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The Compound
S.A. Bodeen's The Compound is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.
Eli and his family have lived in the underground Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone, and they've become accustomed to their new life. Accustomed, but not happy. No amount of luxury can stifle the dull routine of living in the same place, with only his two sisters, only his father and mother, doing the same thing day after day after day. As problems with their carefully planned existence threaten to destroy their sanctuary―and their sanity―Eli can't help but wonder if he'd rather take his chances outside. Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. But are they safe―really?
Eli and his family have lived in the underground Compound for six years. The world they knew is gone, and they've become accustomed to their new life. Accustomed, but not happy. No amount of luxury can stifle the dull routine of living in the same place, with only his two sisters, only his father and mother, doing the same thing day after day after day. As problems with their carefully planned existence threaten to destroy their sanctuary―and their sanity―Eli can't help but wonder if he'd rather take his chances outside. Eli's father built the Compound to keep them safe. But are they safe―really?
245 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2008
868 people are currently reading
18794 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Bodeen
17 books747 followersAlso writes as Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen.
Stephanie is the award-winning author of the Elizabeti's Doll series of picture books, as well as several others. Her young adult novels include the award-winning The Compound and The Raft, and her next YA The Detour releases October 2015. The first two volumes of her middle grade series, Shipwreck Island and Lost, are available now.
Stephanie is the award-winning author of the Elizabeti's Doll series of picture books, as well as several others. Her young adult novels include the award-winning The Compound and The Raft, and her next YA The Detour releases October 2015. The first two volumes of her middle grade series, Shipwreck Island and Lost, are available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,030 reviews
December 24, 2018
Holy BALLS batman.
25 stars!!!
This just MIGHT be the best book I have ever read. At lest the best book i have read in 5 years, beating out "The Hunger Games" i'm not even lying here.
This book kept me enthralled to the point i lost all track of time, time did not exist for me for a few hours. I read this one straight from page 1 - 245, non-stop. The storyline was interesting and the author did such a good job of pacing in this book! The book is quite a quick read with being less than 300 pages, but the quick pace it is a very well rounded plot with complete characters. The pacing in the book goes from a fast power walk to a all out run for your life the shit just hit the fan, without any fluff or low filler points to speak of.
When i read "The Hunger Games" i was left with and overwhelming feeling of:
rage against the machine,
stand against powerful government,
beware of fancy eyelashes that conceal the devil.
and dont f* with Katniss Everdeen
The Compound is more along the lines of:
beware of the enemy within
ALWAYS trust your instincts in ALL aspects of being human
daddy is cray cray
one person can change everything
going against the status quo just might get you everything you want
and when vacationing (if your a big baller) hire security
Both relevant and both necessary.
Where many if not the majority of Dystopian novels follow the formula of war, famine, disease, weird science, apocalypse, armageddon etc, this novel is different in the way that the "incident" that they are surviving was imposed upon them in an unusual way.
As i have stated many many times the hunger games is not for kids and most teens, this one could be appropriate for..... um middle teen and adolescence it is creepy and thought provoking but not scary and has about 3 bad words (probably less than this review) (if that bothers you, it clearly doesnt me) but as always you know your child, and what they can take so read it first and you decide from there.
I have read a few reviews about the characters being winey.
HELLO THEIR CHILDREN WITH A CERTIFIABLE DAD LIVING UNDERGROUND WITH NO OTHER HUMAN CONTACT of course they are winey
Ok recognize
And the thing about the other kids..... I blocked out
25 stars!!!
This just MIGHT be the best book I have ever read. At lest the best book i have read in 5 years, beating out "The Hunger Games" i'm not even lying here.
This book kept me enthralled to the point i lost all track of time, time did not exist for me for a few hours. I read this one straight from page 1 - 245, non-stop. The storyline was interesting and the author did such a good job of pacing in this book! The book is quite a quick read with being less than 300 pages, but the quick pace it is a very well rounded plot with complete characters. The pacing in the book goes from a fast power walk to a all out run for your life the shit just hit the fan, without any fluff or low filler points to speak of.
When i read "The Hunger Games" i was left with and overwhelming feeling of:
rage against the machine,
stand against powerful government,
beware of fancy eyelashes that conceal the devil.
and dont f* with Katniss Everdeen
The Compound is more along the lines of:
beware of the enemy within
ALWAYS trust your instincts in ALL aspects of being human
daddy is cray cray
one person can change everything
going against the status quo just might get you everything you want
and when vacationing (if your a big baller) hire security
Both relevant and both necessary.
Where many if not the majority of Dystopian novels follow the formula of war, famine, disease, weird science, apocalypse, armageddon etc, this novel is different in the way that the "incident" that they are surviving was imposed upon them in an unusual way.
As i have stated many many times the hunger games is not for kids and most teens, this one could be appropriate for..... um middle teen and adolescence it is creepy and thought provoking but not scary and has about 3 bad words (probably less than this review) (if that bothers you, it clearly doesnt me) but as always you know your child, and what they can take so read it first and you decide from there.
I have read a few reviews about the characters being winey.
HELLO THEIR CHILDREN WITH A CERTIFIABLE DAD LIVING UNDERGROUND WITH NO OTHER HUMAN CONTACT of course they are winey
Ok recognize
And the thing about the other kids..... I blocked out
August 30, 2008
A very slow start and a whiny unappealling character made this a difficult read for me. Eli changes a bit too abruptly to a caring individual and the entire premise was a stretch. A reader who hangs on through the first 2/3 of the book will eventually be caught up in the tension and want to see if the family survives.
January 17, 2016
4.5 Stars!
First, let me start off by saying I read this in one sitting. Could not put it down!
