Memory, Memory, Go Away

by Christopher William Selna, Matthew Cortez (Illustrator)

The United Federal States of America has undergone a Suicide and Opioid Epidemic for years. However, a new program called Memory, Memory, Go Away has been established to end all that. Its procedure consists of extracting memories from one’s mind to allow one to live a more stable life. The program will give rise to enemies, and those enemies stand in the way of a pivotal merger between the esoteric program and Federal.

Malcolm B. Jenners and the rest of the world have only heard about this program’s perfection. But on the night of the merger, Malcolm will learn the truth about the flawed program and its enigmatic but insanely idolized founder, Addison Cain. He will discover that murder and mayhem aren’t strangers to this program and its founder. He will also understand fully how the program maliciously triumphed over its adversaries.

To share the truth with the world, Malcolm must survive a night with the devil incarnate.

472 pages, Paperback

Published October 24, 2025

Reviews

[Misha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away by Christopher William Selna is a bold and gripping story set in the United Federal States of America, a nation struggling for years with a Suicide and Opioid Epidemic. To end this crisis, the government creates a new program called Memory, Memory, Go Away, a system that extracts painful memories from a person’s mind so they can live a more stable life. This idea looks perfect, clean, and full of hope. But the truth behind it is much darker, and the book takes you straight into that hidden world.

The author uses a simple but powerful storyline to show how this memory-removal program gives rise to enemies, secrets, and a dangerous struggle for control. The program is preparing for a major merger with the Federal system, and everyone believes it is the solution to the country’s problems. But behind this big promise is a silent war one that destroys anyone who questions the system. The tension builds slowly and steadily, and every chapter reveals how far the people behind the program are willing to go.

At the centre of the story is Malcolm B. Jenners. He, like the rest of the world, has only heard about the program’s perfection. But on the night of the merger, everything he believes collapses. He learns the truth about the flawed program and its enigmatic but insanely idolized founder, Addison Cain. Malcolm discovers that murder and mayhem aren’t strangers to this program or its creator. He finally understands how the program has maliciously triumphed over its adversaries through fear, manipulation, and absolute power. To share the truth with the world, Malcolm must survive a night with the devil incarnate.

Christopher William Selna shows how dangerous it can be when a system controls your memories, your truth, and your entire sense of self. Memory, Memory, Go Away is not just a thriller it is a warning about power and the cost of forgetting. I strongly recommend this book to readers who like dark, fast-moving, and thought provoking stories that stay with you long after you finish reading.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Chilling Vision of Engineered Forgetting...

In Memory, Memory, Go Away, Christopher William Selna imagines a world where the government has found a way to take your pain — surgically, officially, with paperwork and a smile. A procedure that strips out the bad memories, the ones that keep you up at night. It sounds like mercy. It sounds like relief. It almost sounds too good.

And of course, it is.

As a high-profile merger closes in, Malcolm B. Jenners starts noticing the seams — the places where the program's gleaming surface doesn't quite hold together, where the devotion to its founder tips from admiration into something stranger and more unsettling. What unravels from there is the kind of story you read with your shoulders tense, your eyes moving a little faster than you mean them to.

Selna is doing something genuinely interesting here: pressing on the question of whether you can excise suffering without excising self. Whether the person who comes out the other side is still, in any meaningful way, you. It's psychological suspense tangled up with dystopian dread, and the moral weight of it never quite lets you settle into comfort.

The pacing is taut. The atmosphere is close and airless. The novel isn't without its rough edges — but its ambitions are real, and they land. This one has a way of staying with you, quiet and a little troubling, well past the last page. Highly recommended.

[Micheal Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away by Christopher William Selna is a bold and concept driven thriller that explores memory extraction, institutional power, and the ethical consequences of technology designed to control human experience. The premise is both timely and unsettling, offering readers a speculative look at a society attempting to solve trauma through radical intervention.

The central concept of removing memories to create stability provides a strong foundation for suspense and philosophical tension. As the story unfolds around the merger and the revelations surrounding the program’s founder, the narrative builds intrigue while raising questions about trust, authority, and the cost of engineered perfection. The escalating stakes give the plot momentum and keep the reader engaged.

What makes the book especially compelling is its exploration of truth versus perception. Through Malcolm B. Jenners’ discovery of the program’s darker realities, the story shifts from surface level promise to deeper moral conflict. This transition strengthens the thriller elements while also adding thematic weight.

