dreareads_'s review

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-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

5.0

UGH! I love it when Science Fiction and social commentary come together to make such a creative, fresh, queer, unapologetic collection of short stories. 

I loved it. The stories are all set in a dystopian future where human memories are currency and any person that does not conform to strict definitions of of gender, love, and belief are immediately classified as Dirty Computers. Even at its darkest, the thread of hope, acceptance, and  love cursed through every page. I was sad every time a story ended, but was usually immediately gripped by the next one. 

All the stories were a little on the nose with their messaging, but to me this willligness to be obvious with their stance felt refreshing instead of tiresome. Of all the stories, I think 'Timebox' was my favorite just because of the way it explores ideas of time theft and exhaustion under capitalism. I was moved by the raw exhaustion and infuriating ending.

I also listened to the "Dirty Computer" Album while reading the book and I loved the way they seamlessly fit together. 

Final lesson is the world (I) needs more Science Fiction written by Janelle Monáe

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