The Concierge

by R. Vincent Tibbetts

Marteen has dreams, aspirations and absolutely no idea what he's doing or what he's up against. Marteen lives in a world where those who can find a connection with the wealthy and powerful are rewarded, the rest linger in abject poverty. Marteen has a loose plan to escape his limited life in this top-heavy society. There is one job within the confines of the metropolis that can raise him above his static station. Determined to achieve his goal, Marteen embarks on a chaotic and bumbling journey through the concrete class system epitomizing the phrase, be careful what you wish for. Welcome to the arcane and Kafkaesque world of The Concierge.

Genres: Fiction

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2018

About the author

R. Vincent Tibbetts was raised in Western Pennsylvania during the 1970's. It was a time when their professional football team captured the heart of a city. It was because of this that the surrounding areas immersed themselves in a culture of winning, however those feelings changed with the death of the steel industry. Witnessing the economic shock-wave ripple through these communities from the gutting of such an industrial expanse had an impact on his psyche. It led him to see his surroundings in a new light, he grew to have an appreciation for how things worked, the workings of the natural world, and developing a mindset for conservation.

His interests in art, photography, and film production brought him to California and a career in the entertainment business where he is a Chief Lighting Technician or Studio Electrician.

He is an entrepreneur at heart.
His hobbies include beach volleyball, golf, softball, hiking, camping, and surfing.

Reviews

[April eclecticbookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received in a Goodreads giveaway. Short dystopian of the near future. It was both realistic but still vague on how we arrived in the situation America is in. The end was a little muddled and abrupt.

[Sandra Beck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Goodreads as I get to read and review.
The Concierge is one you want more of.
Interesting and hmm. Read it folks.

[Carol Stephan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the year is not identified, this dystopian story seems to be set in the near future. Martial law has been imposed for the "have not's" although the wealthy seem to live as they would have in the past. The story centers on Marteen, a young man who was not around for the "before." No background is given for him, such as whether he has family or how he came to be on his own. There are very few characters in this book. I wasn't sure if Marteen was simple-minded or just sheltered so I would have liked it if there were other characters in his age group.

Marteen has a dream to become a concierge and he does land a job with a wealthy family although his job is more of an errand boy. The book is a short one, only 151 pages. I would have liked the story to be more fleshed out. That said, I was interested in what transpired. There is plenty one could speculate on as to how some of this already exists in our society.

The author's use of commas and some grammar was a bit disarming at times.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read which was good because the world Marteen lives in is very oppressive and strict. There are so many rules. This is not the type of book I usually read. However, as I read more I was curious to find out if Marteen would start his own business, what would he do, the people he would meet, etc. After all that and what happened (you will have to read it yourself), I really liked how it ended. I think this is a book that will stay with you for a while and give you something to ruminate. I thank the author, publisher, and Goodreads for the book. My opinions are my own. #goodreadsgiveaway

[Jenee Rager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the distant Future, "The Concierge" is a fast, fun read. Marteen is a poor man, making his living as a bicycle courier, and dreaming of financial freedom. With nothing but his grit to offer, he gets a job as a concierge for a powerful politicians wife.

The story is a modern take on elitism, and could serve as a warning for what's going on in this country right now. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, although I wish a few details were a bit more fleshed out, and the ending seemed very rushed, but all in all it was a good, fun read from goodreads, and I would read this author again.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a case of not judging a book by its cover. From that, it looked like I wouldn't enjoy the book, but the story is very much about people and society (at a time when society has taken a negative turn). Although the book can be read as a futurist world, the reality is that many of the things in the book are happening now (to a certain extent). Hard to go into details without giving things away, but the book certainly makes you think.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange story

This is a strange story that seems to have some parallels to reality. Many people are not doing well and it can certainly be at least partially blamed on riding debt both personal and societal. Special interests frequently have more consideration given them than the needs of citizens. Common sense isn't common anymore.

[Natalie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just started my new book!!! I'm about a quarter finished and so far I am loving it! I will write a more in depth review later but for now I would like to thank the author for giving me a copy. It's really great!

Update: I have just finished The Concierge and I have to say I really enjoyed it! The plot was engaging, the characters were interesting, and I found it thought provoking. I am very happy I won the book and I would like the thank the author again for sending it to me. Your a very talented writer!

[Lori Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well written book. it was a quick read. I just found myself wanting more story and a more dramatic ending that I could understand better.

[Joseph Dubey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one. I especially liked the ending.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book - appreciate it.

Without giving away any of the story, in my humble opinion it has a powerful message to anyone who can make the connection.

Sincerely,
Barbara