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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
It could be our society. A scary proposition that it's so familiar. The opening scenes I thought were taking place in a London torn apart by the riots a few summers ago.
The fact that young people are rioting after having their ADHD medication taken away was a shock. It's a topic I've pondered - the necessity of over-medicating young people that may not need chemicals to alter their behaviour.
A group of teenagers, on the fringes of these riots, get caught up in the moment and end up kidnapping a worker leaving his government job. Each of them has been taking Concentr8 since childhood, and now it's been taken away. They take their victim to a warehouse and hole up. The police are soon outside trying to negotiate. Then a journalist tries to score a scoop, and the London major (who sounds very familiar...) all try to wade in and make their mark.
But what of the teenagers? We hear different narrators sharing their thoughts, some of them are the teens - Troy is loyal to the gang's leader Blaze. These two are the best characterised, the others blended into one for me. I found the plot a tense one, I wasn't sure what the group would do to their hostage, it felt that escalation was just a few lines away.
As the story went on, the chapter headings were followed by snippets from science magazines, which I eventually realised were not created for the story but are all actual examples of reports on Ritalin and other ADHD drugs, which scarily coincided with the story I was reading.
The story has a point to make about medicating young people, about the causes of their behaviour issues and how we should be dealing with them. I wasn't quite convinced this is a 5-star read, I didn't really take to any of the secondary characters in the warehouse, I didn't really see why Blaze kidnaps the government worker. I think the parts that worked best were those with the journalist and mayor, and Troy/Blaze realising what has been done to them in the childhoods by the adults around them in their Concetr8 prescriptions.
It's a short read, it has a point to make and is something a little different - it's a topic teenagers won't find any other fiction on and is a subject younger generations really should consider.
This is not one for pre-teens, the violence and sexual content together make this inadvisable.
Review of a Netgalley advance copy.
The fact that young people are rioting after having their ADHD medication taken away was a shock. It's a topic I've pondered - the necessity of over-medicating young people that may not need chemicals to alter their behaviour.
A group of teenagers, on the fringes of these riots, get caught up in the moment and end up kidnapping a worker leaving his government job. Each of them has been taking Concentr8 since childhood, and now it's been taken away. They take their victim to a warehouse and hole up. The police are soon outside trying to negotiate. Then a journalist tries to score a scoop, and the London major (who sounds very familiar...) all try to wade in and make their mark.
But what of the teenagers? We hear different narrators sharing their thoughts, some of them are the teens - Troy is loyal to the gang's leader Blaze. These two are the best characterised, the others blended into one for me. I found the plot a tense one, I wasn't sure what the group would do to their hostage, it felt that escalation was just a few lines away.
As the story went on, the chapter headings were followed by snippets from science magazines, which I eventually realised were not created for the story but are all actual examples of reports on Ritalin and other ADHD drugs, which scarily coincided with the story I was reading.
The story has a point to make about medicating young people, about the causes of their behaviour issues and how we should be dealing with them. I wasn't quite convinced this is a 5-star read, I didn't really take to any of the secondary characters in the warehouse, I didn't really see why Blaze kidnaps the government worker. I think the parts that worked best were those with the journalist and mayor, and Troy/Blaze realising what has been done to them in the childhoods by the adults around them in their Concetr8 prescriptions.
It's a short read, it has a point to make and is something a little different - it's a topic teenagers won't find any other fiction on and is a subject younger generations really should consider.
This is not one for pre-teens, the violence and sexual content together make this inadvisable.
Review of a Netgalley advance copy.
ghutter05's review against another edition
3.0
Liked the different voices telling the story and the authenticity of the riot description. A little disappointed in the resolution, which didn't feel as compelling as I was expecting.
thisisianthe's review against another edition
3.0
Read this review on Bookfuls Reviews.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the cover of this book, and then the cover didn’t even show up on my Kindle. Sigh. Oh well. It was still an enjoyable read.
Concentr8 is the book’s version of Ritalin. I have quite a bit of experience with friends and family who take Ritalin, so I was intrigued by the premise of this story. However, I wish the book had started a bit earlier in the story. In the beginning I was very confused by the riots, and why they were the result of the drug. It didn’t seem realistic at all.
At the end of every chapter, the author included some information about Ritalin taken from various scientific books, and even some confessions from Ritalin users themselves. This was very original and interesting, and, in my opinion, the best part of this book. It gave me a better understanding of what the drug is, and why the characters in the book rioted after having it taken away.
The story is told from the perspectives of plenty of different characters, including the rioting teenagers, the mayor, a journalist and the hostage. It was nice to see the story told from contrasting points of view. However, there were a few characters that the author could have left out, without taking anything away from the story.
The author adapts his writing style depending on which character’s head we’re in. I’ve never seen this done before and I enjoyed that a lot. The writing reflected how some characters’ thoughts were all over the place, and sometimes it was difficult to keep up with, but that only added to the overall feel of the story.
