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Tech a Piece of my Mind aka Jaffle Inc

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Alice works for Jaffle Tech incorporated, the world’s biggest technology company and the creator of the Jaffle Port, the brain implant that gives users direct access to global communications, social networks and every knowledge source on the planet.
Alice is on Jaffle Standard, the free service offered to all people. All she has to do in return is let Jaffle use a bit of her brain’s processing power. Maybe it’s being used to control satellites. Maybe it’s being used to further space exploration. Maybe it’s helping control self-driving cars on the freeway. Her brain is helping Jaffle help the world. And Jaffle are only using the bits of her brain she doesn’t need…

But when a kind deed goes wrong, Alice gains unauthorised access to her entire brain and discovers what she has been missing out on her entire life: music, art, laughter, love…

Now that she has discovered what her mind is truly capable of, how long will the company bosses let her keep it?

315 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2019

74 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Heide Goody

81 books324 followers

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5 stars
156 (56%)
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84 (30%)
3 stars
28 (10%)
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5 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Carien.
1,298 reviews31 followers
October 4, 2019
Funny, scary, weird, and very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Andy Angel.
566 reviews46 followers
September 17, 2019
Set in the near(ish) future this is a world where 97% of the population are fitted with a Jaffle port. This is a device which allows each person to give the unused capacity of their brain power to the upkeep of the infrastructure of the country. It feels very much like the next step from mobile phone obsession really.

Our protagonist, Alice, works for Jaffle Tech Inc. and is on one of the lower level Jaffle packages. Due to a series of events Alice accidentally ends up doing a 'favour' for the head of Jaffle Tech which results in her getting all her brain capacity back. This results in her seeing the world in a much better light...but how long can she keep her secret.

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Goody and Grant, their madcap sense of humour makes their books a must read for me, but with Jaffle Inc. the humour isn't as much 'front and centre'. This isn't of any detriment to the story. What we have here is a top-notch near future sci-fi thriller with a dash of humour. There are moments that really stand out, such as when Alice discovers real food and music (before she had been eating beans and watching bland TV).

Throw in corporate espionage and what you have here is Grant and Goody's best work to date and something that deserves to be noticed
8 reviews
November 24, 2019
“Complete peace of mind for a tiny piece of your mind.”

Superb dark speculative comedy. Loved it.

The population have eagerly adopted Jaffle Inc’s brain ports that connect them all to everything and each other. Of course, how much you get depends on what package you can afford. In return, Jaffle uses spare brain capacity to run the world more efficiently.

Alice (Jaffle Standard Package) works in customer care at Jaffle HQ. When a mouse disrupts her day less than optimal events snowball, culminating in her giving brain space to an antsy blue whale and struggling with senses experiencing the world fully for the first time: everything from a tasty sandwich to the male form excites her. She wants colour, flowers and love in her life; she’s no longer content with cold beans and the Smiley show on TV, day after day. Will she be able to stop Jaffle’s latest software upgrade which will down-grade human brains to less than human? Will Jaffle’s security catch up with her and her new accomplices and zap her into an empty, a human shell with no conscious awareness? Can she harness the Jaffle port’s connectivity to break down the arbitrary grades of experience and participation Jaffle allows? Will the Piggywig orchestra evade their bacon destiny?

This is a brilliant concept that can be read on so many levels. On the surface there’s Alice’s awakening and determination to free others from the “safety” of Jaffle’s total control, with a soupcon of romance thrown in. Beneath that are some sharp satirical digs at social media, political manipulation, what it means to be human, and current capitalism. While CEO Rufous Jaffle enjoys off the books whale encounters he’s oblivious to the suffering caused by his company’s actions, pushed by senior management who will stop at nothing to retain their power.

33 reviews
April 28, 2020
*

Possibly one of the most terrifying stories I have ever read.
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Profile Image for Claire  Longley.
100 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2019
Interesting concept.


With computer's, phones and technology in general taking over so much of our life I thought this to be very interesting story on what could all go wrong in the world. In that I was right.  


The book is about a world where our brains are all hooked up to an information centre and our extra processing is used to rule the world decisions and computers, such as traffic lights. Unless you can buy your way to another platform. As always the rich rule the world. 


