An incredibly cool collaboration between Monae and writers. Janelle's ideas are innovative and freeing, and I was really pulled into the stories. I also appreciate that they gave credit to the authors who helped with the stories; it really brings them to life in a special way.

I wanted to like this book so much. I love her album when it came out, so it felt natural to try out this book. It may be because science fiction is not my favourite genre, but I could barely follow what was happening in the story. I do struggle with understanding new world building, but I think it needed either more or better explanation of the characters and world.

I was excited for this but it was not for me. The prose was trying too hard to be interesting and just ended up sounding too wordy. I also didn't care for the stories themselves. I am very familiar with he world of Dirty Computer from Monae which this is based on and I was still confused as I read it. Very disjointed and not the fun ride I expected.

Janelle Monáe's The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer is a visionary and thought-provoking collection of interconnected stories that expand upon the dystopian universe introduced in her acclaimed album and film project, Dirty Computer. This book is a testament to Monáe's multifaceted talent as a musician, actor, and now, author, showcasing her ability to blend speculative fiction with social commentary in a way that is both entertaining and deeply meaningful.

Set in a future where society is controlled by an oppressive regime that monitors and manipulates memories, The Memory Librarian explores themes of identity, freedom, and resistance. The stories revolve around various characters who grapple with the invasive control of the "New Dawn" government, which seeks to erase individuality and enforce conformity. Each tale highlights the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to defy the system and reclaim their autonomy.

Monáe's prose is rich and evocative, bringing to life a world that is as imaginative as it is chilling. Her ability to create vivid and immersive settings is matched by her skill in crafting complex characters who resonate with the reader. The protagonists of each story are diverse and multifaceted, reflecting a range of experiences and perspectives that add depth to the overarching narrative.

The titular story, "The Memory Librarian," sets the tone for the collection by introducing readers to Seshet, a memory librarian tasked with maintaining the regime's control over the populace. As Seshet begins to question her role and the morality of her actions, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and rebellion. This story, like the others in the collection, is a powerful exploration of the tension between control and freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Another standout story, "Timebox," follows the character of Amira, who discovers a hidden sanctuary where memories can be preserved and protected from the New Dawn's influence. Through Amira's eyes, readers witness the power of community and the importance of preserving history and identity in the face of erasure. Monáe's portrayal of Amira's struggle and eventual empowerment is both moving and inspiring.

"The Folded Clock" delves into the life of Neer, a young artist who uses her creative talents to subvert the regime's propaganda. This story highlights the role of art and creativity in resistance, and the ways in which personal expression can challenge and dismantle oppressive systems. Monáe's depiction of Neer's journey is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of maintaining one's voice in the face of adversity.

Throughout the collection, Monáe seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction, Afrofuturism, and social commentary, creating a tapestry of stories that are as intellectually stimulating as they are emotionally engaging. Her exploration of themes such as gender, race, and sexuality is nuanced and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on the parallels between her fictional world and our own.

In conclusion, The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer is a groundbreaking work of speculative fiction that cements Janelle Monáe's place as a powerful storyteller. With its richly imagined world, compelling characters, and profound themes, this collection is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and those interested in stories that challenge and inspire. Monáe's ability to blend futuristic concepts with timeless human experiences makes this book a standout addition to contemporary literature. The Memory Librarian is a celebration of resistance, resilience, and the enduring power of memory and identity.

Ended up buying a print copy the same night that I saw Janelle in concert! Thanks for the review copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

Thought provoking collection of short fiction, at times presenting classic scifi tropes with a new perspective.

I already loved Dirty computer, so I was excited to enter the ideas and concepts further. Janelle has created a vast, thought provoking world that makes you think of how you express yourself in the world. I wanted to read more and was sad when it ended! I will definitely be recommending this to patrons.

Janelle Monáe is a very talented musician and actor so it's not a surprise that they would also be a talented writer as well. Written as a companion piece to their album Dirty Computer, The Memory Librarian is a collection of short stories that inspired or were inspired by the album. Each of these stories are sci-fi based and further expand on Monáe's ideas of memory and conformity. For me the underlying theme throughout the stories is how you cope with a world that desires conformity and uniformity when you don't fit into the desired categories. These stories focus on women, whether cis, non-binary, trans or other and how the new world of New Delta treats them and being outside the norms forces them to move off the grid or supress who they are. Written with multiple other authors, this collection is a wonderful set of short stories and I highly recommend them.

This book left me wanting to know more about the world it was set in, and one thing I enjoyed about it was that it takes place almost entirely on the outskirts of a 1984-esque mega-city where people are not individuals & any thought or memory deemed unclean is erased from its citizens brains. If you enjoyed the Dirty Computer album in 2018, this is a fun literary follow up with a nice cadre of authors' takes.

This book was SO queer, and SO dark (at times), and SO wonderful. Some of the stories grabbed me a little more than the others, but all in all, to be perfectly honest, it had me at Janelle Monáe. <3

I've loved everything Janelle Monae has done to date, and this collection of short fiction is no exception. It is beautifully written and laden with thoughtful insights about technology, surveillance, and personal freedom. Something I really love about Janelle is the unity across all her work- she is incredibly consistent in the themes, visuals, and emotions she explores, and it is fascinating to watch her thoughts and expression develop over time. I really hope we see more writing like this from her.

This book was a really beautiful read. I came to this one as a fan of Janelle Monae's music and I'm very glad I did! I started listening to her when the Archandroid album came out, so I recognized and was thrilled by the subjects of the various short stories. The prose might take a little getting used to, but this was a thrilling dive into Black speculative fiction. I'm really excited to re-read this one and to read more from her.

DNF. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of this book, but sadly I could not finish. I absolutely love Janelle Monae and the world they are trying to birth simply by being who they are on this earth, but I struggle with sci-fi & speculative fiction. The writing was dense, but I am sure if that's your genre you'd love it.

This was a really good read. I admit I was a fan of Monae beforehand and was aware of her afrofuturist vision via her music, so it was fun seeing that expanded on in this book.

I love Janelle Monae and Dirty Computer is one of my all-time favorite albums. I was so excited for this book. Unfortunately it reads more like a movie script to me, and that is a writing style that I can't stand.

The short stories in this book are set in the same world but have different characters. The stories inform one another, forming a brilliant and disturbing picture of the future and its future. These are stories about finding hope in a dark world. It is critical to be yourself while also accepting others.

These stories appear to be part of a larger project, with language and references assumed to be familiar even when introduced for the first time in the text.

I like Janelle Monáe's music but don't know her lyrics by heart (I saw her perform for a small private audience at a tech sector party in SF), but I'm sure there will be echoes and references to her songs throughout this book.

Highly recommended as a powerful piece of collaborative art and a collection of ideas for a better future that we might be able to build together if we can maintain optimism, hope, and our distinct real selves.

Really loved this book from Monae and hope to see more work from her in the future! Definitely will recommend to any sci-fi fans

This book is not what I thought it was about, however, I did enjoy it. Being somewhat of a reluctant reader I found some parts very long with no breaks but still I was enjoying it enough that I kept going and was glad I did. I love anthologies as it gives me a chance to experience many authors and find some I would never have read before. I found these stories interesting but kind of scary, as we could easily say that would never happen, but in this ever-changing world we live in right now I don’t think that of anything. These authors found worlds to create their futures and what they see will make you think.

The Memory Librarian was an absolute delight to journey through. Janelle Monae collects a great amalgamation of stories to bring forth this book, for which I am grateful to have the privilege to have read.