Blog Tour/Review/Giveaway: Concentr8 by William Sutcliffe
SYNOPSIS:
In a not-so-distant future London, riots have become the norm. But when the government suddenly stops distributing Concentr8–a behavioral modification “miracle” drug akin to Ritalin–the city’s residents rise up fiercer than they ever have before.
Amidst the chaos, five teens pick a man seemingly at random and chain him up as a hostage in a warehouse. Blaze is their leader, and Troy has always been his quiet sidekick–the only person he has ever trusted. But even Troy didn’t see this coming, and as their story unfolds over six tense days, one thing is clear–none of them will ever be the same again.
Told from the perspective of multiple characters in a world familiar to our own, this searing look at a group of teens who push back from the margins of society is perfect for fans of thoughtful fiction like Panic and The Program series.
LINKS:
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository
REVIEW:
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
This book, where do I even begin, I honestly have no idea how to put into words what I just read. The synopsis and cover art is stunning and intriguing, it was what pulled me in first. I guess the easiest way to begin this review is that this book is straight up controversy and a play on our modern day society as we know it. It is an interesting perspective to read a book on a miracle drug like Ritalin when you teach at a school where the majority of the student population is on such medication. It really brings the questions to light, are we over medicating today’s youth and are we just doing it to keep them from acting out?
Concentr8, based on my comments above was intriguing and thought-provoking, causing you to reflect on our current society and where we are headed. The book is completely unique, and I have never come across something that broaches this topic in YA, ever. I would classify this as an upper YA book and while it didn’t blow me out of the water, it kept me wanting to flip the pages…but most of all it caused me to reflect on the students I surround myself with everyday, well 5 days a week.
William Sutcliffe’s writing is also unique, multiple narratives with multiple thoughts and styles of speaking, some are just jumbled thoughts. You really feel like you are in the characters’ heads and while the story is somewhat predictable, because really, kidnapping someone can only have so many outcomes…I still liked the read. So if you are looking for something quick and unique, I definitely recommend Concentr8.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
William Sutcliffe is the author of the young adult novel The Wall, which was published in 2013 to much critical acclaim, including being short-listed for the 2014 Carnegie Medal and long-listed for the 2013 Guardian Fiction Prize. He also wrote five adult novels, including the international bestseller, Are You Experienced, and a middle-grade novel, Circus of Thieves and the Raffle of Doom. William currently lives in Edinburgh.
FOLLOW THE TOUR:
1/18: Who R U Blog – Guest Post
1/19: Reading Is Better With Cupcakes – Pocket Letter
1/20: A Book & A Latte – How I Write
1/21: Kelly Vision – Review
1/22: The Cover Contessa – Q&A
1/25: The Petite Book Blogger – Review
1/26: Go Read A Book – Top 10
1/27: Resch Reads & Reviews – Review
1/28: Emily Reads Everything – Q&A
1/29: Avid Reader – Review
