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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
I can't star rate this because a) I'm not sure how I should in my personal rating system b) collections are always hard in that regard, c) and this one just wasn't what *I* was hoping for. And maybe that's okay. Maybe this review is more about expectation management, in case you're expecting something similar from the Electric Lady.
Monáe and her collaborators are such, *such* talented storytellers that I expected something different from this highly anticipated textual album. In short, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I expected something more... sophisticated?
I felt like the conflicts, opinions, or choices were often spelled out directly and repeatedly in a pattern that removed opportunities for the more creative storytelling, world-building, or character-building that I would expect from these folx. The prose tends to tell instead of show, and while there are definitely some great moments, something was missing (for me).
The advantage is that there is little chance of mistaking the message -- ex: yes this is toxic, un-inclusive feminism; no misunderstanding the metaphor here. There's definitely a place for this reading (I'm thinking of classrooms and running through my own syllabi options
Monáe and her collaborators are such, *such* talented storytellers that I expected something different from this highly anticipated textual album. In short, and I can't believe I'm saying this, I expected something more... sophisticated?
I felt like the conflicts, opinions, or choices were often spelled out directly and repeatedly in a pattern that removed opportunities for the more creative storytelling, world-building, or character-building that I would expect from these folx. The prose tends to tell instead of show, and while there are definitely some great moments, something was missing (for me).
The advantage is that there is little chance of mistaking the message -- ex: yes this is toxic, un-inclusive feminism; no misunderstanding the metaphor here. There's definitely a place for this reading (I'm thinking of classrooms and running through my own syllabi options
Monáe and their collaborators explore the themes of memory, time, self, and family - and who owns them, and why to fight for them. An occasionally clunky but ultimately triumphant piece of feminist, queer Black revolutionary futurism. Monáe's vision of the future is one worth dreaming of and working to make come true.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Deeply imaginative and thought provoking. I loved the overarching themes and how much this book had to say about society and what it feels like living under oppression. I could've happily read full length novels of each short story. I especially loved the last short story, and will be thinking about each one for a while longer. Unsurprisingly, Janelle Monáe is a fantastic orator and so is Bahni Turpin.
Series of short Afro futurist tales by the esteemed artist and colleagues. I think I need to read a hard copy of this as well. I listed to the audiobook narrated by the multi talented Janelle. Her voice is so soothing and calming that it sometimes felt hypnotic.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Really interesting concepts—all about time and memory—and link to a great album.
Book of short stories with different second authors, so the style changed a lot between them and some were definitely stronger than others. Notably, the first story, The Memory Librarian, was the best.
Book of short stories with different second authors, so the style changed a lot between them and some were definitely stronger than others. Notably, the first story, The Memory Librarian, was the best.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence
This took me so long to read because I switched from to audio. I’m glad I have this as a physical copy as well though so I can revisit some of the stories. Some were better than others, and kind of left the reader hanging. Praise Bahni Turpin though for her assist and Janelle would be a great audio reader with the various inflections she used for characters.
All of these stories are good. My favorite is Timebox.