Alice however accidentally gets the upgrade and learns what life is like where she can experience colours, tastes and love. 


I love seeing this. Alice is so pleased with the smallest things and really brings to light how we take small things for granted.


However, I have to admit the book really wasn't for me. I found it very hard to get into at the beginning. The writing was very robotic at that point which I'm assuming is to show Alice's thought process she was allowed at that time. I also felt was really slow therefore found was struggling with it.


It did improve as I read but it still didn't wow me or grab me the way I was expecting. This was just me personally I have read others by the authors and certainly wont be putting me off more.
Profile Image for one9eighty.
129 reviews
January 28, 2025
Loved it!

Alice is happy in her life, but she doesn't know anything else. She's had a Jaffle Inc port in her brain for as long as she can remember and Jaffle Inc softeare controls what she can do, what she can feel, what she enjoys. She also happens to work for Jaffle Inc so she is a company girl through and through. 97% of the population have a Jaffle port in fact, so it's the normal. One day Alice's eyes are opened up to what else the world has to offer and things will never be the same.

I started and finished reading this book while A.I. was making the news globally so this felt a little spookier than if I'd have read this a few years ago. It's a fun story but there is a darkness to it. It's like a Terminator or Minority Report world, but wrapped up in the fun and humour that Heidi Goody and Iain Grant usually bring to their books. It's an easy book to pick up and you don't need a deep understanding of technology. The flow of the book is nice and there's so much fun and silliness in it that you'll smile throughout. The pace is great and will keep you engaged in the story, if not frantically reading it to see what happens. I guessed the ending but I never imagined for one minute what the journey there would be like. 5/5
Profile Image for Les.
2,911 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2023
This might be the most terrifying book I have ever read.

Set in a near distant future when man and machine are merged instead of the utopia we are promised it is a dull, joyless world for idiots.

Your Jaffle port support level determines your needs and wants. At standard you live in a bland apartment eating bland nutrition and watching mindless entertainment before you go to your dull job

At the top tier things are lovely at the bottom are the Empties humans with no ability to speak or move outside of their programmed tasks

When Alice inadvertently gets her port to the top tier she discovers the world she has been missing the one with colors and flowers and scents and art and music she also uncovers a plan to make everyone a little less so the people at the top can feel more special and of course Pay more

Alice briefly believes that the owner of Jaffle isn't a complete monster but she tragically learns that she is wrong. And becomes an Empty
This is a cautionary tale that I took to heart
Profile Image for Barbara Johnston.
7 reviews4 followers
February 9, 2021
Excellent

A different book entirely from their other writings, Jaffle Inc was a surprise and an adventure. In the vein of 1984 and Brave New World, a working mind struggling in a dystopian technological future. This is high quality science fiction.

The book might have been more unsettling and impactful had it ended a few chapters sooner but personally I prefer a wrapped up ending.
Profile Image for Bender.
455 reviews46 followers
November 8, 2021
Intriguing plot and good writing. A new take on social classes with a sci-fi edge. The plot focuses more on the human elements and though written well, didn't really wow me at any point. Started off as humour, but turned into a serious book quick. Big chunk of screen time was about MC discovering the fine arts of food , music etc. The ending last 25% was taut and gripping and I was engrossed, but a bit let down by a deus ex machina type climax.
Profile Image for Louise.
598 reviews
December 27, 2019
If I could give this book 10 stars and press it into the hands of every person I know I would.
Set in the 'future' but not that far!
This is book about Jaffle Inc who make sure that you tick your terms and conditions so that you agree to lots of things that perhaps you should not.
Beautifully written, an original idea and plot. Made me laugh, cheer, cry (a bit) and definitely think!
57 reviews
May 31, 2021
Intelligent and Humorous!

