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Wired Differently
A woman heads to Hanoi to deal with her (very) long-distance relationship
A popular dating app faces a bug that keeps matching the wrong people up
An aid worker plays God at the end of the world
Romance and science fiction collide in these stories about eclipse chasers and med reps, copywriters and call center agents, lovers and heartbreakers. Here, men and women are called to make difficult choices in worlds that are like and unlike ours and, in the choosing, discover the many ways that love can be stranger than fiction.
A popular dating app faces a bug that keeps matching the wrong people up
An aid worker plays God at the end of the world
Romance and science fiction collide in these stories about eclipse chasers and med reps, copywriters and call center agents, lovers and heartbreakers. Here, men and women are called to make difficult choices in worlds that are like and unlike ours and, in the choosing, discover the many ways that love can be stranger than fiction.
- GenresRomance
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2016
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 17, 2021
A great mix of romance and speculative fiction.
June 23, 2024
Book Title: Wired Differently
Author: Chris Mariano
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I believe that this is my first time reading a book from her but I do believe I was able to read a story from her I think in the Promdi Heart book . So, this book Wired Differently is basically a collection of stranger love stories. Stories where anyone of us can relate to. Stories lke these happens almost every day to someone out there. Stories about strangers and stories involving of course LOVE.
I will be rating this book as a whole but I would very much like to say a little bit to each story on this book.
THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKET BOY
This is just the first story and I so love this book already. The story has all the feels to it. I can so relate to Sam being the commuter (yeah, I have experienced lining for van shuttles going to Makati for work every day, with the long lines and all coming from the South- Paranaque , of course.) We have the same thing going when lining up by reading books. Whenever you lined up on the same spot and same place every single day, sometimes you will be able to see almost the same faces. This one is so good for me and I feel so attached on the story. Naming your crush some cute nicknames is just so cute and just so me. I love Rocket Boy, he is just so different even if you weren’t able to talk to him as in conversation wise you can feel his warmth and care. I love him and Sam to bits. I have a line from this one that really stuck to me. “The kindness of strangers, the harshness of those we chose to love”. Very mych relatable right? I wish to have read more from them but I guess I don’t find the need to because that short story just gave me all of it. For this first one even if this is just too short I would still give it a 2 thumbs up and 5 stars.
BY ANY OTHER
Yes to the beach, of course. The usual high school thing this is, reminds me of the time when I was still on school and the friends and all. I like the thing about her and Mike on the beach every summer. We always have this someone we get along during this times, right? And by the way I like the name Periwinkle though I like the Stan way better cause it is mature enough to be used when you’re older. Simple and very cute story.
JUST JAKE
I also like this one. But to be honest I don’t like Jake at all for Tere. They’re better off just as friends and I am so glad that Tere got to figured that one out. However, something in here just makes me sad probably the part where Tere is confused what she really wants to do with her life. But all ends so well and I am just so happy. I do love Andrew here. Reading about him is just so different and he fits perfectly with Tere. Gosh I so love the ending on this one.
“Maybe things need to change. And maybe that isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it’s not about letting go but about moving on”.
A RUBBED OUT SKY
Chicken Masala and Biryani rice? I said yes all the way. The story though, I don’t know but is it just me that I feel so sad reading this one?? Too short but too sad. I don’t know why but I really feel the sadness in here.
WIRED DIFFERENTLY
Reading this reminds me of like a dating app. But Dexter is someone who is working behind the app and that Andrea is that someone also looking for someone to be the Vet. I like this one so many short stories but all connected in the System. It is literally wired differently. Stories may not be really that romantic but I bet that most will relate on the app side. Dating app is kind of a thing nowadays. Some are really using that thing to connect to someone they might like. I have an experience with apps like that and I admit I have found some good friends in there.
CHASERS
It is an okay story. I like that the setup was in an Asian country and was really curious about Vietnam and yes the Bahn Mi. I love how some girls can do solo backpacking either to contemplate about things and emotions or just travel to see the world.
"I want to wait for the one whose love is a marvel worth dreaming about".
THE MEMORY DRUG
Oh my gosh. As in, this is the one! After reading this story I found myself thinking so much that at times we do tend to just forget everything, love, pain, heartaches even those happy memories. Like everyone we always had this thought that what if there is a drug of medicine that will help us forget just about everything. This really is one of the saddest story in this collection.
THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE MANIWANTIWAN
This one almost made me cry. It tugged something in my heart. The love for family and farewell.
As always a #romanceclass book would not disappoint you. Also, there's this thing about food always associated with them, in here pistachio ice cream, chicken masala and biryani rice, bahn mi etc. I love this book and is one of the best reads so far. My top 3 stories in here are Rocket Boy, The Memory Drug and Wired Differently. But definitely I like all of the stories.
Author: Chris Mariano
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I believe that this is my first time reading a book from her but I do believe I was able to read a story from her I think in the Promdi Heart book . So, this book Wired Differently is basically a collection of stranger love stories. Stories where anyone of us can relate to. Stories lke these happens almost every day to someone out there. Stories about strangers and stories involving of course LOVE.
I will be rating this book as a whole but I would very much like to say a little bit to each story on this book.
THE ADVENTURES OF ROCKET BOY
This is just the first story and I so love this book already. The story has all the feels to it. I can so relate to Sam being the commuter (yeah, I have experienced lining for van shuttles going to Makati for work every day, with the long lines and all coming from the South- Paranaque , of course.) We have the same thing going when lining up by reading books. Whenever you lined up on the same spot and same place every single day, sometimes you will be able to see almost the same faces. This one is so good for me and I feel so attached on the story. Naming your crush some cute nicknames is just so cute and just so me. I love Rocket Boy, he is just so different even if you weren’t able to talk to him as in conversation wise you can feel his warmth and care. I love him and Sam to bits. I have a line from this one that really stuck to me. “The kindness of strangers, the harshness of those we chose to love”. Very mych relatable right? I wish to have read more from them but I guess I don’t find the need to because that short story just gave me all of it. For this first one even if this is just too short I would still give it a 2 thumbs up and 5 stars.
BY ANY OTHER
Yes to the beach, of course. The usual high school thing this is, reminds me of the time when I was still on school and the friends and all. I like the thing about her and Mike on the beach every summer. We always have this someone we get along during this times, right? And by the way I like the name Periwinkle though I like the Stan way better cause it is mature enough to be used when you’re older. Simple and very cute story.
JUST JAKE
I also like this one. But to be honest I don’t like Jake at all for Tere. They’re better off just as friends and I am so glad that Tere got to figured that one out. However, something in here just makes me sad probably the part where Tere is confused what she really wants to do with her life. But all ends so well and I am just so happy. I do love Andrew here. Reading about him is just so different and he fits perfectly with Tere. Gosh I so love the ending on this one.
“Maybe things need to change. And maybe that isn’t such a bad thing. Maybe it’s not about letting go but about moving on”.
A RUBBED OUT SKY
Chicken Masala and Biryani rice? I said yes all the way. The story though, I don’t know but is it just me that I feel so sad reading this one?? Too short but too sad. I don’t know why but I really feel the sadness in here.
WIRED DIFFERENTLY
Reading this reminds me of like a dating app. But Dexter is someone who is working behind the app and that Andrea is that someone also looking for someone to be the Vet. I like this one so many short stories but all connected in the System. It is literally wired differently. Stories may not be really that romantic but I bet that most will relate on the app side. Dating app is kind of a thing nowadays. Some are really using that thing to connect to someone they might like. I have an experience with apps like that and I admit I have found some good friends in there.
CHASERS
It is an okay story. I like that the setup was in an Asian country and was really curious about Vietnam and yes the Bahn Mi. I love how some girls can do solo backpacking either to contemplate about things and emotions or just travel to see the world.
"I want to wait for the one whose love is a marvel worth dreaming about".
THE MEMORY DRUG
Oh my gosh. As in, this is the one! After reading this story I found myself thinking so much that at times we do tend to just forget everything, love, pain, heartaches even those happy memories. Like everyone we always had this thought that what if there is a drug of medicine that will help us forget just about everything. This really is one of the saddest story in this collection.
THE LAST VOYAGE OF THE MANIWANTIWAN
This one almost made me cry. It tugged something in my heart. The love for family and farewell.
