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Books For Youth - Fiction - Mystery
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The Compound.
Bodeen, S. A. (author).
May 2008. 256p. Feiwel and Friends, hardcover, $16.95 (9780312370152). Grades 7-12.
REVIEW.
First published April 15, 2008 (Booklist).
Ever since their world was destroyed by a nuclear attack, 15-year-old Eli and his family have lived in the Compound, a state-of-the-art bomb shelter built by his billionaire father. Despite having every comfort, Eli is haunted by the fact that his twin and his grandmother were left behind. He also begins to question his father’s sanity after an inventory miscalculation threatens their survival, and his dad hatches a morally corrupt plan to “enhance their food supply.” Eli’s worst suspicions are confirmed when he discovers a live Internet signal using an old laptop. Did the world really end six years ago? Why else would Eli’s father want to keep his family underground? Debut novelist Bodeen effectively builds the claustrophobic suspense with each chapter as readers slowly discover the Compound is not the refuge it seems. Combining elements of Margaret Peterson Haddix’s Running Out of Time (1995) and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go (2005), published for adults, this postapocalyptic thriller will also pique the interest of Nancy Werlin and L. J. Adlington fans.
Jennifer Hubert
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Features That Discuss This Work: 1. Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers : 2009
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