Scan barcode
julieyael's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Funny dystopian novel. Satirical and full of pop culture references (not necessarily at the right time, but very enjoyable anyway)
Can be read as a stand alone, but I am looking forward to reading the next volume!
Can be read as a stand alone, but I am looking forward to reading the next volume!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Classism
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Police brutality, Medical content, and Gaslighting
cheye13's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was a stunning breath of fresh air. It was comforting(?) to see this kind of commentary written in a published book. It makes me feel a little less insane and a little more hopeful that we can work to fix things.
This is wonderfully creative, written with in-world 'ads' to split up action and provide a shortcut for worldbuilding and context. "Qualityland" is expertly kept anonymous and widely applicable to the real world. I was impressed by the tonal balance between discussing hard-hitting, important topics while keeping the reading experience enjoyable and at times even hopeful, rather than falling down a rabbit hole of despair.
What I enjoyed the most was the nuance in the discussion of "AI" – in a setting where humans are increasingly automated and machines are increasingly humanized there was a lot of good commentary on art, machine learning, and humanity while avoiding slipping into luddism. There were also quite a number of historical interludes that taught me a lot about real history and development.
I could've done without the manic pixie dream girl, and I would've liked the main character to have a little more personality and/or drive aside from his One Mission, but overall I was simply so impressed to read a book like this.
This is wonderfully creative, written with in-world 'ads' to split up action and provide a shortcut for worldbuilding and context. "Qualityland" is expertly kept anonymous and widely applicable to the real world. I was impressed by the tonal balance between discussing hard-hitting, important topics while keeping the reading experience enjoyable and at times even hopeful, rather than falling down a rabbit hole of despair.
What I enjoyed the most was the nuance in the discussion of "AI" – in a setting where humans are increasingly automated and machines are increasingly humanized there was a lot of good commentary on art, machine learning, and humanity while avoiding slipping into luddism. There were also quite a number of historical interludes that taught me a lot about real history and development.
I could've done without the manic pixie dream girl, and I would've liked the main character to have a little more personality and/or drive aside from his One Mission, but overall I was simply so impressed to read a book like this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Classism
Moderate: Death, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Ableism, Body shaming, Infidelity, Pedophilia, and Suicidal thoughts
portrayal of censorship, blackmail, jingoism/nationalism; denial of fascism, gov't erasure of holocaust