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18
CASH OR CARE
What if insurance companies gave ill patients the choice to accept an upfront, no-strings-attached monetary payout instead of treatment?
In this exciting medical thriller, the life of a talented psychiatrist Dr. Theodore Parker changes irrevocably the day he meets Mr. James Grady, an eccentric billionaire who was impressed by Dr. Parker’s idea to radically change the healthcare sector with a program called Medi$hoice. Under this program, patients have a “choice” to opt-out of any medical treatment and instead receive the cash equivalent of 18% of the would-be medical costs. As the program begins to take hold, Dr. Theodore Parker begins to discover more about Grady and his motives.
“…thought-provoking and promising premise… An attempt to fix the U.S. healthcare system goes very wrong in this new medical thriller.” - Kirkus Reviews
“This brief novel has a thought-provoking and promising premise, and it effectively develops it until it reaches a crescendo of deadly consequences.” - Kirkus Reviews
“[An] intriguing speculative tale…” - Kirkus Reviews
What if insurance companies gave ill patients the choice to accept an upfront, no-strings-attached monetary payout instead of treatment?
In this exciting medical thriller, the life of a talented psychiatrist Dr. Theodore Parker changes irrevocably the day he meets Mr. James Grady, an eccentric billionaire who was impressed by Dr. Parker’s idea to radically change the healthcare sector with a program called Medi$hoice. Under this program, patients have a “choice” to opt-out of any medical treatment and instead receive the cash equivalent of 18% of the would-be medical costs. As the program begins to take hold, Dr. Theodore Parker begins to discover more about Grady and his motives.
“…thought-provoking and promising premise… An attempt to fix the U.S. healthcare system goes very wrong in this new medical thriller.” - Kirkus Reviews
“This brief novel has a thought-provoking and promising premise, and it effectively develops it until it reaches a crescendo of deadly consequences.” - Kirkus Reviews
“[An] intriguing speculative tale…” - Kirkus Reviews
326 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2021
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 22, 2022
What a crazy read! I found this extremely interesting, because I could see a program like Medi$hoice being discussed (then dismissed for legal reasons). In Medi$house, patients receive 18% of what insurance would have paid for a medical treatment- if they opt out.
Obviously there are so many issues that can come out of this, and the book spends the majority showcasing some potential issues a program like this could cause from various narrators. The author did a fantastic job with this. I was hooked reading. They thought of everything I had thought of, and then some.
About the 50% mark signs start coming out that this isn't just an examination of the ramifications of a unique medical policy, but that there will be some twists and conspiracies, which dominate the last quarter of the book.
These style thrillers always go a few thrill or conspiracy levels bigger than a more set in reality take. But what I liked about this book is it first showed realistic, which had your brain spiraling thinking about a program like this in reality, then took it further to entertain the regular readers of medical thriller with conspiracy. I am not a reader of this type of book and I found so much to like about it.
A few things I didn't care for: I wish the chapters had the narrator name on the top. It wasn't impossible to keep up with the switches, but that would have been easier. Also some of the italicized sections would be too long and interrupts the flow. The conspiracy also went a little too far for me, but I think that's because I'm not a usual reader of the genre. I still enjoyed the book.
Thank-you so much @18theenovel for sending me a copy. It broke me out of a romcom rut in a great way and still has my brain turning with medical insurance what ifs.
Obviously there are so many issues that can come out of this, and the book spends the majority showcasing some potential issues a program like this could cause from various narrators. The author did a fantastic job with this. I was hooked reading. They thought of everything I had thought of, and then some.
About the 50% mark signs start coming out that this isn't just an examination of the ramifications of a unique medical policy, but that there will be some twists and conspiracies, which dominate the last quarter of the book.
These style thrillers always go a few thrill or conspiracy levels bigger than a more set in reality take. But what I liked about this book is it first showed realistic, which had your brain spiraling thinking about a program like this in reality, then took it further to entertain the regular readers of medical thriller with conspiracy. I am not a reader of this type of book and I found so much to like about it.
A few things I didn't care for: I wish the chapters had the narrator name on the top. It wasn't impossible to keep up with the switches, but that would have been easier. Also some of the italicized sections would be too long and interrupts the flow. The conspiracy also went a little too far for me, but I think that's because I'm not a usual reader of the genre. I still enjoyed the book.
Thank-you so much @18theenovel for sending me a copy. It broke me out of a romcom rut in a great way and still has my brain turning with medical insurance what ifs.