Summary:
This is a story about Eli and his family who are very well off. No wait, lets face it they're loaded! Eli's father is one of the most influential people in the world and has been preparing for a nuclear war. Then, the worst happens and they are forced into the underground compound that his father built to protect his family. They have been down there for 6 years, but then things don't add up. Questions no one can answer. What is really happening?
Dislikes:
The writing is where I had some issues. It's supposed to be a young adult novel but at some points I felt as if the writing style was middle grade. I guess with all the sensitive topics, I just expected a little more from the writing.
Likes:
The PLOT TWIST!! So many messed up and infuriating things happening but at the same time you cannot put the book down. I had to know what happens immediately. I really enjoyed Eli and his families characters, I thought they were very well developed. I really felt like I connected with them.
Overall:
I really enjoyed the story and I cannot wait to continue the series! If you like dystopian, it is worth reading this. I think this is a really interesting take on what we think as dystopian.
First, let me start off by saying I read this in one sitting. Could not put it down!
Summary:
This is a story about Eli and his family who are very well off. No wait, lets face it they're loaded! Eli's father is one of the most influential people in the world and has been preparing for a nuclear war. Then, the worst happens and they are forced into the underground compound that his father built to protect his family. They have been down there for 6 years, but then things don't add up. Questions no one can answer. What is really happening?
Dislikes:
The writing is where I had some issues. It's supposed to be a young adult novel but at some points I felt as if the writing style was middle grade. I guess with all the sensitive topics, I just expected a little more from the writing.
Likes:
The PLOT TWIST!! So many messed up and infuriating things happening but at the same time you cannot put the book down. I had to know what happens immediately. I really enjoyed Eli and his families characters, I thought they were very well developed. I really felt like I connected with them.
Overall:
I really enjoyed the story and I cannot wait to continue the series! If you like dystopian, it is worth reading this. I think this is a really interesting take on what we think as dystopian.
October 25, 2017
This was so ridiculous. I’m actually kind of mad at myself for finishing it. Crazed millionaire decides he wants to get away from it all (meaning the world). He fakes his and his family’s death, but leads his family to believe the world has been bombed. He leads them to an underground home he’s built that has been stocked with supplies that are supposed to carry them through many long years. Instead, a number of things go wrong and food starts going bad. Somehow he convinces his wife to start having children with the idea that they can use them for food if necessary. Eli, the eldest son (who left a twin on the outside when things were bombed and still mourns for him) starts questioning his dad’s motives and sanity (WHO WOULDN’T). He eventually discovers his dad has locked them underground for no reason. He manages to uncover the sequence to unlock the door to the outside and convince some of his siblings of their dad’s insanity. They escape and are reunited with the twin and granny. Who, no doubt, are surprised to meet two new members of the family who, luckily, now won’t need to be used as fodder. This book was repulsive. Do not read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
Great "post-apocalyptic" story filled with all types of emotion, drama and suspense.
If you like films like 10 Cloverfield Lane and Ex-Machina you're gonna love this book.
If you like films like 10 Cloverfield Lane and Ex-Machina you're gonna love this book.
January 11, 2018
5*
This book is so much fun. The main character Eli has to live 15 years underground in a compound because of radiation from a nuclear explosion outside. Once underground mysteries begin to unravel. The first mysterious thing mentioned was "The yellow door". Wtf is behind the yellow door? From there on it gets more and more crazy.
The biggest problem with this book is the logic behind everything is really really bad. I only rate based on entertainment so it didn't really matter to me, but if this was a book I found boring I would have roasted it. Just have fun with this book and take the things that don't make sense with a grain of salt. If you take this book too seriously you're going to hate it.
This book is so much fun. The main character Eli has to live 15 years underground in a compound because of radiation from a nuclear explosion outside. Once underground mysteries begin to unravel. The first mysterious thing mentioned was "The yellow door". Wtf is behind the yellow door? From there on it gets more and more crazy.
The biggest problem with this book is the logic behind everything is really really bad. I only rate based on entertainment so it didn't really matter to me, but if this was a book I found boring I would have roasted it. Just have fun with this book and take the things that don't make sense with a grain of salt. If you take this book too seriously you're going to hate it.
May 29, 2011
This book makes me a little happy. Why? Because it gives me hope that someday, even I will be able to call myself a published writer.
But mostly, this book just makes me sad. I can sum it up in two words: squandered. potential.
I assume the author wrote this during National Novel Writing Month, because it reads like a 2nd or 3rd NaNoWriMo draft. The first 5 chapters are decent - gripping, even. I started getting anxious about the time Eli ventures into Eddy's room and retrieves a certain electronic device. Because then? Eli takes us on a very, very, very long tour of the compound. A tour that leads absolutely nowhere and serves almost zero purpose in the plot. And seriously - he's been down there, supposedly isolating himself from his family - for six years, and he's never explored? Not even a tiny bit? I call shenanigans.
The characters are all a little flat. The dad extremely so. The plot is intensely predictable. The big "mystery" was figured out in approximately 3.5 seconds. This book is just not good. I think with SEVERAL MORE revisions, it might have been at least approaching decent. As it is - it is not worth your time.
Life is way too short for me to continue reading these crappy books. Ugh.
But mostly, this book just makes me sad. I can sum it up in two words: squandered. potential.
I assume the author wrote this during National Novel Writing Month, because it reads like a 2nd or 3rd NaNoWriMo draft. The first 5 chapters are decent - gripping, even. I started getting anxious about the time Eli ventures into Eddy's room and retrieves a certain electronic device. Because then? Eli takes us on a very, very, very long tour of the compound. A tour that leads absolutely nowhere and serves almost zero purpose in the plot. And seriously - he's been down there, supposedly isolating himself from his family - for six years, and he's never explored? Not even a tiny bit? I call shenanigans.