Overall I liked the story. Sometimes it progressed a bit slow, and I had to skim through some of the less interesting characters’ chapters. However, it did leave me wanting more, which is always a good sign.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked the cover of this book, and then the cover didn’t even show up on my Kindle. Sigh. Oh well. It was still an enjoyable read.
Concentr8 is the book’s version of Ritalin. I have quite a bit of experience with friends and family who take Ritalin, so I was intrigued by the premise of this story. However, I wish the book had started a bit earlier in the story. In the beginning I was very confused by the riots, and why they were the result of the drug. It didn’t seem realistic at all.
At the end of every chapter, the author included some information about Ritalin taken from various scientific books, and even some confessions from Ritalin users themselves. This was very original and interesting, and, in my opinion, the best part of this book. It gave me a better understanding of what the drug is, and why the characters in the book rioted after having it taken away.
The story is told from the perspectives of plenty of different characters, including the rioting teenagers, the mayor, a journalist and the hostage. It was nice to see the story told from contrasting points of view. However, there were a few characters that the author could have left out, without taking anything away from the story.
The author adapts his writing style depending on which character’s head we’re in. I’ve never seen this done before and I enjoyed that a lot. The writing reflected how some characters’ thoughts were all over the place, and sometimes it was difficult to keep up with, but that only added to the overall feel of the story.
Overall I liked the story. Sometimes it progressed a bit slow, and I had to skim through some of the less interesting characters’ chapters. However, it did leave me wanting more, which is always a good sign.
chluless's review against another edition
2.0
It's a shame that I don't have much to say, because this book had so much potential. It could have been excellent, instead I found it mildly interesting. 'Concentr8' is a book to pass the time with when it could have been so much better.
I understand the idea behind the book, pills given out to keep troublesome children quiet to benefit teachers and parents. A political scandal and motives to drug children disguised as medicine. A hostage situation which turns into a revelation from a Journalist to expose the truth, however the execution of the idea could have been much better.
The majority of the novel was pointless rambling in the heads of badly written troubled teens. The main characters are the stereotypical 'chavvy' London teenagers from a crime ridden, poverty stricken, council estate. Problem is that the portrayal of the teens in my opinion was slightly insulting. They seemed to lack morals, intelligence and basic common sense. What should have been complex and flawed characters were reduced to a single stereotype. Each teen with the exception of Karen, (the only girl) felt too similar.
I do have praise for the Journalist, she was a character who was well written, along with the unredeemable, rude Mayor. I hated him and liked the journalist. Other than those two I had mild concern about Troy and Blaze in the second half of the novel (whose characterisations were slightly different to the other boys).
Unfortunately, the book feels unfinished to me. In my opinion the end was rather abrupt and left me with unanswered questions.
2/5 stars. A promising idea but it did not live up to my expectations. I would be interested in reading more from this author, as I feel that this book didn't show off his skill or writing style.
I understand the idea behind the book, pills given out to keep troublesome children quiet to benefit teachers and parents. A political scandal and motives to drug children disguised as medicine. A hostage situation which turns into a revelation from a Journalist to expose the truth, however the execution of the idea could have been much better.
The majority of the novel was pointless rambling in the heads of badly written troubled teens. The main characters are the stereotypical 'chavvy' London teenagers from a crime ridden, poverty stricken, council estate. Problem is that the portrayal of the teens in my opinion was slightly insulting. They seemed to lack morals, intelligence and basic common sense. What should have been complex and flawed characters were reduced to a single stereotype. Each teen with the exception of Karen, (the only girl) felt too similar.
I do have praise for the Journalist, she was a character who was well written, along with the unredeemable, rude Mayor. I hated him and liked the journalist. Other than those two I had mild concern about Troy and Blaze in the second half of the novel (whose characterisations were slightly different to the other boys).
Unfortunately, the book feels unfinished to me. In my opinion the end was rather abrupt and left me with unanswered questions.
2/5 stars. A promising idea but it did not live up to my expectations. I would be interested in reading more from this author, as I feel that this book didn't show off his skill or writing style.
rachelhaylee's review against another edition
1.0
This novel was honestly terrible! I DNF at 50%, and it was like torture. All the characters needed a punch in the face, or kick in the stomach. You can decide. I do not recommend this to anyone, you will probably be bored to death. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Check out my full review at: https://rachwithbooks.wordpress.com/2015/08/31/review-concentr8/
Check out my full review at: https://rachwithbooks.wordpress.com/2015/08/31/review-concentr8/
katieeliza's review against another edition
3.0
Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for a review.
I enjoyed the book. The narrative style where the author uses multiple narration was more successful than the premise of the novel but an enjoyable read.
I enjoyed the book. The narrative style where the author uses multiple narration was more successful than the premise of the novel but an enjoyable read.
sydneylmeyer7's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
oliviaemily's review against another edition
DNF. I really wanted to read this. In fact, I was excited to. The synopsis enticed me, and I've not read dystopian in a while, and so I figured this book would be perfect. I was wrong.
