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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
Beautiful writing, great characters, interesting storylines… I kind of wanted each story to be a bit longer
This is a wonderful, impactful, and harrowing collection of speculative short stories dotted with unexpected moments of affirmation and uplift. These stories are set against a near-future dystopian backdrop in which anyone not conforming is labeled broken (eg a dirty computer) and forced to be “fixed” by attempts at reprogramming. Yet each story also contains moments (some small) that remind us of the power of human connection and community.
Some of the stories are stronger than others. I think the collection builds as it goes. My favorite of the collection were Save Changes, Timebox Altar(ed), and Nevermind.
Dystopian fiction can be grim. As such, I hadn’t anticipated the power of the hopeful moments scattered throughout. They kept reminding me how lovely humans can be to each other, even in difficult situations and circumstances. Ultimately I was left with the sense that we can overcome so much. Which I really need to feel given the attacks against marginalized people who are being scapegoated by those in power.
Some of the stories are stronger than others. I think the collection builds as it goes. My favorite of the collection were Save Changes, Timebox Altar(ed), and Nevermind.
Dystopian fiction can be grim. As such, I hadn’t anticipated the power of the hopeful moments scattered throughout. They kept reminding me how lovely humans can be to each other, even in difficult situations and circumstances. Ultimately I was left with the sense that we can overcome so much. Which I really need to feel given the attacks against marginalized people who are being scapegoated by those in power.
The world-building in each story is extensive and developed with each short story showing the New Dawn society in a different light. There were some endings that ended in cliffhanger that I wanted explained more. My favorite story in the anthology is Timebox by Janelle Monae and Eve L. Ewing and The Memory Librarian by Janelle Monae and Alaya Dawn Johnson.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Another book I read nearly two months ago. I'm still working through the backlog. First, Janelle Monáe is pretty great. I'm not a huge fan and haven't listened to a full album or anything but to be so talented in multiple different mediums I find incredibly impressive. This is what led me to pick up this short story book.
The Memory Librarian has a great concept. It really drives the stories here and creates cohesion for the collection. How memories are treated in this world, how they are regulated and used against people is an ingenious way to talk about some serious topics in current events. It also allows for an interesting way to reevaluate how we see real life. Like I said, it is a great concept, and it provides a great sandbox to play in for these authors.
All in all, though, I think the concept and the world doesn't make up for the weak execution. A lot of the aesthetic and imagery blend into other genre dystopian sci-fi worlds. A lot of the characters and their relationships are similar in that they do not stand out or create the memorable moments that I am looking for in my reading. With that said, I would still be interested in more from this setting. More books or a movie or show could be cool.
The Memory Librarian has a great concept. It really drives the stories here and creates cohesion for the collection. How memories are treated in this world, how they are regulated and used against people is an ingenious way to talk about some serious topics in current events. It also allows for an interesting way to reevaluate how we see real life. Like I said, it is a great concept, and it provides a great sandbox to play in for these authors.
All in all, though, I think the concept and the world doesn't make up for the weak execution. A lot of the aesthetic and imagery blend into other genre dystopian sci-fi worlds. A lot of the characters and their relationships are similar in that they do not stand out or create the memorable moments that I am looking for in my reading. With that said, I would still be interested in more from this setting. More books or a movie or show could be cool.
Each short story featured in this book offered an interesting view of the world that was created. It is best to go into this book with at least a little bit of knowledge already from the source material, but I don't think it's necessary in order to enjoy the book. I just think it will help you grasp the content a bit quicker. Though I will admit I do wish there was more world-building overall to help me connect more with the people and conflicts. I did enjoy some stories more than others, but none were bad. I also liked that each of the stories had subtle connections to each other that tell a larger overall story.
The Memory Librarian is a collection of short stories based on Janelle Monáe's previous album Dirty Computer and co-written with other collaborators. Set in the future dystopia, all those viewed as "other", gay, queer, transgender, people of color, etc., are sent for a memory wipe. The protagonists must find a way to protect their loved ones while holding on to their identities. The Memory Librarian follows five different stories across vast settings, with characters ranging in age, sexuality, and background. The book brilliantly explores the meaning of humanity, love, community, and hope in an era when all is lost.
I don't usually read short stories and was a bit apprehensive going into the book. But The Memory Librarian is a pleasant surprise; the plot and character developments are incredibly well-balanced. My favorite stories are the first and last ones. But honestly, all five are exceptionally well-written, fascinating to read and examine different social issues. If you're looking to try uncommon genres, sci-fi or short stories, The Memory Librarian is a great place to start!
I don't usually read short stories and was a bit apprehensive going into the book. But The Memory Librarian is a pleasant surprise; the plot and character developments are incredibly well-balanced. My favorite stories are the first and last ones. But honestly, all five are exceptionally well-written, fascinating to read and examine different social issues. If you're looking to try uncommon genres, sci-fi or short stories, The Memory Librarian is a great place to start!
These short stories dive into the afrofuturist scifi world established in Janelle Monáe's album Dirty Computer, a totalitarian society where thoughts are controlled and memories erased. From rebellious outstations to seemingly compliant families with hidden secrets, each story shows people pushing back against a society that tries to control who they are and who they can become.
Janelle Monáe and her collaborators are clearly living and thinking on a different plane! These stories are each completely fascinating with so many concepts to explore. I think they could have benefitted from a different ordering of stories or an early story that shows us the scope of the universe in which they exist. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to see the art Monáe will create next.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Janelle Monáe and her collaborators are clearly living and thinking on a different plane! These stories are each completely fascinating with so many concepts to explore. I think they could have benefitted from a different ordering of stories or an early story that shows us the scope of the universe in which they exist. Regardless, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to see the art Monáe will create next.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.