Before we get into the bulk of the review, I want to say a quick thank you to both NetGalley and the publishers over at Inkyard Press for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Lies My Memory Told Me is about a girl named Nova whose parents invented the technology of Enhanced Memories. With Enhanced Memories, you can experience skydiving or bungie jumping or any other number of exciting adventures without the risk. And as Nova’s parents sink deeper and deeper into EM addiction, she meets a boy who wants to have real experiences again. As she gets to know Kade, he opens her eyes to a problem that just might be lurking inside her very own mind. This book comes out on October 19th and is available for pre-order now.

That premise is what made me request the ARC. But I have to say that the execution wasn’t well done. The writing felt basic and juvenile. I know this is written with YA readers in mind, but I would have felt this way about the writing as a young adult myself. The book was also pretty repetitive and it got pretty old pretty fast. I know that Nova and Kade need to have conversations about their differing view points, but I feel like it can be done without arguing the same points over and over. It also felt like the plot was predictable. I knew pretty much the answer or the twist the whole time which made it a little less satisfying at the end.

I did enjoy the technology and the whole premise of what that could turn the real would into. It felt a little like the tech from Hank Green’s A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor. And I like the idea of people wanting/needing an escape so badly that they lose sight of the real things that matter. This book also brings up questions of identity and the sense of self. I wish we could have gotten more of that from Nova as everything was unfolding. I did like the way it ended on the idea that people may say you only have two options from here, but Nova knows that there are really three and she chooses to take that third one.

Published via thesarahberg.com
Published on August 27, 2021

Nowadays, Netflix’s hit TV show Black Mirror doesn’t seem like a distant warning of technology’s danger. Robotic dogs have taken over, and biomedical tech has become a worrying issue of ethics as of late. There’s no denying our reliance on technology. Still, more than ever, the advances we’re making are starting to look more and more like an episode of Black Mirror.

And this is where Sacha Wunsch’s upcoming YA thriller “Lies My Memory Told Me” comes in. Enhanced Memory, technology allowing for anyone to experience or learn anything without any risk, is the hottest tech on the market. Users can travel the world, learn a new skill, or go zip lining without even leaving their couch–what’s not to love? Nova doesn’t mind EM all that much–her parents created the tech, and she sees the good in it, although the work seems to be taking over their lives.

Then Nova meets Kade–an enigmatic risk-taker who was formerly addicted to EM tech and runs a secret vlog recording real experiences. Despite their growing connection, Kade seems almost afraid of Nova. Unanswered questions, witnessing strange treatments at her job, and the feeling of forgetfulness lead Nova down the rabbit hole into the secrets of EM, her parents, Kade, and herself.

More than this being a cautionary tale of technology, “Lies My Memory Told Me” is a story of the human experience and the risks we’re willing to take to feel more. Yes, Wunsch’s Enhanced Memory tech perfectly aligns with the rise of the smartphone. Still, there are elements of current biomedical tech and its gray areas. Although a YA novel, Wunsch articulates the ethical and moral issues of Enhanced Memory without dumping high-brow, philosophical rants.

Throughout the novel, layers are pulled back on EM’s permeance in society and its effects on users, but with little suspense. With just a tad more suspense and danger, “Lies My Memory Told Me” could’ve been just as thrilling and nerve-wracking as a Black Mirror episode.

Even with the big reveal–an intriguing one nonetheless that definitely took me by surprise–there was too little build-up to the climax. The secrets revealed are more of a footnote than the monumental moment it could’ve been with the right amount of suspense sprinkled throughout and emphasis on the big reveal.

What makes for an intriguing read on the dangers of tech and the human experience is that it lacks the punch it could’ve landed. Nevertheless, “Lies My Memory Told Me” will transport you into a spectacular Black Mirror episode.

What a ride, you thought Nova was just a girl that felt abandoned and didn't fit in, but it was so much more. I enjoyed the thoughtfulness behind the Enhanced Memories and how people craved the experiences without the danger.

Hello Again!

This is going to be my second ever phone book! So about a month or so ago now, I decided to start reading a book on my phone, when I am waiting for an appt, when I am out and about but do not want to carry my Kindle, when I have a few minutes in the morning or at night, etc.. It has honestly been really great! Sometimes I even pick up my phone book while I am just on the couch as my kindle is charging so I can continue to read! For my second phone book I decided to pick up Lies My Memory Told Me! This is an E-ARC the publisher sent me in exchange for my honest opinions, so a huge thank you to the publisher! I really enjoyed my time with this story, so without further ado let’s jump into it!

