Category: Uncategorized

Defending the Right to Think Freely in the Age of Neurotechnology

by Nita A. Farahany, Review 4 of 2023

This is a timely examination of some key questions we should be asking ourselves as neurotechnology and AI become more and more common. Should we be giving our brain data away in exchange for convenience? Who should have access to brain related data? What does the future of brain enhancement look like? Without question, there is a lot to be gained from emerging neurotech, but are we equipped to manage the full range of consequences? Dr. Farahany explores these questions and more in this intriguing and accessible book. 

This is a great read for those who are using brain related technology, want to be, or are interested in bioethics and privacy in the digital age.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: (referenced) Child Death 

Categories: Nonfiction, Science, Technology

by Shelley Read, Review 3 of 2023

I was inspired to request this novel solely based on the beautiful cover as well as the blurb by Bonnie Garmus and was disappointed to find that this did not compare to Lessons in Chemistry. That being said, it was an engaging story and I was compelled to see it through. The main character, Victoria, is easy to root for and I appreciated how the book leans into the value of female friendships.

The story and narration were good but I couldn’t help getting hung up on the clumsy writing (there is some distractingly excessive foreshadowing) and disappointingly one dimensional representation of the characters of color (that lean into stereotypes). It wasn’t terrible, but I wouldn’t recommend this over several other books I’ve read in the last year or two. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC

Content Warnings: Racism, Lynching, Addiction, Death, Abuse, Neglect

Categories: Fiction, Historical fiction, Family Saga

by Paulo Savaget, Review 2 of 2023

As a person who’s always worked for or with “scrappy” organizations it was refreshing to read something in the professional development category that doesn’t glorify traditional business models and celebrates the innovations that are born from restraints. I appreciated the conversational tone, pragmatic approach, and personal anecdotes and thought Savaget’s framework is a useful tool to add to my problem solving toolkit. I would recommend this for anyone who wants to solve overwhelming and complex problems. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC!

by Amber D. Samuel, Review 1 of 2023

Not one of my favorite romances, but you may enjoy this if you want a cute story about finding love and defining success on one’s own terms. Indigo is a fun leading lady and her relationships with her siblings and friends were almost more enjoyable to read than her dating pursuits.

The narration was hit or miss so I would potentially recommend the paper book over an audio copy. I had some conflicting feelings about the way addiction was portrayed but overall I thought this was a cute lower stakes read. See the content warnings as there were a few sensitive topics. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Addiction, Abortion, Alcoholism

Categories: Fiction, Romance

This is a collection of 32 distinct and eclectic short stories. If you choose to read it, be aware that it includes science fiction, horror, dystopia, and a lot of triggering content. Several stories were outstanding, most were very good, and a few didn’t feel quite as impactful. I really enjoyed learning about and finding connections to African folklore. This was certainly one of the most challenging and unique collections I read this year.

Overall I’d recommend this collection for anyone interested in African folklore, science or dystopian fiction. If you love short stories, this would be an excellent choice. 

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for this ALC!

Content Warnings: Abuse/Violence (all kinds), Racism, Colonialism

Categories: Short Story Collection, Science Fiction, Anthology

Edited by

Sheree Renée Thomas (Editor), Oghenechovwe Donald Ekpeki (Editor), Zelda Knight (Editor)

Stories by

Dilman Dila (Contributor), W.C. Dunlap (Contributor), Steven Barnes (Contributor), Joshua Omenga (Contributor), Russell Nichols (Contributor), Nuzo Onoh (Contributor), Franka Zeph (Contributor), Yvette Lisa Ndlovu (Contributor), Wole Talabi (Contributor), Sandra Jackson-Opoku (Contributor), Aline-Mwezi Niyonsenga (Contributor), Alex Jennings (Contributor), Mirette Bahgat (Contributor), Timi Odueso (Contributor), Maurice Broaddus (Contributor), Tlotlo Tsamaase (Contributor), Tobias S. Buckell (Contributor), Somto Ihezue Onyedikachi (Contributor), Tananarive Due (Contributor), Ytasha Womack (Contributor), Oyedotun Damilola Muees (Contributor), Alexis Brooks De Vita (Contributor), Tobi Ogundiran (Contributor), Moustapha Mbacke Diop (Contributor), Akua Lezli Hope (Contributor), Mame Bougouma Diene (Contributor), Woppa Diallo (Contributor), Shingai Njeri Kagunda (Contributor), Ada Nnadị (Contributor), Ivana Akotowaa Ofori (Contributor), Chinelo Onwualu (Contributor), Danian Darrell Jerry (Contributor), Dare Segun Falowo (Contributor)