The Compound: A GMA Book Club Pick: A Novel

“We had built up a kind of immunity to the harshness that was necessary to live in the compound. And so, a few days later, in exchange for a Persian rug, we banished two people.” This book is based on reality TV—Big Brother or Love Island, who knows—and starts out at a crawl with little by way of tension. Enough strikes in my book, so I can’t believe I plowed through this addictive read. Maybe it’s a case of mistaken identity. I have a mental checklist of expectations by genre and, at first, nothing was sticking. When it hit me that this story is as much about characters as plot, the light bulb clicked on. Reality TV is about fame and money, yes, but this book is also about the persons who seek it and why. Why go on television knowing their every word and facial expression will be critiqued, criticized, or mocked in the off chance that some viewer will adore them, brands will offer contracts, and money will flow. It also critiques the ways in which reality TV producers sow distrust and fear; encourage betrayal; bait contestants by targeting their weaknesses and compulsions. “It felt like a vulgar thing, to admit to how much it thrilled me: the promise of material things, the rush you get from obtaining something new, something better than you had before. I was frequently anxious, feeling as though whenever I wasn’t requesting something I was wasting my opportunity.” Rawle exposes the darker side of reality TV and assembles a cast worth studying. After a slow start, she quickly adds tension and mystery that will keep fans of plot-driven writing captivated. “People did die after the show though—there was a long list now of people who’d taken their lives after they returned home—but that was a separate issue.” Thank you to Random House Publishing—Random House and NetGalley for providing this e-galley.

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.

Found this book interesting and a look into how reality television can change individuals’ perceptions for better or worse.

Not a bad book. I think younger crowds will enjoy it more than people age 50 and above. Mysterious ending.

I didn’t know what to expect, but I was definitely in for a ride. Very juicy!!