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Lies My Memory Told Me
A psychological mystery in a world where memories can be shared—and one girl can’t trust any of them.
Enhanced Memory changed everything. By sharing someone else’s memory, you can experience anything and everything with no risk at all: learn any skill instantly, travel the world from home, and safeguard all your most treasured secrets forever. Nova’s parents invented this technology, and it’s slowly taking over their lives. Nova doesn’t mind—mostly. She knows Enhanced Memory is a gift.
But Kade says Nova doesn’t know the costs of this technology that’s taken the world by storm. Kade runs a secret vlog cataloging real experiences, is always on the move, and is strangely afraid of Nova—even though she feels more comfortable with him than she ever has with anyone. Suddenly there are things Nova can’t stop noticing: the way her parents don’t meet her eyes anymore, the questions no one wants her to ask, and the relentless feeling that there’s something she’s forgotten…
Enhanced Memory changed everything. By sharing someone else’s memory, you can experience anything and everything with no risk at all: learn any skill instantly, travel the world from home, and safeguard all your most treasured secrets forever. Nova’s parents invented this technology, and it’s slowly taking over their lives. Nova doesn’t mind—mostly. She knows Enhanced Memory is a gift.
But Kade says Nova doesn’t know the costs of this technology that’s taken the world by storm. Kade runs a secret vlog cataloging real experiences, is always on the move, and is strangely afraid of Nova—even though she feels more comfortable with him than she ever has with anyone. Suddenly there are things Nova can’t stop noticing: the way her parents don’t meet her eyes anymore, the questions no one wants her to ask, and the relentless feeling that there’s something she’s forgotten…
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2021
35 people are currently reading
5017 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
March 19, 2022
Wow! This book’s main concept has been scripted at one of my most favorite Black Mirror series episode 3 of first season: “The Entire History of you” sharing the same idea: accessing the memory records of someone else’s, hearing, seeing, feeling them can cost you more than you expected. ( if you haven’t watched! Go for it! New Dr. Who is also one of the casts)
Robert Downey Jr already loved this idea so much and bought the movie rights for his production company. But before seeing the idea as a movie, it turns out as a twisty, dystopian book and served us freshly baked from oven.
As soon as I saw the same brilliant concept, I was so excited to read this book. But I didn’t enjoy the execution of this finest idea.
The first half of the book made me felt like I attended a long, boring conference about the importance of Enhanced Memory: it kept going and going, never stopped. A few times I went back to make sure if I didn’t read the same pages over and over because I felt like I read the same words, same manifestations. There are too many repetitive paragraphs.
This started not like a dystopian story. It was more like analysis of what did go wrong with the dystopian world.
Second half was so much better and the author added some great ideas into the concept and the conclusion is also semi satisfying so when you pass through the first half, the book gets a little better.
I’m giving solid, not bad but I truly expected more from this kind of genius story line stars. I got a little disappointed. If the first half could be edited and cleaned from repetitive cycle, it would be much interesting, mind bending, addictive reading because there is still so much potential with this promising premise.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Robert Downey Jr already loved this idea so much and bought the movie rights for his production company. But before seeing the idea as a movie, it turns out as a twisty, dystopian book and served us freshly baked from oven.
As soon as I saw the same brilliant concept, I was so excited to read this book. But I didn’t enjoy the execution of this finest idea.
The first half of the book made me felt like I attended a long, boring conference about the importance of Enhanced Memory: it kept going and going, never stopped. A few times I went back to make sure if I didn’t read the same pages over and over because I felt like I read the same words, same manifestations. There are too many repetitive paragraphs.
This started not like a dystopian story. It was more like analysis of what did go wrong with the dystopian world.
Second half was so much better and the author added some great ideas into the concept and the conclusion is also semi satisfying so when you pass through the first half, the book gets a little better.
I’m giving solid, not bad but I truly expected more from this kind of genius story line stars. I got a little disappointed. If the first half could be edited and cleaned from repetitive cycle, it would be much interesting, mind bending, addictive reading because there is still so much potential with this promising premise.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Inkyard Press for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
October 20, 2021
Lies My Memory Told Me by Sacha Wunsch is a young adult science fiction thriller. The story is set in a time in the future when the invention of Enhanced Memory has happened and the world has been taken over by the technology. Enhanced Memory is a virtual reality type of experience where a user feels they have done the activity in the program they watched.
Nova has grown up in the shadow of Enhanced Memory with her own parents being the ones that had created the tech that brought it to the world. Nova’s always been proud of her parents for what they did to help everyone in the world but her parents have grown more and more distant burying themselves in their work.
Nova doesn’t mind helping in the house or spending so much time alone but when she meets Kade she begins to question the technology her parents invented. Kade is a rebel and wants to really live life, not just experience it through Enhanced Memory. Nova also sees some things at her job at the memory care home that make her question just how Enhanced Memory functions so she teams up with Kade to get to the truth behind the tech.
Lies My Memory Told Me is actually a debut novel by author Sacha Wunsch and for me I enjoyed this one well enough. I did think it could have used a bit more editing to keep from repeating some things in it but overall the story was likable. The idea behind living through virtual means isn’t exactly new and the twists weren’t overly surprising but I found the story one that was solid enough to keep the pages turning and flew right through the book. When done I would rate this one at three and a half stars and would be interested in seeing what this author came up with next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Nova has grown up in the shadow of Enhanced Memory with her own parents being the ones that had created the tech that brought it to the world. Nova’s always been proud of her parents for what they did to help everyone in the world but her parents have grown more and more distant burying themselves in their work.