SPOILERS AHEAD

Nova might be the luckiest or unluckiest kid in the world depending on how you look at things. Nova’s parents created enhanced memories! A new technology that is literally sweeping the nation. Basically users can experience memories as if they were there. Things like skydiving, cliff jumping, going to Paris, and more! This technology has so many applications like helping people preserve memories and helping people experience things that might be afraid to or never have the opportunity to. It has surged in popularity since it’s debut and many people are consumed by it, including Nova’s own parents. Everyday for months now Nova comes home and they say they are beta testing but they are just hooked up to there enhanced memory machines and the house is a mess. Nova cleans the house up, and carries on with her life. But when her parents miss her play at school she is really upset and goes out with her friends to an enhance memory bar. A place where people can use different enhanced memories but together. Here, Nova gets a memory of a haunted house but its kind of off compared to what she is used to but she can not quite put her finger on what is wrong. On her way out she meets a guy, and they agree to meet up for again (maybe for a date)! But when Nova learns that he does not used enhanced memories and why, she thinks he is crazy until she starts looking around and wondering if maybe he is right?

I absolutely loved this story! At first I was kind of like hmm I do not know where this is going but by chapter three I wanted to read more and found myself picking it up often until I had like less than 100 pages left and I stayed up really late one night to finish it! There is a rather large twist to the story and admittedly somewhere in my mind I started to get a feeling things were further off base than the characters and plot were letting on. But I was unable to put my finger on exactly what was wrong with the picture I had before me. But once a few more things fell into place, I absolutely knew what was happening and I honestly only enjoyed the book more! I want to give a huge thank you to the publisher for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can not wait to see what this author writes next!

Goodreads Rating: 5 stars

What an excellent read! I loved everything about this story from the characters, the plot, the setting, and the twists. Reading this novel really made me think about the importance of memory and how it helps to create one's identity. This book was very well done.

Thank you for giving me the chance to read this. I read the first two chapters and never clicked with the story. The writing was jilted along with the characters and their actions. The prologue was really weird with the ways the characters interacted with one another, and I knew I wouldn't be able to read the whole book.

I honest did not expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. It had so many unexpected twists and story lines. I really loved the entire concept. This was the first time I read or even heard of the author and I am now going back and looking at more of their work.

I love dystopian sci fi and was very interested when I read the plot of this book. It did not disappoint this fan. Just the idea that we could experience memories like they are virtual reality boggles my mind. I thought this story was fast paced, well written and managed to do in one book what too many try to stretch out into a trilogy. Nova and Kade were believable characters, and the author continually impressed me with their journey throughout the book. Each event or twist made sense and wasn’t dragged out at all. I was satisfied by the ending, and would definitely recommend it to my 6th grade students (and others in middle and high school). However, I hope enhanced memories don’t ever become our reality.

While I think that some of my middle grade readers will enjoy this (or, at least, read it and not complain loudly) it is not the hard hitting dystopian/sci-fi thriller I was hoping for. As I was getting close to the end, all I could think to compare it to was a Disney movie or Disney Channel "thriller" where the kids manage to figure things out without anyone noticing and they can sneak into the lab just because they put on a lab coat. I mean, come on. My younger readers (or those who aren't as discerning) will probably find this to be OK. Others, not so much.

The premise (a new technology that allows you to experience memories from other people) is a good one. BUT, it falls flat. It is predictable. It has some plot holes. It isn't all that memorable. So, it's probably a second purchase for large collections. It is very appropriate for younger/middle grade readers, which can sometimes be hard to find in dystopian works. It is also a stand-alone.

Rating 2 DNF @60%

Oof. This book had such a great synopsis but unfortunately the book itself didn’t work for me. The concept behind the book is creative but that’s about it. The book started off slowly giving the reader a lot of information to set up the story. However, in my opinion all of that information seemed pointless and irrelevant. It took too many words and pages to say what needed to be said. The main character was pretty plain, nothing stood out about her. This book was missing the action and drama that was promised from reading the synopsis. Overall, I would only recommend this book to readers who don’t mind slow pacing and who won’t be upset if the ending doesn’t pay off.

**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

I had high expectations for this one. The premise was so unique and sounded amazing, but was not executed well. The writing was extremely basic and juvenile and very repetitive. I got bored quickly and even predicted the entire rest of the book. This was a hard pass for me.