The characters are all a little flat. The dad extremely so. The plot is intensely predictable. The big "mystery" was figured out in approximately 3.5 seconds. This book is just not good. I think with SEVERAL MORE revisions, it might have been at least approaching decent. As it is - it is not worth your time.
Life is way too short for me to continue reading these crappy books. Ugh.
October 26, 2008
Eli has lived in the Compound for six years now. His billionaire/genius father built the Compound as a safe haven for his family in the event of a nuclear war. The old world, the family likes to refer to, no longer exists. And neither do Eli’s twin brother, Eddy, and his grandmother, which is Eli’s fault. After six years the food is depleting rapidly and so is the family’s demeanor. Eli’s father sporadic behavior and secrets are also becoming a concern. Eli begins to discover things that simply don’t add up. The Compound that was built to keep them safe, may be no more than a prison in which the family can’t escape.
Yet another great book for 2008! This book was suspenseful, thrilling and completely captivating! I initially did have some skepticism, I mean how much can one person do when they are stuck underground?? Could it really be that entertaining? But I love it when authors prove me wrong and this is one of those books. The storyline was awesome! I sat down to read it, and I could not put it down. I recommend you grab your own copy of The Compound on April 29th!
Yet another great book for 2008! This book was suspenseful, thrilling and completely captivating! I initially did have some skepticism, I mean how much can one person do when they are stuck underground?? Could it really be that entertaining? But I love it when authors prove me wrong and this is one of those books. The storyline was awesome! I sat down to read it, and I could not put it down. I recommend you grab your own copy of The Compound on April 29th!
November 7, 2010
Almost every single paragraph in this book seemed to introduce some strange new intriguing information. It was somewhat predictable but also felt like anything could happened, especially when it came to the father in the story. It really seemed like he was capable of unspeakable horrors.
The story was very original. It actually made me think of the underground vaults in the game Fallout. And there is a scene in the book with a hatch and someone banging on it and yelling Nooooo. That made me laugh even though it was supposed to be serious. I only laughed because of the whole John Locke hatch thing in Lost. You either know exactly what I'm talking about or you have no clue, but it was great. I wondered then if that scene in Lost was what caused the author to come up with the concept for this book. That would be amazing. Hey, it could happen.
I also love how when talking about his dog, Eli describes being able to feel her warmth at his feet even though he knows she's gone, and proceeds to call her his phantom limb. I don't know why but I thought that was so beautiful. I guess because I'm a dog owner and I can completely relate.
I'm not really sure what classification this book would fall under. Could it really be considered dystopia or post-apocalyptic? The compound itself if a sort of dystopia, but is that enough for it to qualify? I don't think it really matters but it was just something I was pondering. Hmmmmm. Whenever I say the word pondering, it makes me go "Hmmmmm". Strange.
I listened to this one on audio book and I have to say that the reader did an amazing job after the first few chapters (where he sounded a little monotone), but then he really got going and made the story come to life. Each character really sounded like their own person with a unique voice and mannerisms. His portrayal of the father was at times terrifying. I'm not sure if I would have felt differently about this book had I read it, because the audio was just so well done. I found myself wanting to drive around more just so I could listen longer. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend the audio book.
The story was very original. It actually made me think of the underground vaults in the game Fallout. And there is a scene in the book with a hatch and someone banging on it and yelling Nooooo. That made me laugh even though it was supposed to be serious. I only laughed because of the whole John Locke hatch thing in Lost. You either know exactly what I'm talking about or you have no clue, but it was great. I wondered then if that scene in Lost was what caused the author to come up with the concept for this book. That would be amazing. Hey, it could happen.
I also love how when talking about his dog, Eli describes being able to feel her warmth at his feet even though he knows she's gone, and proceeds to call her his phantom limb. I don't know why but I thought that was so beautiful. I guess because I'm a dog owner and I can completely relate.
I'm not really sure what classification this book would fall under. Could it really be considered dystopia or post-apocalyptic? The compound itself if a sort of dystopia, but is that enough for it to qualify? I don't think it really matters but it was just something I was pondering. Hmmmmm. Whenever I say the word pondering, it makes me go "Hmmmmm". Strange.
I listened to this one on audio book and I have to say that the reader did an amazing job after the first few chapters (where he sounded a little monotone), but then he really got going and made the story come to life. Each character really sounded like their own person with a unique voice and mannerisms. His portrayal of the father was at times terrifying. I'm not sure if I would have felt differently about this book had I read it, because the audio was just so well done. I found myself wanting to drive around more just so I could listen longer. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend the audio book.
November 13, 2009
The Compound is such an amazing book. I really love books about people hiding out or being trapped within places like towers etc. When I began to read The Compound I thought it would resemble The Host by Stephenie Meyer only, without the aliens. But nope, The Compound is nothing like The Host.
I loved the descriptions of The Compound. S.A. Bodeen described scenes so well. It was almost like I was in The Compound with Eli and his family.
Another thing I loved about The Compound is that it is highly suspensful. You think you know what is going on and then more layers are pulled back and more secrets are revealed. There are so many twists and turns that it is so amazing. I found myself sitting down and reading the entire book because I just wanted to know more and more about what was happening.
I really liked the ending. It left an opening for a sequel but I don't think there will be a sequel. It was an effective ending.
I would say that The Compound is a very very unique and highly entertaining book. I would say you should definitely check it out because it is such a great book.
I loved the descriptions of The Compound. S.A. Bodeen described scenes so well. It was almost like I was in The Compound with Eli and his family.