As always a #romanceclass book would not disappoint you. Also, there's this thing about food always associated with them, in here pistachio ice cream, chicken masala and biryani rice, bahn mi etc. I love this book and is one of the best reads so far. My top 3 stories in here are Rocket Boy, The Memory Drug and Wired Differently. But definitely I like all of the stories.
January 9, 2017
What a fresh take on love stories! I will admit that I have read not enough sci-fi/spec fic stories and I don’t know if the “strange-ness” in these stories actually fit in those genres but this is definitely ‘wired differently’ than the usual romance stories I devour. Here’s what I loved about each of the stories without spoiling them (hopefully! lol)
1.Adventures of Rocket Boy
*sigh* I am guilty of daydreaming romantic scenarios during the commute (who isn’t, tbh?) but I loved that Mousy Copywriter translated her daydreams into comics and that Rocket Boy turned out to be an actual hero outside her comic book panels. ;)
2. By Any Other
Now, while this is more into the YA Romance I usually read, it stands out because the romance is subtle but apparent, and the characters are well-rounded and fleshed-out in just a short stretch of the narrative. Its simplicity is what makes its emotions truer and closer to reality.
3. Just Jake
I’ve tweeted Chris about the audition part being reminiscent of a scene in a recent French Film called 'Blind Date’ but that’s where the similarities stop. The strangeness of the rest of the collection is not yet present here, but it tugs strong at heartstrings and I must commend Chris for making Tere three-dimensional from the very first lines to the twist in the end. There is a huge change for every character in this story but despite all this, Tere remained true to herself, even in confusing times when she was led to believe in one thing, but her heart calls for something else. (Argh. That’s a crappy review, but I don’t know how else to talk about this without revealing too much! :P )
4. A Rubbed Out Sky
I will not claim to have understood this one clearly even though I’ve already read it thrice. But at this point, I am in love with how Chris’ mind works. This veers more towards alternative genres than just romance, and makes the reader wonder how stranger will the rest of the stories be, while at the same time teasing them to read more.
5. Wired Differently
The carrier single, if this was a musical album. LOL. And I say that not because the whole collection is following its title, but more because I felt this story embodies the variety of genres prominent in this book. We got some spec fic, some mystery, some sci-fi element to it that balances quirky romance with dark satirical subtext. I don’t know exactly if those terms fully describe the vibes I got from reading it last weekend, but I loved it so much! And heads-up on the twist at the very end. It’s super satisfying!
6. Chasers
The vivid imagery of the events unfolding in this short story is breathtaking! I loved that the girl named Cat was in total control of what she wanted and that her mystery caller is described vague enough to make the story peculiar, but not too weirdly that their underwhelmed romance is still believable.
I have to note that the last part got me confused a little. But maybe I just need to read it again, or get more familiarized with works similar to this story’s tone and themes. :)
7. The Memory Drug
Oh. My. Heart. This started off really lowkey and relatable (I loved the inclusion of regional bias in Philippine culture because I believe we are all guilty of this, at one point in our lives) and then proceeded to twist and turn my heart like it was wringing out a washcloth of emotions. And yes, a considerable amount of emotions were wrung out of me by the end of this unique story.
8. The Last Voyage of Maniwantiwan.
A sci-fi drama is what I would call this but that’s just me trying to simplify something that I feel cannot be fit into just one or two genres in its complexity. This is precious in the way that its written in the POV of someone with a huge responsibility to society (and humanity, even) whose very own humanity is not lost on her. The internal conflict presented within the protagonist, Mai, is enough to keep the story going, but Chris goes even deeper with her in the final choices she make and I absolutely cannot believe this story went around for a while and nobody saw its greatness.
4.5 of 5 Stars. My favorites are By Any Other and The Last Voyage of Maniwantiwan. I liked Chris’ Cover [Story] Girl which I read around this time last year, but I feel that this shows more of her writing prowess and remarkable story ideas. She is able to meld genre’s together seamlessly and it has encouraged me to add a bit more spec fics and sci-fi to my forever growing TBR list. I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology!
*This review also appears on my blog: bentchcreates.tumblr.com
1.Adventures of Rocket Boy
*sigh* I am guilty of daydreaming romantic scenarios during the commute (who isn’t, tbh?) but I loved that Mousy Copywriter translated her daydreams into comics and that Rocket Boy turned out to be an actual hero outside her comic book panels. ;)
2. By Any Other
Now, while this is more into the YA Romance I usually read, it stands out because the romance is subtle but apparent, and the characters are well-rounded and fleshed-out in just a short stretch of the narrative. Its simplicity is what makes its emotions truer and closer to reality.
