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A review by mothreadsbookssometimes
The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The Memory Librarian is wonderfully written, and features such a diverse cast of characters. It is a collection of short stories, featuring mostly queer, POC main characters. I’ve been reflecting on the stories since I started the book and it’s been interesting to think about.
It featured a unique government and technology system that felt realistic, but I really struggled to wrap my head around it for some reason. That was more of a personal issue, though.
My main issue with the book is really the opposite of a problem, and that is that I wanted more in the book. I found that by the time I settled into a story, it ended and switched to the next story and characters.
Quick ratings of each short story (spoiler-free)
The Memory Librarian - 4.5/5; I loved the relationship and it established the world very well.
Nevermind - 4/5; it was a really good story but the ending felt a little weak and I wanted more.
Timebox - 3/5; this was straight out of the Twilight Zone, but I really didn’t get it.
Save Changes - 5/5; my favorite of the stories—the writing was excellent and the plot was so great.
Timebox Altar(ed) : 5/5; it was so full of optimism and the writing style was beautiful.
It featured a unique government and technology system that felt realistic, but I really struggled to wrap my head around it for some reason. That was more of a personal issue, though.
My main issue with the book is really the opposite of a problem, and that is that I wanted more in the book. I found that by the time I settled into a story, it ended and switched to the next story and characters.
Quick ratings of each short story (spoiler-free)
The Memory Librarian - 4.5/5; I loved the relationship and it established the world very well.
Nevermind - 4/5; it was a really good story but the ending felt a little weak and I wanted more.
Timebox - 3/5; this was straight out of the Twilight Zone, but I really didn’t get it.
Save Changes - 5/5; my favorite of the stories—the writing was excellent and the plot was so great.
Timebox Altar(ed) : 5/5; it was so full of optimism and the writing style was beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Racism, Transphobia, and Police brutality