Another thing I loved about The Compound is that it is highly suspensful. You think you know what is going on and then more layers are pulled back and more secrets are revealed. There are so many twists and turns that it is so amazing. I found myself sitting down and reading the entire book because I just wanted to know more and more about what was happening.
I really liked the ending. It left an opening for a sequel but I don't think there will be a sequel. It was an effective ending.
I would say that The Compound is a very very unique and highly entertaining book. I would say you should definitely check it out because it is such a great book.
October 18, 2019
4/5stars
Y’all this was really good! I’m very impressed. I’d only ever heard of this because of Dylan but this is a great YA dystopian book - it’s pretty damn dark tho so be warned! I couldn’t put this down and was shook constantly as we found out more and more. Also definitely way dif than I was expecting ! So pleasantly surprised
Y’all this was really good! I’m very impressed. I’d only ever heard of this because of Dylan but this is a great YA dystopian book - it’s pretty damn dark tho so be warned! I couldn’t put this down and was shook constantly as we found out more and more. Also definitely way dif than I was expecting ! So pleasantly surprised
April 27, 2008
Neat premise and a fun read. Literally a page-turner!
December 7, 2016
Eli was born into a very wealthy family with his dad's name known worldwide. But his life changes in an instance when a nuclear war started, he had to flee from his RV vacation trip and head to THE COMPOUND. Eli has lived in the THE COMPOUND for six years now and is anxious to hurry up the fifteen years that he has to stay there. Therefore Eli does some snooping around and ends up in his dead brother's room. He realizes that there is a laptop in the room, when he opens the laptop he looks at the icon at the very bottom that says... internet connected. Eli has no idea what this could mean for him and his family, are there other people alive beside them!?!
I totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a action packed book. This book is extremely boring in the the beginning, but if you hold on a little longer it gets real interesting real fast! I loved how many major plot twist there are in this book, but I don't like how they keep you waiting so long. This book makes you feel every feeling you could ever think of. This book reminds me of every action packed book I have ever read!
I totally recommend this book to anyone looking for a action packed book. This book is extremely boring in the the beginning, but if you hold on a little longer it gets real interesting real fast! I loved how many major plot twist there are in this book, but I don't like how they keep you waiting so long. This book makes you feel every feeling you could ever think of. This book reminds me of every action packed book I have ever read!
Read
June 9, 2008All for Kids said, "What a book! I was swept along by this story of a wealthy family who must spend the next 15 years in a bunker to escape a nuclear war, a war no one knew was coming. The grandmother and one of the twins are left outside, there is no contact with the world, and the family thinks their dad is going crazy. Kind of creepy but if you like survival stories, you’ll like this. Available May 2008, ages 12 and up."
Interesting and quite creepy, so some kids will like it. I was annoyed by a major plot element that was medically implausible.
Interesting and quite creepy, so some kids will like it. I was annoyed by a major plot element that was medically implausible.
Read
June 4, 2015meh
October 13, 2016
I read the Compound by S.A. Bodeen.It is about a boy named Eli and how his family survives a nuclear attack by retreating into a bunker five feet underground called the Compound. Even though they live in a luxurious bunker, nothing can make up for the fact that Eli has lost his grandma and twin brother. He has no connection to the outside world until one day when he goes into his brother's room and finds a computer! This book makes you feel like you are in the Compound with them and you are facing their problems too. I personally didn't like the the first part of the book but was happy I kept reading because it became very interesting. Also, towards the end of the book you never know what's true or what's false. I'm so glad there is a second book because the book makes me want to read more. If you like books that have mystery, futuristic components and some realistic fiction you will love the Compound.
June 23, 2015
When you read a book in 2 days does that mean it was scary good or so ridiculous you just had to get to the end as fast as possible? This is the exact question I am trying to ponder about Compound.
I really hated that this was about twins. I feel like people throw twins about like toilet paper then don't really use them in a compelling way. This book was the exact opposite. Eddy seemed to be the sole reason for EVERYTHING wrong in Eli's life. He was the reason Eli loved to cry and whine, he was also the sudden reason Eli stopped crying and whining! It made everything so depressing!
I didn't really feel like 6 years has passed, nor that anything really happened in that 6 years. The young Eli felt exactly the same as the older Eli. He spent all 6 years working out in the gym?! Really?! If you are going to do a time jump, make it worth my while! Show us the spoiled, self centered brat that was young Eli and the lean, cold beast that should have been older Eli.
And please for all that is good storytelling, give us an inciting event! Don't just pop us to the future and have Eli suddenly decide to be different! Yes, you used first person narrative and it is SOOOOO easy to just tell us straight from Eli's brain that he's tired of how things are and THING WILL CHANGE then suddenly have them change, but this is not fun to read... That is what I was really missing in this book, events. Yes, major things happen in the end, and a few moments are scattered throughout but I wanted to experience it to! That means a scene needs to be developed. Things need to actively happen. Time passes and realizations are reached. Then more action on those realizations. This had no timeline. I felt it happened in less than a week's time. Ridiculous!
And the wrongheaded teaching in this book. You DO NOT poison your husband with bad grain and still think you are a good person! By all means poison him but don't pretend you don't know that it is killing him. And I really disliked that there was a focus on symptoms that were listed as if those equal crazy! Focus on the psychological effects his actions were having on the family. Show how they started to escalate due to the food situation. The only saving grace was that Mom wouldn't give in to such easy labeling as "crazy."