Lies My Memory Told Me has a great unique premise. Nova's parents invent Enhanced Memory a technology where you can share memories and experience anything in the world with no risk. The technology takes off and their lives change forever. Her parents become obsessed with working on Enhance memory and Nova is left on her own. She soon realizes that Enhances Memory isn't such a gift as she originally thought. She meets Kade who opens up her eyes to the way it changes a person. This book has a great idea but it never quite gets there. I found it to be really boring which was a shame because the idea was so cool. It's written like more of a middle grade than a YA. Unfortunately I could never fully get into this story.

The Quick Cut: In a world where memories can be downloaded and shared, not all is as it seems for a teen girl.

A Real Review:
Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing the ARC for an honest review.

A significant part of who we is based on the history we have. The choices we have made and the bonds we have created make a huge impact on the path we take in life. So what would happen if you could download someone else's memories and use them as your own? This is the world that Nova lives in.

From the outside, many may think that Nova has a perfect life. Her parents are the inventors of Enhanced Memory: a way to download memories and experience them yourself. It's become a huge hit with a constant demand for new experiences. Rather than leave your home, you can feel the adrenaline of a new journey with none of the danger or travel. Except the truth is that Nova's parents are becoming more and more distracted, leaving Nova forgotten. Is something else going on?

If you've seen the show Black Mirror, the description of this book probably sounds familiar. It's fairly close to the plot of one of the early season episodes involving playing back memories for others. From the outside, it sounds like a great concept to experience new moments for yourself or have perfect recall. Except the problem is that once you start manipulating memory, there is very little you can trust afterwards.

The idea for this story is a great one. It's dystopian in nature without the dark and broody landscape making everything saddening. A big part of the plot involves conversation around addiction (especially how destructive addiction can be).

Unfortunately, the execution of the concept left me as a reader disappointed. I wanted a thrilling story that psychologically played with my mind and left a chill going down my spine. None of that happened with this story. It should have all worked, but it just didn't here. To be honest, I think the timing of how the action played out killed the necessary suspense level required to thrill.

The issue certainly wasn't Nova. From the start, she shows how her parents let her down and how parts of her life don't seem to quite fit together. Add Kade and these two fill in the blanks about what is truly happening. They make a wonderful team that you root for.

A psychological thriller missing the right level of suspense.

My rating: 3 out of 5

I didn't know what to expect when I started <u>Lies My Memory Told Me</u> but I did not anticipate finishing it in one sitting! I feel like this book's plot is something that's been done before, or it's something I've seen/thought of before . . . reading it was just as fun, though.

There's really no action within this book, and that was a slight letdown in the grand scheme of things but it wasn't a complete dealbreaker either. We follow our main character as she goes about her days as the daughter of two scientists who created the next best thing . . . memory extracting and "sharing."

I feel like a part of this story was also a question of morality. If this technology was readily available, knowing what it could do to our brains, etc. -- would we still go through with it, for experiences that we gain from others? and what they're giving up when they give up these memories?

This was a quick read with a lot of fun elements. A few flaws but easily overlooked. If you're interested in the concept of fake memories and questioning morality then by all means, pick up <u>Lies My Memory Told Me</u> and give it a go!

This is one of those books that I think would make a better movie vs. a book. I felt like it took forever to get through the first half of the story. Then towards the middle it started picking up. I wished that the pacing would have been more consistent. So for me this is a solid 3 stars.

This is only the third book I've ever rated one star, so trust me when I say that it's one of the worst books I've ever read. Whoever did the developmental editing should be fired immediately. I don't know how there were actual publishing professionals who read this book and thought they should give it a chance.

Let's start from the beginning with the unnecessary prologue. The first sentence: "The platform was a hundred and fifty feet down." It's not terrible, but the rest of the scene uses the vaguest language possible to make it seem like the unknown character is in some sort of dangerous situation. Then, surprise! She's on a zipline. It felt like a cheap trick, and there's nothing I hate more than authors who resort to tricks to create false tension.

It's only gets worse from there. The first chapter is NOTHING but info dumping. Our main character Nova, is talking to her best friend, Andie, It was completely insufferable to read because it felt so unnatural for all the conversation topics and inner monologue to explain everything about the premise of the book. Sure, it's the kind of thing that needs explaining, but it's honestly not that complex. Basically, Nova's parents invented a technology called Enhanced Memories that allows people to put in headphones and experience things like skydiving, roaming through Paris, climbing a mountain, etc. as if they were there themselves. This technology has become extremely popular and integrated enough into society that people don't often do adventurous things because it's much easier and safer to do them from the comfort of their own homes. An entire chapter is dedicated to saying all of that.