March 8, 2022
Who’s a fan of medical thrillers? I don’t usually read too many but it’s nice to change things up a bit.
This was a pretty thought provoking and interesting read. I enjoyed the questions raised regarding the health care system, ethical issues and human behaviour in a fictional setting. Overall a unique concept and entertaining read.
This was a pretty thought provoking and interesting read. I enjoyed the questions raised regarding the health care system, ethical issues and human behaviour in a fictional setting. Overall a unique concept and entertaining read.
November 12, 2021
'Give the power to the patients. Let them decide between treatment and an eighteen percent payout. Their life is in their hands.'
An intriguing medical thriller wih Dr. Theodore Parker as the protagonist.
The story begins where Dr. Parker briefs Scott, who is worried about his mother's deteriorating health, about his new scheme called Medi$hoice also known as 18.
The story proceeds as Dr. Parker recalls how he devised this scheme, the idea behind it and his meeting with James Grady.
'The modern medical system is one big scam.'
Dr. Parker had the plan ready, he knew about the American healthcare system and how medical insurance worked and its drawbacks which ultimately the patient or their family had to bear, so he came up with a scheme called medi$hoice, which gives a patient or their immediate family and option to either choose the treatment or let go of the treatment and receive from the insurance company a sum equal to 18% of the total cost of the treatment.
To actualize his plan, he needed help of James Grady, a successful personality.
Unaware of Grady's motive, Parker included him in this scheme.
But will this scheme prove beneficial in the long run? And what are Grady's real motive behind this !? Read the book to find out.
The beginning was slow and I couldn't connect to the story. But as the story proceeds, it gets more exciting. The language is simple with a unique plot.
Even a beginner can read it.
An intriguing medical thriller wih Dr. Theodore Parker as the protagonist.
The story begins where Dr. Parker briefs Scott, who is worried about his mother's deteriorating health, about his new scheme called Medi$hoice also known as 18.
The story proceeds as Dr. Parker recalls how he devised this scheme, the idea behind it and his meeting with James Grady.
'The modern medical system is one big scam.'
Dr. Parker had the plan ready, he knew about the American healthcare system and how medical insurance worked and its drawbacks which ultimately the patient or their family had to bear, so he came up with a scheme called medi$hoice, which gives a patient or their immediate family and option to either choose the treatment or let go of the treatment and receive from the insurance company a sum equal to 18% of the total cost of the treatment.
To actualize his plan, he needed help of James Grady, a successful personality.
Unaware of Grady's motive, Parker included him in this scheme.
But will this scheme prove beneficial in the long run? And what are Grady's real motive behind this !? Read the book to find out.
The beginning was slow and I couldn't connect to the story. But as the story proceeds, it gets more exciting. The language is simple with a unique plot.
Even a beginner can read it.
November 15, 2022
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review
As this is my first experience with “Medical Thrillers” I didn’t know what to expect, what I got was a twisty ride of conspiratorial, and dark questions through out the book that had my focus the whole time. This book was well done, and has honestly welcomed me into the genre lovingly. Some sections however got a little wordy but other than that this was fun!
Find my reviews on Instagram!
@jjbookaday
March 5, 2022
Set in the not too distant future this medical thriller was a thought provoking take on patient choice in health care. Psychiatrist Theodore Parker and billionaire James Grady team up to with an innovative take on insurance payments to provide choices to patients on their health and to stop overtreating, over diagnosing and prolonging life
It then moves on to show both sides of the debate with various narrators and scenarios. Like most things insurance related- if it sounds too good to be true….
I enjoyed the easy writing style, it drew me in immediately. I did find the story a bit slow in the middle but it picked up again at the ending. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
Thank to author Megdad Zaatreh for the complimentary copy to read and review.
It then moves on to show both sides of the debate with various narrators and scenarios. Like most things insurance related- if it sounds too good to be true….
I enjoyed the easy writing style, it drew me in immediately. I did find the story a bit slow in the middle but it picked up again at the ending. Overall it was an enjoyable read.
Thank to author Megdad Zaatreh for the complimentary copy to read and review.
March 4, 2022
Have you ever considered how the healthcare system conundrum could be solved? That’s exactly what Dr. Theodore Parker feels he has done when he approaches billionaire tech mogul James Grady with his unique plan, nicknamed 18, to fix the inefficient and inequitable healthcare system. What happens when the plan is implemented is a study in unanticipated consequences and an opportunity for exploitation on a grand scale.