Was the story thought out? Yes. Reasons are given for everything. Sometimes they felt like thin ones and other times very well developed. I just wish I cared about Eli. That I cared about that kid locked up underground and for his family. I couldn't muster much of anything. Even when they got out Eddy himself didn't seem interested in his family's experience and what happened to their dad...
BOTTOM LINE: If Eddy isn't interested in Eli's story, why should I be?
I really hated that this was about twins. I feel like people throw twins about like toilet paper then don't really use them in a compelling way. This book was the exact opposite. Eddy seemed to be the sole reason for EVERYTHING wrong in Eli's life. He was the reason Eli loved to cry and whine, he was also the sudden reason Eli stopped crying and whining! It made everything so depressing!
I didn't really feel like 6 years has passed, nor that anything really happened in that 6 years. The young Eli felt exactly the same as the older Eli. He spent all 6 years working out in the gym?! Really?! If you are going to do a time jump, make it worth my while! Show us the spoiled, self centered brat that was young Eli and the lean, cold beast that should have been older Eli.
And please for all that is good storytelling, give us an inciting event! Don't just pop us to the future and have Eli suddenly decide to be different! Yes, you used first person narrative and it is SOOOOO easy to just tell us straight from Eli's brain that he's tired of how things are and THING WILL CHANGE then suddenly have them change, but this is not fun to read... That is what I was really missing in this book, events. Yes, major things happen in the end, and a few moments are scattered throughout but I wanted to experience it to! That means a scene needs to be developed. Things need to actively happen. Time passes and realizations are reached. Then more action on those realizations. This had no timeline. I felt it happened in less than a week's time. Ridiculous!
And the wrongheaded teaching in this book. You DO NOT poison your husband with bad grain and still think you are a good person! By all means poison him but don't pretend you don't know that it is killing him. And I really disliked that there was a focus on symptoms that were listed as if those equal crazy! Focus on the psychological effects his actions were having on the family. Show how they started to escalate due to the food situation. The only saving grace was that Mom wouldn't give in to such easy labeling as "crazy."
Was the story thought out? Yes. Reasons are given for everything. Sometimes they felt like thin ones and other times very well developed. I just wish I cared about Eli. That I cared about that kid locked up underground and for his family. I couldn't muster much of anything. Even when they got out Eddy himself didn't seem interested in his family's experience and what happened to their dad...
BOTTOM LINE: If Eddy isn't interested in Eli's story, why should I be?
May 26, 2010
This is another book similar to Madapple where I find myself going against the grain of reviewers. Although it has received many favorable reviews (and was a recommended title from our BER seminar in February), I found it sophomoric and generally unenjoyable.
Eli's father has always been obsessed with nuclear war. He knew one was coming and he was going to be prepared for that day. He even built a massive underground compound for his family to live in should that day come- state of the art, furnished with the best of the best to survive the 15 years necessary for the world to be safe to live in again. And wouldn't you know it, while camping out by the compound area an attack happens. Eli and his family are whisked away to the compound, though his twin brother and grandmother are unable to make it. Eli spends the next 6 years living in the compound, though he becomes increasingly detached from all of them, not even allowing himself to be touched and taking on the guilt of his brother being killed in the attack. But then Eli starts to find little clue that show things might not be as his father presents them, and he begins to question what is actually being done in the name of "survival".
It could have been an interesting enough plot, but it's horribly predictable. The plot twist can be seen from the first chapter and the addition of cannibalism (though not actualized) seems tacked on to try to add a moral issue as it isn't at all logical. This is a very short book with large type- it wouldn't hold the attention of a high schooler but isn't entirely appropriate for the middle school set. It wasn't horrible, it was just lackluster.
Eli's father has always been obsessed with nuclear war. He knew one was coming and he was going to be prepared for that day. He even built a massive underground compound for his family to live in should that day come- state of the art, furnished with the best of the best to survive the 15 years necessary for the world to be safe to live in again. And wouldn't you know it, while camping out by the compound area an attack happens. Eli and his family are whisked away to the compound, though his twin brother and grandmother are unable to make it. Eli spends the next 6 years living in the compound, though he becomes increasingly detached from all of them, not even allowing himself to be touched and taking on the guilt of his brother being killed in the attack. But then Eli starts to find little clue that show things might not be as his father presents them, and he begins to question what is actually being done in the name of "survival".
It could have been an interesting enough plot, but it's horribly predictable. The plot twist can be seen from the first chapter and the addition of cannibalism (though not actualized) seems tacked on to try to add a moral issue as it isn't at all logical. This is a very short book with large type- it wouldn't hold the attention of a high schooler but isn't entirely appropriate for the middle school set. It wasn't horrible, it was just lackluster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2009
I can't decide if this is brilliant, or what. YA novel about a family that flees to an underground bunker after a nuclear attack. The book opens with 15 year old Eli reflecting back on how they got there, and remembering his twin brother, who didn't make it in before the door was sealed. It's a little bit like On the Beach meets Flowers in the Attic. It' has insanity, deceit, dwindling supplies, and a weird salacious vibe that is even creepier because it's never addressed directly in the text. This book is pretty over the top, the plot is implausible to the point of being ridiculous. If you can get past that, and decide to embrace the goofy premise, it's actually quite riveting.
I remember knowing kids in middle school who weren't big readers, and in fact, rarely if ever read books outside of class, yet for some reason would stick on one book. There was a guy who never read anything willingly, except he read The Chocolate War something like 50 times. This book reminds me of that -- the plots aren't similar, but it feels like one of those books that is fundamentally voyeuristic in how depressing and satisfying it is at the same time. I would completely believe that a kid who seldom read fiction would pick this up and like it enough to read it again and again.
Grade: This is one of those books that ends up being better than it has a right to be, so I'm going to say it's a B on its own, but it gets an A if you look at it more as camp.
Recommended: I bet reluctant middle school readers, especially boys, would get into this.
(2009/16)
I remember knowing kids in middle school who weren't big readers, and in fact, rarely if ever read books outside of class, yet for some reason would stick on one book. There was a guy who never read anything willingly, except he read The Chocolate War something like 50 times. This book reminds me of that -- the plots aren't similar, but it feels like one of those books that is fundamentally voyeuristic in how depressing and satisfying it is at the same time. I would completely believe that a kid who seldom read fiction would pick this up and like it enough to read it again and again.
Grade: This is one of those books that ends up being better than it has a right to be, so I'm going to say it's a B on its own, but it gets an A if you look at it more as camp.
Recommended: I bet reluctant middle school readers, especially boys, would get into this.
(2009/16)
September 12, 2025
Overall Rating : B
"My world ended with a bang the minute we entered the compound and that silver door closed behind us."
As a kids book, this was pretty intense and unexpected. Very dark and the whole deal with the 'Yellow Room' was a horrible concept to think about. I don't really blame Eli for not wanting to go in there. On the other hand, he was a pretty selfish and hateful MC.
He really did nothing to help anybody until his mind literally rebelled against him and forced him to do something. His whole life he was selfish and jealous and he only tried to look for a way out for himself. His family was secondary to everything HE wanted. I didn't see much development from him, but he is only 15, and kids that age are assholes. The rest of the characters were pretty good and moved the plot nicely. And the dad?! Terrifying. Who knows what else he would have done if Eli hadn't found the computer.
I'd say a pretty good book for kids wanted to dip their toes in a "thriller"-esque book without as much graphic content.
"My world ended with a bang the minute we entered the compound and that silver door closed behind us."
As a kids book, this was pretty intense and unexpected. Very dark and the whole deal with the 'Yellow Room' was a horrible concept to think about. I don't really blame Eli for not wanting to go in there. On the other hand, he was a pretty selfish and hateful MC.
He really did nothing to help anybody until his mind literally rebelled against him and forced him to do something. His whole life he was selfish and jealous and he only tried to look for a way out for himself. His family was secondary to everything HE wanted. I didn't see much development from him, but he is only 15, and kids that age are assholes. The rest of the characters were pretty good and moved the plot nicely. And the dad?! Terrifying. Who knows what else he would have done if Eli hadn't found the computer.
I'd say a pretty good book for kids wanted to dip their toes in a "thriller"-esque book without as much graphic content.
May 6, 2025
This book was recommended by my husband, I had it for a couple months before I decided to read it, Man do I wish I didn't. This book follows a family that is living in a underground bunker during a nuclear attack. Expect maybe there never was one ...
Eli's twin brother Eddy, never made it to the bunker, so the whole family just assumes the worst but could Eddy still be alive? Could there still be a world above the bunker?
Sequel to The Compound - The Fallout
The Compound
Eli's twin brother Eddy, never made it to the bunker, so the whole family just assumes the worst but could Eddy still be alive? Could there still be a world above the bunker?
Sequel to The Compound - The Fallout
The Compound
April 26, 2013
Some good stuff in this one, but the characters are pretty one-dimensional and things got a little too crazy without fully committing to it. Also very easy to guess all the plot twists.
I may pick up the next one....sometime.
I may pick up the next one....sometime.
December 5, 2023
This was WAY better than I anticipated. Like imagine the movie love and monsters but no love... and also no monsters... plus less comedy and more intensity. Anyways, I really enjoyed this book! Super fast read.
September 19, 2014
Well this book is indeed VERY STRANGE. Still trying to wrapping my brain around it.
August 24, 2018
Quando ho aperto questo libro una porta si è chiusa, quella del rifugio dove Eli e la sua famiglia sono costretti a nascondersi a seguito di un’esplosione nucleare. Quel giorno l’infanzia di Eli finisce, così come il resto del mondo.
Il Rifugio di S.A. Bodeen racconta la storia della famiglia del magnate multimilionario dell’elettronica Rex Yanakakis e della sua famiglia, composta dalla bella moglie, da Terese di sei anni, Lexie la sorella maggiore, ed Eli di nove. Mancano all’appello il fratello gemello di Eli e la nonna che non sono riusciti a raggiungere in tempo la salvezza. Per ben sei anni i protagonisti trascorrono le loro giornate nel lusso ovattato e innaturale ricreato all’interno di una struttura schermata dalle radiazioni dal cemento e acciaio: una specie di bunker per super ricchi munito di tutti i comfort e rivestito al suo interno di legno e cartongesso allo scopo di conferirgli un’aria accogliente. Il miliardario Rex non ha badato a spese per erigere questo posto inquietante: tutto è costoso, studiato a puntino, frutto di un lavoro lungo e segreto durato sette anni. Quasi tutti i padri hanno un hobby, una passione che condividono con i loro figli, caccia, pesca, piccole riparazioni… Quello di Rex Yanakakis é la guerra nucleare, il che significa che i suoi figli conoscono qualsiasi cosa a riguardo.
Il romanzo sviluppa gli accadimenti attraverso la voce di Eli. I personaggi simili a robot, sembrano storditi e seguono il capofamiglia come in un sogno. Sono tristi, smarriti, lo sguardo è perso nel vuoto. Su tutti aleggia il vago presentimento che ci sia qualcosa che non va. I giorni si susseguono sempre uguali e la routine tende a dare un falso senso di tranquillità e un’apparente sicurezza. Ciascuno, all’interno del Rifugio, sviluppa delle ossessioni. Eli rifugge da ogni contatto umano, Terese guarda compulsivamente Mary Poppins, Lexie giace con lo sguardo fisso e inespressivo davanti a truculenti film horror, la mamma sferruzza in modo nervoso. Un malcelato stato di malanimo cova nelle anime inquiete dando vita ad un clima di sospetto, un senso di vuoto nel quale piangere non serve a niente e non restituisce…Il racconto è talvolta disturbante a causa di alcune situazioni piuttosto estreme esacerbate dall’atmosfera volutamente cupa e opprimente; il fatto poi che la narrazione si sviluppi in prima persona dà vita ad una contestualità esasperata e vagamente minacciosa, dove tutti sospettano di tutto.
Una lettura inusuale, rivolta soprattutto ad un pubblico giovane, scandita da risvolti drammatici e da circostanze raccapriccianti, ma povera di scene d’azione. Se soffrite di claustrofobia, non leggete il Rifugio.
La Lettrice Assorta solo su:
www.ilviziodileggereblog.wordpress.com
Il Rifugio di S.A. Bodeen racconta la storia della famiglia del magnate multimilionario dell’elettronica Rex Yanakakis e della sua famiglia, composta dalla bella moglie, da Terese di sei anni, Lexie la sorella maggiore, ed Eli di nove. Mancano all’appello il fratello gemello di Eli e la nonna che non sono riusciti a raggiungere in tempo la salvezza. Per ben sei anni i protagonisti trascorrono le loro giornate nel lusso ovattato e innaturale ricreato all’interno di una struttura schermata dalle radiazioni dal cemento e acciaio: una specie di bunker per super ricchi munito di tutti i comfort e rivestito al suo interno di legno e cartongesso allo scopo di conferirgli un’aria accogliente. Il miliardario Rex non ha badato a spese per erigere questo posto inquietante: tutto è costoso, studiato a puntino, frutto di un lavoro lungo e segreto durato sette anni. Quasi tutti i padri hanno un hobby, una passione che condividono con i loro figli, caccia, pesca, piccole riparazioni… Quello di Rex Yanakakis é la guerra nucleare, il che significa che i suoi figli conoscono qualsiasi cosa a riguardo.
Il romanzo sviluppa gli accadimenti attraverso la voce di Eli. I personaggi simili a robot, sembrano storditi e seguono il capofamiglia come in un sogno. Sono tristi, smarriti, lo sguardo è perso nel vuoto. Su tutti aleggia il vago presentimento che ci sia qualcosa che non va. I giorni si susseguono sempre uguali e la routine tende a dare un falso senso di tranquillità e un’apparente sicurezza. Ciascuno, all’interno del Rifugio, sviluppa delle ossessioni. Eli rifugge da ogni contatto umano, Terese guarda compulsivamente Mary Poppins, Lexie giace con lo sguardo fisso e inespressivo davanti a truculenti film horror, la mamma sferruzza in modo nervoso. Un malcelato stato di malanimo cova nelle anime inquiete dando vita ad un clima di sospetto, un senso di vuoto nel quale piangere non serve a niente e non restituisce…Il racconto è talvolta disturbante a causa di alcune situazioni piuttosto estreme esacerbate dall’atmosfera volutamente cupa e opprimente; il fatto poi che la narrazione si sviluppi in prima persona dà vita ad una contestualità esasperata e vagamente minacciosa, dove tutti sospettano di tutto.
Una lettura inusuale, rivolta soprattutto ad un pubblico giovane, scandita da risvolti drammatici e da circostanze raccapriccianti, ma povera di scene d’azione. Se soffrite di claustrofobia, non leggete il Rifugio.
La Lettrice Assorta solo su:
www.ilviziodileggereblog.wordpress.com
May 27, 2025
the first time that i read this book it was assigned reading for school in the 6/7th grade and i was OBSESSED with it. i loved everything about it and honestly my opinion hasn’t changed much at all! this book is SO good, i cant wait to read the second one
October 16, 2017
I find the writing in Booden’s books rather strange.. like she’s in her own little world sometimes that readers can’t quite grasp. I think the idea is good but executed in a weird way.. was the dad good or bad? I never could tell. I got the part where he was insane but was he good? I am not sure!
August 23, 2017
I still can't get past the "other children used as food" plot point, just because it's so incredibly stupid. How much food and resources did those children use as they grew up? You have to feed babies! You have to feed children! Feeding and raising those other kids would have only depleted the food even faster, with a payout of what? A few meals worth of meat? Theoretically, if the father REALLY was going to do this and the author REALLY was going to write something even halfway plausible, the father could have repeatedly impregnated the mother and allowed the babies to be raised solely on breast milk for a year or two in order to fatten them up. That wouldn't have used up other food that the family needed, and then they could have eaten the 1-2 year old child. Sorry if that's disturbing, but it IS the main reason supposedly for the experiment. Even then, as I said, it would probably be just one meal split between the rest of the family, for 1-2 years worth of work. So there's still basically no point.
Just. If the whole plot is that the father locked them in the compound to perform that social experiment (will people eat their siblings / children if they truly believe there's no choice), then the father (and the author writing the book) has to provide an actually realistic scenario. Any of the characters who thought for longer than three seconds could see that the other children obviously aren't there as a food source because simply raising them has cost more food than they can provide. So clearly there must be another motive, or every single character in the book is unbelievably stupid.
I honestly don't even know how this got published. Did no one ask that question? "What are the other children being fed when the family is supposedly dangerously low on food?" It's just ... such a basic question. I kept waiting for it to be answered as I read, and I still can't believe. Like. How did it get published with that GIANT plot hole?
