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lynguy1's review
3.0
January Fifteenth by Rachel Swirsky is a near-future speculative fiction novel set in four locations in the United States. January Fifteenth is the day all Americans receive their Universal Basic Income payment. The entire book takes place on this one day and oddly enough I read the book on January fifteenth.
The book switches back and forth between four individuals and gives a perspective of their lives and of various viewpoints on Universal Basic Income. Hannah took her two children and fled an abusive ex-wife on a previous January Fifteenth. Janelle is a young, broke journalist interviewing passersby about the policy she once opposed. She is raising her younger sister after their parents’ deaths. Olivia is a wealthy college freshman. Today’s the day students across the country compete to squander their payments. Sarah is a pregnant teen walking with other women and children in her community to pick up their payments.
The switching back and forth between four characters affected the pacing for me, despite some interesting scenarios. I was thoroughly intrigued by Hannah’s and Sarah’s stories, and even Janelle’s story had some interesting twists. The one that I liked the least was that of Olivia. However, that is the one that has the biggest twist to it that I didn’t see coming. Unfortunately, there is no real conclusion to the situation each woman is in.
Overall, this was a great premise, but didn’t deliver everything I expected. Despite this, I am glad I read it and the concept is thought-provoking. The author’s note gives a little information about Universal Basic Income programs and speculates on what impact it could or might have. She poses some good questions.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 14, 2022.
The book switches back and forth between four individuals and gives a perspective of their lives and of various viewpoints on Universal Basic Income. Hannah took her two children and fled an abusive ex-wife on a previous January Fifteenth. Janelle is a young, broke journalist interviewing passersby about the policy she once opposed. She is raising her younger sister after their parents’ deaths. Olivia is a wealthy college freshman. Today’s the day students across the country compete to squander their payments. Sarah is a pregnant teen walking with other women and children in her community to pick up their payments.
The switching back and forth between four characters affected the pacing for me, despite some interesting scenarios. I was thoroughly intrigued by Hannah’s and Sarah’s stories, and even Janelle’s story had some interesting twists. The one that I liked the least was that of Olivia. However, that is the one that has the biggest twist to it that I didn’t see coming. Unfortunately, there is no real conclusion to the situation each woman is in.
Overall, this was a great premise, but didn’t deliver everything I expected. Despite this, I am glad I read it and the concept is thought-provoking. The author’s note gives a little information about Universal Basic Income programs and speculates on what impact it could or might have. She poses some good questions.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was June 14, 2022.
corymackenziegray's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
k_shimer's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Child abuse, Sexual harassment, Suicide, Stalking, Drug use, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Blood, Death, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Vomit, Adult/minor relationship, Classism, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Bullying, Death of parent, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Addiction, Transphobia, Sexual content, Gaslighting, Racism, Rape, Religious bigotry, Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Violence
intorilex's review
3.0
This was a really interesting exploration of what Universal Basic Income could manifest as in the future. It did not work well as a novella, the political implications and unrelated pov's didn't create a comprehensive story that held my interest.
sepptb's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nikki_in_niagara's review
2.0
It is the future and every American receives a Universal Basic Income payment. On that day, Jan. 15, we follow the lives of four very different women.
I had been anxiously waiting to read this but was sorely disappointed. The book covers the actual day people receive their UBI but only superficially up to the point where they receive the cheques. I would have liked to know how this affected their lives during the year. I also wanted enough difference to be able to think about the good and bad of such a situation. This is covered in the book but only surfacely. I think the book missed the mark. I'd like to read other sci-fi books about this type of benefit.
I had been anxiously waiting to read this but was sorely disappointed. The book covers the actual day people receive their UBI but only superficially up to the point where they receive the cheques. I would have liked to know how this affected their lives during the year. I also wanted enough difference to be able to think about the good and bad of such a situation. This is covered in the book but only surfacely. I think the book missed the mark. I'd like to read other sci-fi books about this type of benefit.
linzomatic's review
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse and Suicide
tinynavajo's review
3.0
3.5 rounded up
4 stories of four people throughout the day where everyone receives their Universal Basic Income. How much it does and does not affect their lives, even if it's something that should make a big effect on their lives.
4 stories of four people throughout the day where everyone receives their Universal Basic Income. How much it does and does not affect their lives, even if it's something that should make a big effect on their lives.