I bet you’re thinking that a healthcare-centric novel could be a total snooze, but I assure you, this thriller is quite an unusual ride. The story is a fascinating study of human behavior and makes you ponder the complexity of the healthcare issue from a different perspective. I loved the range of characters and the ways that their interconnected lives illustrated the domino effects of the 18 plan. It’s never just the patient that is affected by 18, and the fallout can be devastating to all involved.
This outstanding debut novel is a well written page-turner with captivating characters. I was engrossed trying to anticipate the next moves that Dr. Parker and Mr. Grady would make as their personal connections changed their perspectives on 18’s application and intent. If you enjoy a good thriller with a twist, this read’s for you.
I bet you’re thinking that a healthcare-centric novel could be a total snooze, but I assure you, this thriller is quite an unusual ride. The story is a fascinating study of human behavior and makes you ponder the complexity of the healthcare issue from a different perspective. I loved the range of characters and the ways that their interconnected lives illustrated the domino effects of the 18 plan. It’s never just the patient that is affected by 18, and the fallout can be devastating to all involved.
This outstanding debut novel is a well written page-turner with captivating characters. I was engrossed trying to anticipate the next moves that Dr. Parker and Mr. Grady would make as their personal connections changed their perspectives on 18’s application and intent. If you enjoy a good thriller with a twist, this read’s for you.
November 11, 2021
18 by Megdad Zaatreh
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ and a half star.
Introduction
18 by Megdad Zaatreh is a dark-fiction, medical-thriller book that revolves around a Medical Insurance Scheme called Medi$hoice.
Storyline
Dr. Theodore Parker is the mastermind behind the Medi$hoice program. Grady joins in this mastermind so as to make everyone aware of the program. In order to make the US healthcare system captivative, things take turns and end up being something no one ever imagined. Also, it shows how love can take over things.
About
Published on 14 October 2021, this book is a good read for a beginner. The dark background of this book makes it more interesting. Easy and simple use of vocabulary helps a lot.
My thoughts
A good storyline with an easy-going language. This book makes you question the ongoing medical chaos and what you would do in such a situation. The end is something you would’ve never expected. The book sometimes gets deviated from the main storyline but keeps you hooked all along.
Here’s the link to get this book: https://amzn.to/2Y8wuQT
By Ankita Yadav
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ and a half star.
Introduction
18 by Megdad Zaatreh is a dark-fiction, medical-thriller book that revolves around a Medical Insurance Scheme called Medi$hoice.
Storyline
Dr. Theodore Parker is the mastermind behind the Medi$hoice program. Grady joins in this mastermind so as to make everyone aware of the program. In order to make the US healthcare system captivative, things take turns and end up being something no one ever imagined. Also, it shows how love can take over things.
About
Published on 14 October 2021, this book is a good read for a beginner. The dark background of this book makes it more interesting. Easy and simple use of vocabulary helps a lot.
My thoughts
A good storyline with an easy-going language. This book makes you question the ongoing medical chaos and what you would do in such a situation. The end is something you would’ve never expected. The book sometimes gets deviated from the main storyline but keeps you hooked all along.
Here’s the link to get this book: https://amzn.to/2Y8wuQT
By Ankita Yadav
November 12, 2021
💖Book Review 💖
ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ :18
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : M.M. Zaatreh
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ : Thirller
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢꜱ :🌟🌟🌟
#qotd :- Your last thirller read
Blurb:
The story was a medical thriller, the life of a talented psychiatrist Dr. Theodore Parker changes irrevocably the day he meets Mr. James Grady, an eccentric billionaire who was impressed by Dr. Parker's idea to radically change the healthcare sector with a program called Medi$hoice. Under this program, patients have a "choice" to opt-out of any medical treatment and instead receive the cash equivalent of 18% of the would-be medical costs. As the program begins to take hold, Dr. Theodore Parker begins to discover more about Grady and his motives...
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This was an okayish read ... I am not into this book completely bcoz I feel bored somewhere .... But the story was well plotted and characters are also plotted very well...
If you love reading this type stories you will love it 💖
I am not into this type story so that I feel bored 😌...
A good book with 3🌟
ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ :18
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : M.M. Zaatreh
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ : Thirller
ᴍʏ ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢꜱ :🌟🌟🌟
#qotd :- Your last thirller read
Blurb:
The story was a medical thriller, the life of a talented psychiatrist Dr. Theodore Parker changes irrevocably the day he meets Mr. James Grady, an eccentric billionaire who was impressed by Dr. Parker's idea to radically change the healthcare sector with a program called Medi$hoice. Under this program, patients have a "choice" to opt-out of any medical treatment and instead receive the cash equivalent of 18% of the would-be medical costs. As the program begins to take hold, Dr. Theodore Parker begins to discover more about Grady and his motives...