I like, if not love, every book by these authors. No way to pigeonhole their body of work. Their books are inventive and funny, with quite likable characters. I don't do synopses: read it yourself and enjoy! I highly recommend ANY of their books but I am partial to the Clovenhoof series, with Oddjobs a close 2nd.
Profile Image for mr mark a aston.
2 reviews
May 18, 2020
Powerful and relevant

A very entertaining insight into a dystopian future. I wouldn't like to say that a jaffle is similar to a round green tree fruit with a bite out of it.... But I'm definitely not getting an iPhone after reading this.
1 review
February 13, 2022
A fun read

After reading the Oddjobs series and Clovenhoof I've become fan of Goody/Grant. This book was like a lighthearted Black Mirror episode; clever idea, good characters, and the expected oddball humor. Thanks to previous readers whose comments led me to give it a try.
Profile Image for Bohdan Barylko.
43 reviews
July 7, 2023
Boooooring

I just got to Chapter 4 and decided I will not go any further. I had read a few books of these authors before and I rather liked them, so this one was a big disappointment.
496 reviews5 followers
July 30, 2024
very interesting book

Lots and lots of food for thought in this story
Good versus evil, haves versus the have nots, the enhanced v the unenhanced. Really really good- makes you think long and hard about technology and the future of humanity
Profile Image for Martin Willoughby.
Author 12 books11 followers
August 9, 2020
Another excellent comedic novel. They just need the publisher to work harder on the formatting.
52 reviews
July 22, 2023
Brave New World meets the Hitchhikers Guide, it’s a great read with the right mix of humour and absurdity.
168 reviews3 followers
December 11, 2019
Sci-fi satire with an excellent and entirely too plausible dystopian near-future where the vast majority of the world’s population have become slaves to their electronic devices. The wealthy retain the full enjoyment of human experience whilst the majority live sheltered, ignorant existences with the worst off essentially state-maintained automatons. Chilling though the premise may be, the comedy potential unleashed as the lead character is freed from her cerebral shackles and discovers the world outside gives unrelenting entertainment. Thoroughly enjoyable but with subtle warnings of the dangers of the reach and influence of global tech giants.
142 reviews6 followers
December 1, 2019
Jaffle Inc brings Heide Goody and Iain Grant’s usual sense of humour, but with a slightly less prominent style in this book. There was still the dark humour and slapstick comedy that I love from this duo, but there was much more in the way of social satire with digs at the way technology is heading, the ugliness of the importance of individual social standing, capitalism and the lack of conscience at the top of the giant corporations. That isn’t a bad thing though, as Jaffle Inc is clever, thought-provoking, dark and funny all at the same time. There are some great characters and a very plausible take on where the human race could end up, that is slightly disturbing if you think about it too much! A thoroughly enjoyable read that reminds you just how important it is to always read the T&C’s…
Profile Image for Arkgirl.
164 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2019
At times heartwarming, and at others scary, this is an interesting read about a possible future where people have ‘ports’ in their heads to communicate. The lead character accidentally has an upgrade and their awareness of what more freedom means is wonderful .... makes you think about your appreciation of small things! There are some beautiful and challenging sequences that I found quite inspiring.
At times very funny this is also a book that makes you think and I love the characters. Slightly different style to several of my recent reads by these authors but as always very readable and enjoyable.
Profile Image for jhanami.
294 reviews6 followers
December 17, 2019
A lighter and more humorous take on Orwell’s Big Brother and a really really good read - maybe a little more serious and of a darker shade than I would have expected from these authors, but nevertheless full of heart and their trademark wit. I found Alice’s journey entertaining and captivating, a well paced, easy flowing story with an underlying simple, joyful, life-affirming profoundness, dryly funny in parts and sadly accurate in others.
This has to be my new favourite Goody & Grant book - uplifting and very satisfying. Go Alice!
Profile Image for Sue Wallace .
7,401 reviews139 followers
December 5, 2019
Jaffle Inc by Heidi Goody and Iain Grant
A fantastic read. Lots of good emotions. Also a bit scary. Loved it. I love Heidi and Iain books. 4*.
112 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2019
Another mad story from these authors, except you could actually imagine this happening. I loved Alice and her change in character and her friendship with Hattie. The story showed just how much you accept life for what it is until you become aware of something else. With a range of characters, the story moved along at a pace, had both funny and sad moments and was a quick read.
6 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2019
An interesting look at a potential future where people have direct access to information and knowledge in return for their brain's spare processing capacity. I really liked this book, especially seeing everything through Alice's eyes as things changed and the story developed. A great read!
Profile Image for Lin.
199 reviews34 followers
November 22, 2019
It's not often these days that I find a book I can't put down.
This one was a light, fun read.
This one was an incredibly dense, philosophical read.
This book had me simultaneously laughing and near to tears, thrilling in the discovery of the world to be sensed around me and fearful that all would be lost.
There are some great characters in here, and some really thought-provoking content. Always read the T&C, people!
Profile Image for Ursula.
352 reviews6 followers
November 24, 2019
What a treat! A new take on class wars where the downtrodden masses are completely oblivious! Jaffle Inc is a science fiction story with heart, a dark satire with lovable characters, a dystopian future tinged with manic humour!

Heide Goody and Iain Grant have once more hit the bulls eye with their seamless collaboration. They offer intriguing ideas, effortless dialogue, pacy story-telling, surreal scenes, real pathos and even old-fashioned friendship, altruism and romance.

The first person narrative manages to give an internal insight on the amazing experience of altered mental faculties; this reminded me of Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. I'm just off to reread it now...
Profile Image for Penny-sue Wolfe.
269 reviews25 followers
November 15, 2019
What makes this book really scary is it could happen! Imagine that! Authorities using your brain. This is a beautifully written, funny and uneasy book which I absolutely loved!
Profile Image for Lel Budge.
1,367 reviews32 followers
September 16, 2019
https://orlando-books.blog/2019/09/16...


Oh my, where do I start…..?

Alice works for Jaffle Inc, they developed a brain port that gives everyone access to information, eliminated the dementia epidemic and blindness. In return you agree to Jaffle using the unused part of the brain for data processing, everything from traffic to terrorists….

There are many levels of Jaffle, from Jaffle Lite, cleaners and janitors to Jaffle Freedom where you have access to your full brain…..all at a cost!

Everyone is bland, doing their job and living a life of structure and beans….

But then Alice helps Rufus Jaffle with a brain virus issue and as a result she ends up with his memories, and access to her brain……oh and a blue whale.

She then notices colours, smells and taste…..she starts to laugh for the first time….she also experiences anger and emotions for the first time.

With the building supervisor, Herberg she finds out about a new upgrade due which will reduce people to basic drones…….Can they stop the upgrade? How can the blue whale help?

Alice is a great character, wild and wacky and a reformed lover of bacon. Hattie is just brilliant and as for wiggler, never underestimate a pig.

This is full of humour, the whale with a tail is hilarious, it’s a clever tale of large corporations making decisions that affect human lives with little respect or consideration, just for power and greed. At times slightly bizarre but this science fiction tale is an immensely enjoyable read.

Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
69 reviews3 followers
November 2, 2019
Time-sharing our minds through the technology of a brain portal is the through-line of this deceptive little drama of Alice, the unwitting protagonist in what turns out to be a tale of a "cerebral" apocalypse. It is a sleeper of a story, starting off quietly and growing ever darker and more grim as Alice's adventures unfold. She blunders her way at first, becoming ever more aware, then encounters charters and complications that push her into making choices that have wider impact and -- I can't say more without risking a spoiler. Her growth, and that of the characters around her is heartening to see in this cautionary tale, but it relies a bit heavily on magic for its resolution, at least for my tastes. It falls a bit short of satire, reads a little like fairy tale and comes off somewhat simplistic in the end - a good effort, just not a slick one.
78 reviews4 followers
September 19, 2019
Brilliant , funny which makes you think

I loved this latest wonder from my favourite authors and was pleased to see it had all the elements of a resounding hit. This is a sci-fi but with a whole heap of comedy thrown in for good measure but still has makes you wonder.
With loveable and colourful characters and a spot of brilliant writing you are immersed in a fantastical world, one which could actually be a future reality. A real head scratcher as you learn about the environment at the same time as the lead character and you would be a hard hearted bar-steward to not have feelings for those involved. I
And as a bonus this book contains bacon (Not actual bacon but the mention of bacon, that would just be silly) and whether you love it or hate it (hhmm wrong product but it works) you may have your mind changed.
As ever i sign off with, stop reading this drivel, click buy, then while you wait why not go and see what else my favourite loons have got.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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