After the first chapter, I expected some action. But nope. This book has NO inciting incident. Absolutely nothing happens in the first third of the book except more pointless info dumping about enhanced memories and Nova's neglectful parents. I just kept waiting and waiting for the story problem to be introduced, but it droned on and on.
Around the 1/3 mark Nova meets a boy named Kade, which could arguably be considered the inciting incident. But if it is, it's a very weak one, and it comes far later in the story than it's supposed to. Nova is fascinated by Kade because he is anti enhanced memories and insists on making all of his memories on his own. His character was the only good part of this book. I liked him because I think that if this technology were real, I would probably share his same opinions. But even then, his character isn't super strongly developed, and his introduction doesn't do a lot to move the story forward.

As we continue slowly through the rest of the book, Nova starts to become suspicious about some of the things going on regarding memories at the nursing home she works at, but soon after the suspicion is introduced, it's resolved. She also is continually worried about her parents, who are constantly doing beta testing of enhanced memories and don't pay any attention to her. The only real action that happens comes in the last 20% of the book, but it's all very predictable and unrealistic (even when accepting all the realities that come with enhanced memories).

Nova is an extremely flat character throughout the whole book. She had no strong goals or desires. Even though she's the narrator, I finished the book feeling like I really knew nothing about her. The author also made her constantly sound stupid because all the info dumping was funneled through her. Other characters would bring up different societal impacts of enhanced memories (addiction, destruction of the travel industry, etc.) in conversation, and she would just be like, "hmm I'd never really thought about that before." It's like she doesn't have any sort of common sense and has made absolutely no observations about the world. Besides Kade, who at least has some sort of motivation, the rest of the side characters felt like cardboard cutouts. Genie, her coworker at the nursing home, and Andie, her best friend, only served as the other voice in the conversation when Andie needed to rehash the events of a previous scene or talk something out that's extremely obvious. The parents also had no personalities of their own. They were lumped together as an entity and were basically robots.

But it wasn't just the story and the characters that were written poorly. The actual writing is some of the worst that I've ever seen published. Writing 101 is showing vs. telling, and I don't think this author has ever heard of this concept before. This book is full of telling language that makes you never feel completely immersed in a scene. Nova's internal monologue is constantly stating her thoughts and feelings directly, and we never learn anything about her from her actions. The dialogue was also really awkward in every conversation. It felt like it was written by a middle schooler.

The only reason I finished this book is because I felt obligated because it was an ARC. But I would not recommend this to anyone. Ever. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book was interesting. It was one of those that keeps you trying to figure out what’s going on but you kind of already know but is still a good ride (if that makes sense)

I unfortunately did not finish this book; I was really intrigued by the premise of the book from the blurb but the writing style and the incredibly slow pacing at the start of the book were huge turn offs for me. I found myself incredibly bored and not really wanting to pick up the book. If you don't mind slower reads, you might enjoy the book though .

Thank you so much to Inkyard Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. As always, all opinions reflected are entirely my own. I really enjoyed this book. I thought it had a really unique concept and was pretty fast-paced. However, the end felt really rushed. A lot of things were revealed and resolved at the end of the book and it just felt really quickly and sloppily done. I feel like some elements of the plot should have been spread out. Still, I think it was a fun read with hints of mystery, romance, and science fiction. I would recommend the book for anyone looking for a really unique read.

I really enjoyed this book!

First of all, it was something different. And that can be very hard to find - so I am giving bonus points for that.

Second, it was really interesting. I started thinking about things like "what if this was real?" :are people working on this technology now? If this was available, would it take over much as the way social media has taken over our lives. I love books that make me think and I can apply to my life.

Third, I thought the writing and world building was really good. I could picture it all in my head and thought it would make a great move.

Sounds like we are on the way to 5 stars, right?... But wait..

I thought the parents were a little on dimensional - almost like a characture. I would have liked for them to be fleshed out more and maybe we could have seen more of their progression.

It started out like one book and I was really interested and couldn't turn the pages fast enough. But the last half of the book felt like a different kind of book. The first half was more about the people, and the second half felt more like a "techno thriller". (LOVED the first half, liked the second half)

However, again, bonus points for writing something different and fresh..

Thank you to the author, the publisher and #netgalley for the ARC which did not impact my review.