I tried to read this book, I really did, but I hated the way in which it was written. I'm not a big believer in first person writing when it means the language is compromised. Yes, I understand that the book is written from the perspective of teenage Londoners, and so yes, it's very clever the way that Sutcliffe has written the book in their voice. Yet it's horrible to read, for there's a lack of grammar, and sometimes, simple full-stops. Again, I understand that this was with reason, but it simply wasn't for me.
Frankly, when I reached Lee's first chapter I couldn't take any more - a whole chapter with no full-stops? No thank you.
I tried to read this book, I really did, but I hated the way in which it was written. I'm not a big believer in first person writing when it means the language is compromised. Yes, I understand that the book is written from the perspective of teenage Londoners, and so yes, it's very clever the way that Sutcliffe has written the book in their voice. Yet it's horrible to read, for there's a lack of grammar, and sometimes, simple full-stops. Again, I understand that this was with reason, but it simply wasn't for me.
Frankly, when I reached Lee's first chapter I couldn't take any more - a whole chapter with no full-stops? No thank you.
guardianghost's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
juliwi's review against another edition
4.0
I remember when I was in primary school that something of a ADHD-craze hit the Netherlands. Across the country more and more boys, especially, were diagnosed with ADHD and medicated to control their behaviour. I also remember my parents thinking this increased diagnosing of children younger than ten wasn't a good idea. So when I saw a novel addressing this very topic, I knew I wanted to read it. And I was immensely and positively surprised by Sutcliffe's novel.
One of the things I liked about Concentr8 is that it's a novel that is not just a story, but also aims to be a lesson. Not in an overly pedantic way, but in an attempt to raise awareness for a topic that is clearly close to the author's heart. The way we treat the children in our societies is crucial and yet often neglected. Whether it's the continuously growing pressure on children to succeed in standardised tests or neglecting to take their concerns seriously, it is not necessarily an easy world for children, let alone for those living in war zones. I am always happy to see fiction novels pick up such controversial yet important topics and Sutcliffe's approaches his with the seriousness it deserves. Between chapters he quotes research on ADHD and his narrative also makes it clear he did a lot of research for this book. Of course he has his own opinion on the matter, but he doesn't force it down the reader's throat.
Concentr8 is a mix between different genres. On the one hand it's a dystopian novel about how we treat our children in a distant future, on the other hand it is a YA novel about children growing up in a world that doesn't care for them. It's also social commentary and, to a certain extent, science fiction. This mix is quite heady and probably not for everyone. I struggled through the first few chapters as Sutcliffe attempted to capture the voice of London teenagers, occasionally writing without punctuation and using slang. But once I got into it, I found that Concentr8 really worked for me. There was an insolence in how the novel addressed readers like me: relatively well-settled in life and having never had to deal with poverty or class. It doesn't make reading Concentr8 fun, but it does make it relevant. Sutcliffe doesn't give you a clear cut answer and doesn't even attempt to end with a classic happy ending, but it will leave you with a great set of questions to consider.
Despite struggling at the beginning, I ended up being really touched by Sutcliffe's Concentr8. He gives a voice here to teenagers who aren't often heard, highlighting a problem we prefer to forget about. Although it may be a struggle, I'd recommend this to those interested in YA fiction and social commentary.
For full review: http://universeinwords.blogspot.com/2017/08/review-concentr8-by-william-sutcliffe.html
One of the things I liked about Concentr8 is that it's a novel that is not just a story, but also aims to be a lesson. Not in an overly pedantic way, but in an attempt to raise awareness for a topic that is clearly close to the author's heart. The way we treat the children in our societies is crucial and yet often neglected. Whether it's the continuously growing pressure on children to succeed in standardised tests or neglecting to take their concerns seriously, it is not necessarily an easy world for children, let alone for those living in war zones. I am always happy to see fiction novels pick up such controversial yet important topics and Sutcliffe's approaches his with the seriousness it deserves. Between chapters he quotes research on ADHD and his narrative also makes it clear he did a lot of research for this book. Of course he has his own opinion on the matter, but he doesn't force it down the reader's throat.
Concentr8 is a mix between different genres. On the one hand it's a dystopian novel about how we treat our children in a distant future, on the other hand it is a YA novel about children growing up in a world that doesn't care for them. It's also social commentary and, to a certain extent, science fiction. This mix is quite heady and probably not for everyone. I struggled through the first few chapters as Sutcliffe attempted to capture the voice of London teenagers, occasionally writing without punctuation and using slang. But once I got into it, I found that Concentr8 really worked for me. There was an insolence in how the novel addressed readers like me: relatively well-settled in life and having never had to deal with poverty or class. It doesn't make reading Concentr8 fun, but it does make it relevant. Sutcliffe doesn't give you a clear cut answer and doesn't even attempt to end with a classic happy ending, but it will leave you with a great set of questions to consider.
Despite struggling at the beginning, I ended up being really touched by Sutcliffe's Concentr8. He gives a voice here to teenagers who aren't often heard, highlighting a problem we prefer to forget about. Although it may be a struggle, I'd recommend this to those interested in YA fiction and social commentary.
For full review: http://universeinwords.blogspot.com/2017/08/review-concentr8-by-william-sutcliffe.html