3. Just Jake
I’ve tweeted Chris about the audition part being reminiscent of a scene in a recent French Film called 'Blind Date’ but that’s where the similarities stop. The strangeness of the rest of the collection is not yet present here, but it tugs strong at heartstrings and I must commend Chris for making Tere three-dimensional from the very first lines to the twist in the end. There is a huge change for every character in this story but despite all this, Tere remained true to herself, even in confusing times when she was led to believe in one thing, but her heart calls for something else. (Argh. That’s a crappy review, but I don’t know how else to talk about this without revealing too much! :P )
4. A Rubbed Out Sky
I will not claim to have understood this one clearly even though I’ve already read it thrice. But at this point, I am in love with how Chris’ mind works. This veers more towards alternative genres than just romance, and makes the reader wonder how stranger will the rest of the stories be, while at the same time teasing them to read more.
5. Wired Differently
The carrier single, if this was a musical album. LOL. And I say that not because the whole collection is following its title, but more because I felt this story embodies the variety of genres prominent in this book. We got some spec fic, some mystery, some sci-fi element to it that balances quirky romance with dark satirical subtext. I don’t know exactly if those terms fully describe the vibes I got from reading it last weekend, but I loved it so much! And heads-up on the twist at the very end. It’s super satisfying!
6. Chasers
The vivid imagery of the events unfolding in this short story is breathtaking! I loved that the girl named Cat was in total control of what she wanted and that her mystery caller is described vague enough to make the story peculiar, but not too weirdly that their underwhelmed romance is still believable.
I have to note that the last part got me confused a little. But maybe I just need to read it again, or get more familiarized with works similar to this story’s tone and themes. :)
7. The Memory Drug
Oh. My. Heart. This started off really lowkey and relatable (I loved the inclusion of regional bias in Philippine culture because I believe we are all guilty of this, at one point in our lives) and then proceeded to twist and turn my heart like it was wringing out a washcloth of emotions. And yes, a considerable amount of emotions were wrung out of me by the end of this unique story.
8. The Last Voyage of Maniwantiwan.
A sci-fi drama is what I would call this but that’s just me trying to simplify something that I feel cannot be fit into just one or two genres in its complexity. This is precious in the way that its written in the POV of someone with a huge responsibility to society (and humanity, even) whose very own humanity is not lost on her. The internal conflict presented within the protagonist, Mai, is enough to keep the story going, but Chris goes even deeper with her in the final choices she make and I absolutely cannot believe this story went around for a while and nobody saw its greatness.
4.5 of 5 Stars. My favorites are By Any Other and The Last Voyage of Maniwantiwan. I liked Chris’ Cover [Story] Girl which I read around this time last year, but I feel that this shows more of her writing prowess and remarkable story ideas. She is able to meld genre’s together seamlessly and it has encouraged me to add a bit more spec fics and sci-fi to my forever growing TBR list. I thoroughly enjoyed this anthology!
*This review also appears on my blog: bentchcreates.tumblr.com
February 10, 2017
Where to begin with this collection of short stories, all of which feature a love story (in various forms) and strange tangents? You know how they say a story 'weaves around you like a spell'? That's exactly how I felt reading this. In fact it took me nearly two months to finish the book -- after each story, I'd pause and let it soak in my mind, absorbing the lyricism and complex emotions that each piece brought to mind. The stranger stories--such as the title story, Chasers and the excellent The Last Voyage of the Maniwantiwan--feature a foolproof, Gattaca-esque dating app, an extremely long-distance relationship and the end of the world, respectively, but treat these as so matter-of-fact, pondering instead the enduring mysteries of the heart. My favorite story is By Any Other, an unsettling and subtle story of self-discovery that lingers long after the words are through. Pick this up if you're looking for something...different.
November 25, 2016
A wonderful collection of short stories! You would think that because of its genre, catching on to the different 'mythologies' would be difficult. But Chris' writing is beautiful and easy to follow. Kudos to her for coming up with these stories. I especially loved 'Rocket Boy' and 'Wired Differently'!
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