me most was how believable it felt, like a reality show (Big Brother on steroids) pushed to its darkest extreme. A fascinating, unsettling, and wildly entertaining story.

I would have rated this higher if not for the abrupt wtf ending. It was slow but still interesting. Slow was kind of the point. Then just ... she leaves at the end. And,... that's it?

I really had no expectations here. However, one of my top summer reads. Interesting and a bit dark at times. The Compound kept me hooked.