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
This was an okayish read ... I am not into this book completely bcoz I feel bored somewhere .... But the story was well plotted and characters are also plotted very well...
If you love reading this type stories you will love it 💖
I am not into this type story so that I feel bored 😌...
A good book with 3🌟
November 14, 2021
18
by Megdad Laatreh
This is an interesting story with a really new content and I enjoyed reading this book a lot . So basically the story is about a new program by a very talented and famous doctor Dr . Theodore Parker who gave the idea of medi$choice , that means the patient would be given an option to choose between the cure or the money of the treatment not the whole but definitely a lot .
Mr. James Grady an extremely rich person who loved the idea of medi$choice and the insurance companies started this program .
Is it really worth it? Would you choose money over your treatment for yourself or anyone close to you? What if you really need that money?
There comes a lot of question with such an idea why would someone start this kind of program? What is the need?
Mr . James Grady , had really bad intentions behind this which the doctor was unaware of .
Grab this book asap and know what happens next? What was his motive?
The story is amazing written in an easy language to understand and narration done is very well .
Must read 😍👍
by Megdad Laatreh
This is an interesting story with a really new content and I enjoyed reading this book a lot . So basically the story is about a new program by a very talented and famous doctor Dr . Theodore Parker who gave the idea of medi$choice , that means the patient would be given an option to choose between the cure or the money of the treatment not the whole but definitely a lot .
Mr. James Grady an extremely rich person who loved the idea of medi$choice and the insurance companies started this program .
Is it really worth it? Would you choose money over your treatment for yourself or anyone close to you? What if you really need that money?
There comes a lot of question with such an idea why would someone start this kind of program? What is the need?
Mr . James Grady , had really bad intentions behind this which the doctor was unaware of .
Grab this book asap and know what happens next? What was his motive?
The story is amazing written in an easy language to understand and narration done is very well .
Must read 😍👍
November 11, 2021
Book Review:
18 is essentially a thriller with a quirky and different concept. The story revolves around the US medical system and the concept of medical insurance.
Dr. Theodore Parker, a talented psychiatrist and Mr. James Grady, a billionaire are the main characters of this novel. The story unfurls with Mr. Grady becoming a part of Dr. Parker's scheme and he discovering things about Mr. Grady. What will be the ultimate outcome of this scheme? What are Mr. Grady's motives?
Megdad Zaatreh has penned a scintillating thriller. The concept is unique and the execution is phenomenal. There was a certain flow in which the story progressed and it was pleasant to read. Each chapter had an interesting and intriguing title which made reading more fun. The book was definitely unputdownable and even though it was conventional, the story never seemed dull for even one moment. I'm glad that I picked this one. Recommended. Happy reading!
18 is essentially a thriller with a quirky and different concept. The story revolves around the US medical system and the concept of medical insurance.
Dr. Theodore Parker, a talented psychiatrist and Mr. James Grady, a billionaire are the main characters of this novel. The story unfurls with Mr. Grady becoming a part of Dr. Parker's scheme and he discovering things about Mr. Grady. What will be the ultimate outcome of this scheme? What are Mr. Grady's motives?
Megdad Zaatreh has penned a scintillating thriller. The concept is unique and the execution is phenomenal. There was a certain flow in which the story progressed and it was pleasant to read. Each chapter had an interesting and intriguing title which made reading more fun. The book was definitely unputdownable and even though it was conventional, the story never seemed dull for even one moment. I'm glad that I picked this one. Recommended. Happy reading!
November 15, 2021
"18" by Megdad Zaatreh is an interesting medical Thriller which revolves around a talented psychiatrist, Dr. Theodore Parker. The story revolves around an unique topic where is Patient is given to choose between Cash and Care or we can say between Money and Treatment.
.
My foremost reason to pick this book up to read is it's title. "18" seemed very different, very unique. Next, the blurb of the book seemed very promising to me. The title, the cover, everything ought to invite you to read the book.
.
Coming to the book, I loved the plot of the book very much. Writing , narration, to the point. Characters were developed gradually with the flow of the book. However there were some elements, which seemed unwanted. Hence some parts were a bit bore. But other than that, everything was Perfect.
.
I personally loved the book and would surely recommend.
.
My foremost reason to pick this book up to read is it's title. "18" seemed very different, very unique. Next, the blurb of the book seemed very promising to me. The title, the cover, everything ought to invite you to read the book.
.
Coming to the book, I loved the plot of the book very much. Writing , narration, to the point. Characters were developed gradually with the flow of the book. However there were some elements, which seemed unwanted. Hence some parts were a bit bore. But other than that, everything was Perfect.
.
I personally loved the book and would surely recommend.
November 15, 2021
I thought this was a new, unique genre: medical thriller. There definitely are not enough that do not involve some sort of detective. Anyways, the premise and cover made me request this. The story? Good characterization and some you care about. Money or medicine is the choice offered as a healthcare plan created by a psychiatrist and billionaire that happen to meet. The people under this plan opt-out of the whatever medical treatment and receive 18% of what the treatment would have been. What would you choose? Which person in this collaboration is holding the bigger secret? Can they be stopped?
A highly recommended read and I am getting this on kindle after publication day.
Thanks to Netgalley, Megdad Zaatreh and the self publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Already available: 10/18/21
A highly recommended read and I am getting this on kindle after publication day.
Thanks to Netgalley, Megdad Zaatreh and the self publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Already available: 10/18/21
November 11, 2021
The book is a medical thriller. The storyline revolves around insurance companies, and What if they give ill patients the choice to accept a monetary payout instead of treatment?
The novel includes some of the characters like talented psychiatrist Dr. Theodore Parker, billionaire Mr. James Grady and Ruby. Dr came up with the idea to change the healthcare sector with a program called Medi$hoice. The book takes off quite well.
The chapters in the start are engaging as well. But soon it turns out to be monotonous.
The writing style of the book is beginner-friendly. The narrating style is good but the book does involve some unwanted details making it a bit dull to read.
Overall, a decent read.
The novel includes some of the characters like talented psychiatrist Dr. Theodore Parker, billionaire Mr. James Grady and Ruby. Dr came up with the idea to change the healthcare sector with a program called Medi$hoice. The book takes off quite well.
The chapters in the start are engaging as well. But soon it turns out to be monotonous.
The writing style of the book is beginner-friendly. The narrating style is good but the book does involve some unwanted details making it a bit dull to read.
Overall, a decent read.
February 19, 2025
18 by M.M. Zaatreh is a compelling coming-of-age novel that explores the challenges and emotional turmoil of turning 18, a time when life's possibilities seem both limitless and overwhelming. The story follows a young protagonist navigating relationships, identity, and the pressures of adulthood. Zaatreh’s writing is raw and relatable, capturing the uncertainty and excitement that come with transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. With a focus on personal growth and the search for meaning, 18 resonates with readers who enjoy introspective stories about youth and self-discovery.
February 3, 2022
Holy poop. this book was a THRILL, holy coooowwww. This is a rollercoaster, and that ending WHEWWW. I would just like to congratulate this author on such a unique concept and I've definitely never heard anything like it! This book was so amazing that I didn't know what to expect next. Great job writing this 💛
November 6, 2021
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A novel based on a system that offers patients money to forgo health care. Desperate people make desperate decisions. Interesting novel. Very dark.
A novel based on a system that offers patients money to forgo health care. Desperate people make desperate decisions. Interesting novel. Very dark.
February 8, 2023
I went through a beautiful journey by reading this novel,
The theme is new about medical insurance system which replaces the medical care by cash . In addition to the powerful story the Author was creative, he had amazing way in describing things places names, memories, moment, characters, actions words, feelings
It did not only captivate my senses but also stimulates my mind to enjoy every line
The beautiful the characters where described as if he is painting a wonderful pictures as saying about one character was " intensely handsome.."...
And as you go by story you connect lines together until you reach the final chapters where an exciting corner of events happened.
I highly recommend reading this novel and congratulate the author for this amazing work and eagerly waiting a new ones
The theme is new about medical insurance system which replaces the medical care by cash . In addition to the powerful story the Author was creative, he had amazing way in describing things places names, memories, moment, characters, actions words, feelings
It did not only captivate my senses but also stimulates my mind to enjoy every line
The beautiful the characters where described as if he is painting a wonderful pictures as saying about one character was " intensely handsome.."...
And as you go by story you connect lines together until you reach the final chapters where an exciting corner of events happened.
I highly recommend reading this novel and congratulate the author for this amazing work and eagerly waiting a new ones
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews