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Nothing But Your Memories
"I knew it. As I lie on a white bed in a white room with white light filtering in through the shade on the window, I know it has finally happened. The Shift is complete."
The radically new lifestyle of the Alternation of Generation world has more flaws than it may seem. A young woman named Mira Cobbleson has awoken for the first time in her new "body" with a feeling of unease. The Fisk, the city she is assigned to, seems too perfect to be real, but can it be any worse than the overcrowded cities and cramped apartments of life before the Shift? She stumbles upon others who feel it is worse, and they want to escape. Mira joins forces with them, and, together, they work to find a way to freedom---but their plan may be as flawed as the city they are trapped in.
The radically new lifestyle of the Alternation of Generation world has more flaws than it may seem. A young woman named Mira Cobbleson has awoken for the first time in her new "body" with a feeling of unease. The Fisk, the city she is assigned to, seems too perfect to be real, but can it be any worse than the overcrowded cities and cramped apartments of life before the Shift? She stumbles upon others who feel it is worse, and they want to escape. Mira joins forces with them, and, together, they work to find a way to freedom---but their plan may be as flawed as the city they are trapped in.
140 pages, Paperback
First published November 24, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 12, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4, due to being written by a 14-year-old! I would love to see a follow-up book, now that the author has completed her Bachelor's degree. Sadly, I doubt that she will have much time to write, as she is heading on to medical school!
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March 22, 2016★★★½ -- Nothing But Your Memories is a dystopian science fiction story wherein humanity has taken to a novel solution to overpopulation woes. It becomes clear that there are not enough resources for all the people on earth to continue existing all of the time, occupying space and resources for every year of their life span. So, it is decided that they’ll just have to take turns. The AG (Alternation of Generation) system was originally conceived to have each group live a year and then take a year off. However, by the time the whole population is indoctrinated into the program, each person is allowed one out of a decade. Of course, for this system to work, something has to be done about the frailty and weaknesses inherit to the human body. Living one year and aging nine would be acceptable to no one, and spending resources on keeping all those bodies alive wouldn’t help the problem. The solution to this is shells — engineered blank humanoid canvases onto which memories are imprinted via an identity chip. Each identity chip takes turns inhabiting these shells for a span of a year.
At the open of the novel, our protagonist Mira is awakening to her first cycle. The story that follows is an interesting one that brings up a lot of worthy, thoughtful questions. The issues of identity, the loss of self, the loss of family, the fairness of living one year out of ten (while the government officials, of course, get to have each one). The issue of forced compliance. The deeper questions over the impacts of loss of age, cultural and/or racial identity, reproduction. The insidious wonderings–what has happened to the problematic personalities, and the children? Is it worth the loss of so many of the things that make us human to lead a safe, comfortable life?
Hands down, my favorite part of the book is the world H. B. Clementine has built. I find it exceedingly inventive, and the concepts of identity chips, shells, and AG cities is enough for me to eagerly seek out the upcoming sequels. The groundwork Clementine lays toward the end of the work leaves plenty of room for several new branches of story, and I look forward to reading them. I also very much enjoyed how the last chapter of Nothing But Your Memories brought the narrative full circle.
There are some technical issues that I had with the book, things that drew me out of the world and kept me from being fully immersed. One of the issues was the quite young-sounding voice with which the story was narrated. I think narration in the present tense also pushed me back a bit. There were some passages that were exceedingly rambling and flip-floppy. Some of this is explained toward the end of the novel, but a lot of it seems only attributable to Mira not being able to make up her mind.
I find myself much more forgiving of these quibbles than usual due to the fact that this strange and inventive world was created by a young teenager–14 years old to be exact. In that respect, I am suitably impressed. Clementine’s achievements are laudable, and I certainly think she deserved to win the BookLogix Young Writers Contest. I am glad she got the chance to share this story with world. I look forward to reading more from her.
Overall, I would recommend the story to fans of dystopian science fiction, particularly those looking for something a little different than the standard teenagers competing against each other and the government fare. I’d particularly like to recommend it for younger readers–the content is appropriate and the reading level is accessible, while still thought-provoking. Young adult fans should find it enjoyable as well.
This book was obtained freely from the publisher, BookLogix, in exchange for an honest review.
At the open of the novel, our protagonist Mira is awakening to her first cycle. The story that follows is an interesting one that brings up a lot of worthy, thoughtful questions. The issues of identity, the loss of self, the loss of family, the fairness of living one year out of ten (while the government officials, of course, get to have each one). The issue of forced compliance. The deeper questions over the impacts of loss of age, cultural and/or racial identity, reproduction. The insidious wonderings–what has happened to the problematic personalities, and the children? Is it worth the loss of so many of the things that make us human to lead a safe, comfortable life?
Hands down, my favorite part of the book is the world H. B. Clementine has built. I find it exceedingly inventive, and the concepts of identity chips, shells, and AG cities is enough for me to eagerly seek out the upcoming sequels. The groundwork Clementine lays toward the end of the work leaves plenty of room for several new branches of story, and I look forward to reading them. I also very much enjoyed how the last chapter of Nothing But Your Memories brought the narrative full circle.
There are some technical issues that I had with the book, things that drew me out of the world and kept me from being fully immersed. One of the issues was the quite young-sounding voice with which the story was narrated. I think narration in the present tense also pushed me back a bit. There were some passages that were exceedingly rambling and flip-floppy. Some of this is explained toward the end of the novel, but a lot of it seems only attributable to Mira not being able to make up her mind.
I find myself much more forgiving of these quibbles than usual due to the fact that this strange and inventive world was created by a young teenager–14 years old to be exact. In that respect, I am suitably impressed. Clementine’s achievements are laudable, and I certainly think she deserved to win the BookLogix Young Writers Contest. I am glad she got the chance to share this story with world. I look forward to reading more from her.
Overall, I would recommend the story to fans of dystopian science fiction, particularly those looking for something a little different than the standard teenagers competing against each other and the government fare. I’d particularly like to recommend it for younger readers–the content is appropriate and the reading level is accessible, while still thought-provoking. Young adult fans should find it enjoyable as well.
This book was obtained freely from the publisher, BookLogix, in exchange for an honest review.
July 9, 2015
To avoid overcrowding and poverty, the government decided to let people live one year out of every ten, forever. Mira would give anything to be back in her old life with her family so when she finally wakes up she immediately joins a rebel group to try and escape the city. But when her only friend endangers herself trying to disconnect her memory chip, Mira knows she must do something before she seriously hurts herself. Is freedom worth giving up everything?
The best aspect of this book was the world-building. I feel that's what really made the book stand out for me. Without that it would have just been another average dystopian and it would have honestly been very boring. I liked how it included the back story of what the world was like for Mira before "The Shift" and I feel that added depth to the story.
I wasn't a big fan of most of the characters and they sort of got on my nerves especially West and Faustino who were the leaders of the rebel group Mira joins. Alexis, Mira's only friend, was okay, but at times I didn't like her either. I felt it was really unrealistic that there weren't any more groups rebelling and how everyone seemed to find new friends the day they woke up. I feel like it would take longer for everyone to adjust and get used to their new lifes without their families.
One thing I really did not like about this book was the fact that Mira did not have much of a reason to hate the government. I mean sure, they separated her from her family, but they could have somehow resisted. The only reason that I could think of was that maybe it was because they didn't wake kids up, but it seems like she hated them even before she woke up when she didn't even know about that. The ending was also a little confusing, what with changing the perspective for the first time in the book with no warning. I felt it would have been better if it had at least said the name of the new character or something like that. I felt really confused and reread the pages before it, making sure I didn't miss anything. Overall though, I didn't have very many problems with this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique dystopia with good world building that might not be as well known as The Hunger Games or Divergent. If you enjoyed either of those, I can almost guarantee that this would be some good entertainment!!
***I received this book from the publisher via bookblogging.net in exchange for my honest feedback. This did not influence my rating or review in any way.***
The best aspect of this book was the world-building. I feel that's what really made the book stand out for me. Without that it would have just been another average dystopian and it would have honestly been very boring. I liked how it included the back story of what the world was like for Mira before "The Shift" and I feel that added depth to the story.
I wasn't a big fan of most of the characters and they sort of got on my nerves especially West and Faustino who were the leaders of the rebel group Mira joins. Alexis, Mira's only friend, was okay, but at times I didn't like her either. I felt it was really unrealistic that there weren't any more groups rebelling and how everyone seemed to find new friends the day they woke up. I feel like it would take longer for everyone to adjust and get used to their new lifes without their families.
One thing I really did not like about this book was the fact that Mira did not have much of a reason to hate the government. I mean sure, they separated her from her family, but they could have somehow resisted. The only reason that I could think of was that maybe it was because they didn't wake kids up, but it seems like she hated them even before she woke up when she didn't even know about that. The ending was also a little confusing, what with changing the perspective for the first time in the book with no warning. I felt it would have been better if it had at least said the name of the new character or something like that. I felt really confused and reread the pages before it, making sure I didn't miss anything. Overall though, I didn't have very many problems with this book.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a unique dystopia with good world building that might not be as well known as The Hunger Games or Divergent. If you enjoyed either of those, I can almost guarantee that this would be some good entertainment!!
***I received this book from the publisher via bookblogging.net in exchange for my honest feedback. This did not influence my rating or review in any way.***
February 8, 2016
I recieved a free copy of this book via Book Blogging in exchange for an honest review. This will not affect my decision in any way.
I rarely hate books. I rarely give them one star ratings. And whenever I do, I can't help but feel horrible about it. Unless the book made me mad (there are a few that will remain nameless), and then I don't feel bad. Heads up, this is going to be a mean review. (Have I been doing too much of these lately?)
Nothing But Your Memories held so much potential, yet it fell flat. And by flat, I mean, it was one of those books that you hate but just have to finish.
Yes, I hated Nothing But Your Memories.
I was so excited for it. The plot sounded amazing; the perfect new dystopian premise. It sounded like it could be the next big thing.
It wasn't.
The writing was quite horrible. The plot wasn't carried out well.
The characters were bipolar. I hated Mira because she was just a dumb person. I didn't connect with her whatsoever, and her thoughts made no sense. One minute she was going to join the group, the next she was betraying them. She made no sense as a character. It was as if the author was just making her do random actions just because she felt like it. There was little character development.
There was really no rhyme or reason to this book. It confused me til the end. Speak of the ending, I hated the "plot twist" if it could really be called that. I really didn't see why there was even a book because it literally went nowhere. Read the book, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was absolutely pointless.
As I mentioned before, the writing was horrible. Maybe that's because it was a teen writing and she needs some practice, I really don't know. I feel as if she can create a much better book with practice because I despised this one. I really hate being mean, but I don't like my time being wasted.
It was a quick read though.
I rarely hate books. I rarely give them one star ratings. And whenever I do, I can't help but feel horrible about it. Unless the book made me mad (there are a few that will remain nameless), and then I don't feel bad. Heads up, this is going to be a mean review. (Have I been doing too much of these lately?)
Nothing But Your Memories held so much potential, yet it fell flat. And by flat, I mean, it was one of those books that you hate but just have to finish.
Yes, I hated Nothing But Your Memories.
I was so excited for it. The plot sounded amazing; the perfect new dystopian premise. It sounded like it could be the next big thing.
It wasn't.
The writing was quite horrible. The plot wasn't carried out well.
The characters were bipolar. I hated Mira because she was just a dumb person. I didn't connect with her whatsoever, and her thoughts made no sense. One minute she was going to join the group, the next she was betraying them. She made no sense as a character. It was as if the author was just making her do random actions just because she felt like it. There was little character development.
There was really no rhyme or reason to this book. It confused me til the end. Speak of the ending, I hated the "plot twist" if it could really be called that. I really didn't see why there was even a book because it literally went nowhere. Read the book, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was absolutely pointless.
As I mentioned before, the writing was horrible. Maybe that's because it was a teen writing and she needs some practice, I really don't know. I feel as if she can create a much better book with practice because I despised this one. I really hate being mean, but I don't like my time being wasted.
It was a quick read though.
July 2, 2015
*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*
Where do I begin my review with this book? The concept, cover, and synopsis pulled me in...I wanted to see how this unraveled. Unfortunately for me this book was a hot mess. I was over 20% into the book before an actual conversation took place, that's right I read 1/5th of a book till I found a conversation. Otherwise you are mostly in Mira's head. The first 20% of the book is a pity party, with Mira complaining about everything. At 23% there is an actual conversation that takes place; however, she is laughing to the point of tears at something that didn't even make me smile and left me confused.
So as the Synopsis states, she joins forces with other people who want to escape. She suddenly drops the mental complaining and introverted attitude at 39%. It was honestly like her personality did a 360. They make radical plans to escape the city and when the plans become dangerous for one member of the group, Mira literally goes off the deep end. At 70% she becomes a crazy person, she is suddenly out for revenge on her group member because she only wants to escape the city. Mira feels that her "friendship" is worth nothing so she decides to report the person.
Then chaos ensues, it was just very random. I spend most of the book in Mira's head because there is still not a lot of conversations. All the other characters are very one-dimensional and poorly developed in my opinion. I can't get to know them because I am trapped with Mira. There is also a random man named Will who makes an appearance twice and you think he might be someone but he isn't. It was just a very poorly developed book, good idea but not nearly enough support.
Where do I begin my review with this book? The concept, cover, and synopsis pulled me in...I wanted to see how this unraveled. Unfortunately for me this book was a hot mess. I was over 20% into the book before an actual conversation took place, that's right I read 1/5th of a book till I found a conversation. Otherwise you are mostly in Mira's head. The first 20% of the book is a pity party, with Mira complaining about everything. At 23% there is an actual conversation that takes place; however, she is laughing to the point of tears at something that didn't even make me smile and left me confused.
So as the Synopsis states, she joins forces with other people who want to escape. She suddenly drops the mental complaining and introverted attitude at 39%. It was honestly like her personality did a 360. They make radical plans to escape the city and when the plans become dangerous for one member of the group, Mira literally goes off the deep end. At 70% she becomes a crazy person, she is suddenly out for revenge on her group member because she only wants to escape the city. Mira feels that her "friendship" is worth nothing so she decides to report the person.
Then chaos ensues, it was just very random. I spend most of the book in Mira's head because there is still not a lot of conversations. All the other characters are very one-dimensional and poorly developed in my opinion. I can't get to know them because I am trapped with Mira. There is also a random man named Will who makes an appearance twice and you think he might be someone but he isn't. It was just a very poorly developed book, good idea but not nearly enough support.
August 28, 2015
Full review to come! So enjoyable with a twist ending I won't soon forget!
Rating: 4.5*
Rating: 4.5*
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews