I loved this. It felt so balanced and thought-provoking. I like how it explored the benefits and dangers of tech in a gentler way that left room for reader interpretation. And the references at the end were pretty surreal – we’re already living parts of this future 😵‍💫.

 

Energy: Debatable. Soothing. Empathetic. 

 

🐩 Tail Wags Mix of strange and familiar. Authentic sounding dialogue. Third person narration gave slight distance that prevented the story being too dramatic or stressful. How tech isn’t portrayed as inherently good or bad, just exists with pros and cons. The backdrop of environmental collapse. Balanced commentary that’s open to reader interpretation. May’s conflicts and struggles to find balance. Realistically flawed characters and family dynamics. How technology understanding our deepest feelings doesn’t have to be a bad thing necessarily. Bittersweet look at what our future could be.  

 

Scene: 🌆 Set in an unspecified American metropolis.

Perspective: Our main character’s job as an AI trainer is no longer required, so while looking for work they sign up for a trial to subtly change their face, so it is no longer recognized by the technology of the time. They decide to use a chunk of the payout to treat their spouse and two kids (6 and 8) to a vacation at the local Botanical Gardens. 

Timeline: Near future. 🥵 Heatwaves

🔥 Fuel: Emotional investment. Relatable dilemmas and themes. World-building. Intrigue. Thoughts and Feels. What is the botanical garden going to be like? Will the hum help the family? Who leaked what happened in the garden? How will May manage it? 

📖 Cred: Speculative sci-fi realism

 

Pigeons. Entertainment pods. Subway. Gauze scarf. Horsies go round. Hot, stifling air. Humidity. Ads. 

 

Content Heads-Up: Missing/lost child. Financial struggles/overspending. Accusations of negligence. Loneliness. 

 

Rep: American. Cis. Hetero. Ambiguous skin tones.

 

📚 Format: Library Digital

 

 

😀 Potential Fav of 2024