Overall, Memory, Memory, Go Away delivers a high concept narrative with psychological depth and suspenseful intensity. It will appeal to readers who enjoy technology driven thrillers that challenge assumptions and examine the consequences of innovation taken too far.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with a terrifyingly simple question: what if we could just delete our worst memories? Memory Memory Go Away takes that idea and runs straight into chaos, consequences, and moral disaster and it’s impossible to look away.

The premise is dark in the best way. A government-approved program that removes memories to “fix” lives sounds helpful until it doesn’t. The more you read, the clearer it becomes that erasing pain isn’t the same as healing and that control dressed up as care is still control.

Malcolm B. Jenners is our eyes into this glossy, disturbing world, and what he uncovers during the night of the merger is pure nightmare fuel. Secrets, murder, and manipulation pile up fast, turning curiosity into a fight to survive. This is not a slow, cozy read.

Then there’s Addison Cain, charismatic, idolized, and deeply unsettling. The kind of character who makes your skin crawl while also stealing every scene. You know she’s dangerous, and that tension keeps the pages turning.

If you love dark sci-fi thrillers that mess with your head and make you question everything, Memory Memory Go Away is one to grab. It’s intense, unsettling, and sticks with you, like a memory you wish you could erase, but can’t.

[Phil Bolos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away by Christopher William Selna is a cool and somewhat striking psychological thriller about a company which can solve a major epidemic that is sweeping the country. Similar to our own reality, drugs have taken hold of this world and are causing major losses of life. A new program has emerged called Memory, Memory Go Away, and it pulls memories out of a person's mind which gives them the chance to have a fresh start and begin to live a better life addiction free. But the program has issues...major issues. There are those who want to see it stopped both out of anger due to its success and out of fear of the damage it can cause. What unfolds is a fast-paced story about a world that has gone wrong and the consequences of our own choices. Anyone who loves dark thrillers will appreciate this book. The use of modern fears of drugs such as opioids, and the unfortunate consequences many suffer as a result does a great job of making this story feel real and relevant. The characters are well developed and do a nice job of getting the reader hooked into the narrative.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished this, and wow, this one got under my skin in the best unsettling way. The whole premise sounds comforting on the surface, but the book wastes no time showing how quickly that comfort turns into something darker. The atmosphere made me feel a little bit claustrophobic, like I was trapped in a world pretending everything is always fine. The idea of memories becoming both currency and weapon is the kind of sci‑fi concept that I would remember from a story. If I had one small critique, it’s that I occasionally wanted a bit more breathing room between the certain moments. The plot moves fast, almost too fast in places, and I found myself wishing for a few extra moments to sit with the weight of each of Malcolm's discoveries. But honestly, I can see how the pace also fits the story’s vibe. Overall, it’s a pretty eerie and thought‑provoking thriller. It definitely left me thinking after I finished it.

[Quirru · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away by Christopher William Selna (author), Matthew Cortez (Illustrator)

Food for thoughts

In this dark novel, we find an excellent premise: erasing the memories of all those suffering, especially from opium addiction, and observing the results. The author uses a series of twists and turns, analyzing various scenarios, blending these elements, and quickly leading us to believe it might work. Then the question arises: if erasing memories dehumanizes you, or makes you lose everything you are, what would be the best option, or would there be none? Could it even be done? And finally, a whole philosophical reflection based on these premises. By the way, why do they credit an illustrator if the book has no illustrations, only a rubric on the last page, unless they're referring to the book's cover?

[Angry Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away by Christopher William Selna is a dark thriller in a revolutionary world where people have the option to erase their bitter memories, which cause continuous pain and anger. The story discusses a world where the massive use of drugs and prevalent sadness are everywhere, which is a cause of mental suffocation and takes many lives.

A program called "Memory, Memory Go Away" was launched to help people under great stress relieve their pain and live in a peaceful environment. But the consequences come along, there are hidden forces that don't want to stop drug addiction and want this newly launched program to collapse. The book is well-written with well-developed characters that keep the readers engaged. It is a must-read for the fans of science fiction and adventurous novels.

[Naomi Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away is a chilling dystopian thriller that explores a haunting question: What if you could erase the memories that cause your pain? Set in a nation ravaged by suicide and opioid epidemics, the story centers around a controversial program promising emotional stability through memory extraction.

But beneath its polished image lies something far darker. As Malcolm B. Jenners uncovers the terrifying truth behind the program and its idolized founder, Addison Cain, readers are pulled into a world of corruption, manipulation, and deadly secrets. Suspenseful and thought-provoking, this novel examines power, control, and the dangerous cost of rewriting the past. A gripping read for fans of psychological and dystopian fiction.

[Jake Hallstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

The dark and dystopian idea of eliminating all of your own control over your experiences is something that’s been approached many times. I found this to be a great read into the idea of getting rid of memories and thoughts that hurt us the most. How would society change? How would our interactions now be shaped with each other?

It’s hard to argue one way or the other. On the one hand, you could have a “perfect” society that always has a pleasant experience. On the other hand, you would be sacrificing all that people learn and grow from their negative experiences. It creates an interesting sociological problem and we get to see it play out in real time with these characters. Very enjoyable and would recommend.

[Nancy Retallick, Ph.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thin Line Between Cure and Control

Not an easy read—but it is an enthralling one. At first, I thought the story was wordy, almost excessive. Selna uses language to mirror the chaotic, obsessive, and fragmented thought process of a delusional psychotic mind, which is what kept me reading. The story wrestles with a good-versus-evil quandary. Just when I thought I understood the direction of the story, it pivoted, reinforcing the instability that defines the book. For readers willing to engage with a dark psychological journey, this novel offers a haunting and memorable experience. Content Warning: This novel contains explicit sexual content that may be disturbing or triggering for some readers.

[Sachi Ito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story!

This is a really interesting story with psychological connotations…especially given the rise of AI nowadays. Imagine battling mental health by physically removing memories instead of going through therapy. That thought alone reminds me of a really good movie I saw years ago. It's really entertaining to watch everything unfold, very creative thought process in the story. I like how things continually build with the characters and the overall story. I could definitely see something like this happening in the world today. Who would have thought of memories being used as a weapon. If you're looking for a very different type of novel, definitely check this one out.

[Payal Sinha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penned in the form of a stream of consciousness novel where readers follow sequences from the perception of different characters, the book unfolds like a rubic cube having seven faces. We get the initial incling of what the true picture is, but the real puzzle starts becoming clear once each face is solved. As a reader, I felt that I have fallen into a labyrinth trying to find my way out, and when I thought that I have solved the piece and about to come out of the maize, I realized that there is a bigger mystery hidden and more pieces to solve to unpuzzle the picture. The book is brilliantly written.

[Abdullah Majeed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away, by Christopher William Selna, and illustrated by Matthew Cortez, is a dark, speculative novel that blends psychological suspense with elements of dystopian fiction. The story explores themes of memory, control, and the cost of technological solutions to deeply human problems. The book is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy thrillers that explore the intersection of ethics and power structures in a modern or near-future setting.

The kind of book that pulls you in with a steady sense of unease. The writing creates a moody, reflective tone that lingers. It’s a compelling pick for fans of thought-provoking, suspense-driven fiction.

[Robin Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulled me in with its unsettling question: what if we could simply erase the memories that hurt us most? At first, the idea of wiping away trauma and addiction sounds almost merciful, but the deeper the story goes, the more disturbing it becomes. The world feels uncomfortably close to our own, which made the tension hit even harder.

I found myself thinking about the bigger question behind it all; if you remove someone’s pain, do you also remove part of who they are? The twists kept me on edge, and the moral gray areas made it more than just a thriller. It’s dark, intense, and definitely not light reading, but it stays with you long after you finish.

[A Cannady · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're not careful to remember that this book is fiction, you could fall into the trap of believing it's reality; it's that realistic. "Memory, Memory, Go Away" takes place in a future where the government and church control everyone and everything. A group within this sect have decided that those who suffer from mental health challenges could be "cured" if the memories of what traumatized them would just...go away. To do this, they've established a group of scientists who use technology to reach this goal, but how far will they go to control humanity? To what end is it wellness...and where is the line?

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This speculative psychological suspense explores trauma, manipulation and the hidden price of engineered perfection in a haunting future society. "Memory, Memory, Go Away" by Christopher William Selna crafts a dystopian landscape that feels vast yet mentally suffocating.

The mystery constantly shifts by overturning expectations and deepening the tension. It guides readers through chaos, moral conflict and technological overreach. The conclusion is believable as the plot threads while leaving lasting questions about control and mental freedom.

[Momna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away by Christopher William Selna, illustrated by Matthew Cortez, is a dark speculative thriller. The novel raises unsettling questions about control, truth, and the ethics of rewriting the past. The author’s writing is vivid and immersive, building a tense, almost suffocating atmosphere, while the illustrations heighten the story’s unsettling tone. This book will likely resonate most with mature readers who are drawn to dark, intellectually engaging dystopian thrillers with emotional weight.

[Ivory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christopher William Selna crafts a chilling speculative tale that examines engineered sanity within a tightly controlled society. “Memory, Memory, Go Away” delivers an unsettling meditation on autonomy, trauma and the perilous allure of manufactured peace. The narrative unravels into ethical tension and personal reckoning as state and religious authorities promote a radical remedy for psychological pain. Gradual revelations sharpen the mystery by exposing the cost of surrendering memory for order.

[Hamza · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel examines control, memory and the danger of forced forgetting. "Memory, Memory, Go Away" by Christopher William Selna presents a tense mystery in a rigid society shaped by power and silence. The story follows shifting clues as truth becomes harder to hold. The theme focuses on identity, loss and the cost of removing pain. It discusses how twists challenge expectations and raise moral questions. This gripping read blends suspense with social warning and elaborates how forgetting can destroy trust, freedom and responsibility.

[Rajiva Ranjan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Memory, Memory, Go Away" written by Christopher William Selna is a cool and somewhat striking psychological thriller about a company which can solve a major epidemic which is sweeping the country. It explores a future adjacent solution to mental health crisis which feels unsettling by design. The idea that technology, avoidance, and dominance to solve a mental health crisis is unfortunately not unbelievable. The author has written this book very brilliantly. Anyone who loves fark thriller will love this book

[Luci L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark and unsettling read!

The idea of erasing bad memories sounds nice at first, but this book shows how wrong it could go. The book builds a world that feels a little too close to our own, with drug crises and a government offering an easy fix. The main character, Malcolm, spends one long night discovering the truth behind the program, and the tension never lets up. It's dark, twisty, and makes you think about what makes us who we are. If you take away the painful memories, what's left? Not a light read, but a good one.

[Mia C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book pulls you into a dark and mysterious world where nothing is as perfect as it seems. The memory removal concept is handled in a way that is believable and terrifying at the same time. Malcolm is easy to connect with, and his fear and determination make the story urgent. I liked how the author balanced suspense with deeper emotional themes. It’s a haunting and memorable read that makes you question whether forgetting is truly freedom.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away explores a future-adjacent solution to mental health crises that feels unsettling by design. The memory extraction concept drives both the plot and the moral tension. I appreciated how the story questions whether stability is worth the cost. It’s sharp, dark, and intentionally uneasy.

[Michele Klawitter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christopher William Selna delivers a tightly woven story blending intrigue, suspense, and psychological tension. The memory extraction program at the center of the plot creates unease that carries throughout. Malcolm’s night of discoveries is packed with danger, unexpected twists, and morally complex decisions. The pacing keeps the tension high, making it hard to put down.

[Santiago Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended

I really enjoyed the psychological and philosophical layers of this book. It’s more than just a thriller. The writing is clear and immersive, and the story unfolds in a way that keeps you curious. It’s a bold and creative concept that is futuristic and disturbingly relevant.

[Paige D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory, Memory, Go Away is a gripping and unsettling thriller that explores the dangerous allure of rewriting the past. Christopher William Selna delivers a story filled with tension, mystery, and psychological depth, as hidden truths unravel beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect system. A compelling and thought-provoking read for fans of dark, high-stakes speculative fiction.

[Liz Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A chilling book about erasing bad memories. Addison Cain founds a “solution” to eradicate the suicide and opioid crisis. A blend of dystopia and psychological suspense, this book questions violence and morality. The plot of this book is deeply unsettling. This is a dark, deep thinking read for those who like thrillers.

[May G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping

Memory, Memory, Go Away is gripping from the very beginning. The idea of a government-supported memory extraction program is believable. The pacing is strong and this is a good aspect of the story. This is a unique and unsettling read that stays with you.

[Rodrigo J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those stories that makes you uncomfortable in a good way. The premise is original, and the execution is intense. The author creates an eerie atmosphere that makes you question everything, especially the idea of erasing trauma.