Just. If the whole plot is that the father locked them in the compound to perform that social experiment (will people eat their siblings / children if they truly believe there's no choice), then the father (and the author writing the book) has to provide an actually realistic scenario. Any of the characters who thought for longer than three seconds could see that the other children obviously aren't there as a food source because simply raising them has cost more food than they can provide. So clearly there must be another motive, or every single character in the book is unbelievably stupid.
I honestly don't even know how this got published. Did no one ask that question? "What are the other children being fed when the family is supposedly dangerously low on food?" It's just ... such a basic question. I kept waiting for it to be answered as I read, and I still can't believe. Like. How did it get published with that GIANT plot hole?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2008
Eli has been living with his parents in The Compound for six years. The Compound is an elaborate nuclear bomb shelter his father spent an enormous amount of money to build in order to keep his family safe from nuclear fallout. The plan is to stay underground for fifteen years until the radiation danger has passed.
Eli has had the hardest time adjusting to life in The Compound. In his six years there he has steadily distanced himself from everyone in the family. He maintains a strict schedule of exercise, studying, chores, and reading. His lonliness comes from the fact that not everyone made it to The Compound. During the nuclear attack that led his family to The Compound, Eddy, his identical twin, was accidently left behind. Eddy snuck away with their Grandma without his parents knowing when their father chose to take the family underground. Their father had already locked the door when he realized Eddy and Grandma didn’t make it. The locks were set for fifteen years and there wasn’t any way to go back for them. Eli feels a hole in his life that no one or nothing can fill.
Eli starts to take a hard look at what is going on in The Compound and he doesn’t have a good feeling. Food is running low, supplies are being depleted, and his father’s behavior is changing. Eli suspects there is more going on than his father leads them to believe.
Shocking suprises are about to be uncovered. Secrets never meant to be revealed are exposed. Eli is left with the job of saving his family. He will have to break the shell he has created around himself and build connections with the people he has tried to keep away in order to find the truth and survive.
THE COMPOUND will remind you of the movie Blast from the Past, just without all the quirky, fun-loving humor.
Eli has had the hardest time adjusting to life in The Compound. In his six years there he has steadily distanced himself from everyone in the family. He maintains a strict schedule of exercise, studying, chores, and reading. His lonliness comes from the fact that not everyone made it to The Compound. During the nuclear attack that led his family to The Compound, Eddy, his identical twin, was accidently left behind. Eddy snuck away with their Grandma without his parents knowing when their father chose to take the family underground. Their father had already locked the door when he realized Eddy and Grandma didn’t make it. The locks were set for fifteen years and there wasn’t any way to go back for them. Eli feels a hole in his life that no one or nothing can fill.
Eli starts to take a hard look at what is going on in The Compound and he doesn’t have a good feeling. Food is running low, supplies are being depleted, and his father’s behavior is changing. Eli suspects there is more going on than his father leads them to believe.
Shocking suprises are about to be uncovered. Secrets never meant to be revealed are exposed. Eli is left with the job of saving his family. He will have to break the shell he has created around himself and build connections with the people he has tried to keep away in order to find the truth and survive.
THE COMPOUND will remind you of the movie Blast from the Past, just without all the quirky, fun-loving humor.
March 14, 2024
This book is eh, it’s not a book I hated but not something I particularly liked. It’s interesting enough that it keeps you wanting to see how it unfolds, but it’s a lot of anti climatic filler for a good portion of it. Like it’s slow, not too slow it was like boring that it was unbearable but it was a very slow light suspense that hardly picks up. There were a few unexpected twists and turns. It was an alright read.
I was conflicted on what to rate this, because there’s a really weird aspect of it. And it isn’t a spoiler so I’m just gonna say it. The dad wants the main character to clone himself with his sister so they can make more babies. Mind you his “sister” was adopted, but he’s grown up with her as his sister for 16 years. That’s really weird to me, like I didn’t enjoy that particular part being added. Just in my opinion, it rode a real fine line of just being gross and I think the story didn’t need for that part to be in it to play out. Almost knocked its rating down to one star for me cause that
whole introduction is just nasty to me. But then again, I would have rated it higher had that been left out of the book. That’s why it lands smack in the middle of eh for me. Could be worse could be better, but stuck on a fence of it sucks and it rocks.
I did like this book though, it does have a pretty unique theme and it has enough like what ifs that make you wanna find out what is gonna happen. A slow burn but a fast read.
Pretty sure it’s part of a series, so I’m excited to see how the book will progress and find out how the other books turn out. But I’d say it’s maybe worth a try.
A part I liked was,
“You don’t have to be loud or forceful to take up a lot of space in this world.”
I was conflicted on what to rate this, because there’s a really weird aspect of it. And it isn’t a spoiler so I’m just gonna say it. The dad wants the main character to clone himself with his sister so they can make more babies. Mind you his “sister” was adopted, but he’s grown up with her as his sister for 16 years. That’s really weird to me, like I didn’t enjoy that particular part being added. Just in my opinion, it rode a real fine line of just being gross and I think the story didn’t need for that part to be in it to play out. Almost knocked its rating down to one star for me cause that
whole introduction is just nasty to me. But then again, I would have rated it higher had that been left out of the book. That’s why it lands smack in the middle of eh for me. Could be worse could be better, but stuck on a fence of it sucks and it rocks.
I did like this book though, it does have a pretty unique theme and it has enough like what ifs that make you wanna find out what is gonna happen. A slow burn but a fast read.
Pretty sure it’s part of a series, so I’m excited to see how the book will progress and find out how the other books turn out. But I’d say it’s maybe worth a try.
A part I liked was,
“You don’t have to be loud or forceful to take up a lot of space in this world.”
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