Nova doesn’t mind helping in the house or spending so much time alone but when she meets Kade she begins to question the technology her parents invented. Kade is a rebel and wants to really live life, not just experience it through Enhanced Memory. Nova also sees some things at her job at the memory care home that make her question just how Enhanced Memory functions so she teams up with Kade to get to the truth behind the tech.
Lies My Memory Told Me is actually a debut novel by author Sacha Wunsch and for me I enjoyed this one well enough. I did think it could have used a bit more editing to keep from repeating some things in it but overall the story was likable. The idea behind living through virtual means isn’t exactly new and the twists weren’t overly surprising but I found the story one that was solid enough to keep the pages turning and flew right through the book. When done I would rate this one at three and a half stars and would be interested in seeing what this author came up with next.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 15, 2021
A young adult, science fiction novel that takes us into the days prior to technology taking over everyone. Lies My Memory Told Me isn't quite dystopian, but the feeling that it's right around the corner was so prevalent and really haunting. Sacha Wunsch takes a normal town in America and twists it up with the genius idea of Enhanced Memory. People can experience everything they want through a machine, there's no need to go anywhere or do anything. But like all things, there's a dark side and Nova, daughter of two of the brilliant scientists who created the technology, is just about to discover it herself.
I really enjoyed Nova, I loved her sketchy past, and I really enjoyed the shaking Kade and the EM experience gives her. She goes from complicit and fine with what she's told, to questioning it all. Wunsch takes the coming-of-age experience up a bit with the political undertones and it's done quite well. Unfortunately, the story is slow and there is a gap in the technology development that feels brushed over. About ten more chapters were needed to amp up the distress, to get readers, and Nova, to understand how memories are created, especially those of insane experiences like skydiving. We get a glimpse, but not enough for a title that isn't part of a series and it limited this book quite a lot. An excellent idea, but not quite as developed as I had hoped. I think younger, less critical readers will absolutely love this and I can see it becoming a television series or movie quite easily.
ARC provided.
June 19, 2021
This is only the third book I've ever rated one star, so trust me when I say that it's one of the worst books I've ever read. Whoever did the developmental editing should be fired immediately. I don't know how there were actual publishing professionals who read this book and thought they should give it a chance.
Let's start from the beginning with the unnecessary prologue. The first sentence: "The platform was a hundred and fifty feet down." It's not terrible, but the rest of the scene uses the vaguest language possible to make it seem like the unknown character is in some sort of dangerous situation. Then, surprise! She's on a zipline. It felt like a cheap trick, and there's nothing I hate more than authors who resort to tricks to create false tension.
It's only gets worse from there. The first chapter is NOTHING but info dumping. Our main character Nova, is talking to her best friend, Andie, It was completely insufferable to read because it felt so unnatural for all the conversation topics and inner monologue to explain everything about the premise of the book. Sure, it's the kind of thing that needs explaining, but it's honestly not that complex. Basically, Nova's parents invented a technology called Enhanced Memories that allows people to put in headphones and experience things like skydiving, roaming through Paris, climbing a mountain, etc. as if they were there themselves. This technology has become extremely popular and integrated enough into society that people don't often do adventurous things because it's much easier and safer to do them from the comfort of their own homes. An entire chapter is dedicated to saying all of that.
After the first chapter, I expected some action. But nope. This book has NO inciting incident. Absolutely nothing happens in the first third of the book except more pointless info dumping about enhanced memories and Nova's neglectful parents. I just kept waiting and waiting for the story problem to be introduced, but it droned on and on.
Around the 1/3 mark Nova meets a boy named Kade, which could arguably be considered the inciting incident. But if it is, it's a very weak one, and it comes far later in the story than it's supposed to. Nova is fascinated by Kade because he is anti enhanced memories and insists on making all of his memories on his own. His character was the only good part of this book. I liked him because I think that if this technology were real, I would probably share his same opinions. But even then, his character isn't super strongly developed, and his introduction doesn't do a lot to move the story forward.
As we continue slowly through the rest of the book, Nova starts to become suspicious about some of the things going on regarding memories at the nursing home she works at, but soon after the suspicion is introduced, it's resolved. She also is continually worried about her parents, who are constantly doing beta testing of enhanced memories and don't pay any attention to her. The only real action that happens comes in the last 20% of the book, but it's all very predictable and unrealistic (even when accepting all the realities that come with enhanced memories).
Nova is an extremely flat character throughout the whole book. She had no strong goals or desires. Even though she's the narrator, I finished the book feeling like I really knew nothing about her. The author also made her constantly sound stupid because all the info dumping was funneled through her. Other characters would bring up different societal impacts of enhanced memories (addiction, destruction of the travel industry, etc.) in conversation, and she would just be like, "hmm I'd never really thought about that before." It's like she doesn't have any sort of common sense and has made absolutely no observations about the world. Besides Kade, who at least has some sort of motivation, the rest of the side characters felt like cardboard cutouts. Genie, her coworker at the nursing home, and Andie, her best friend, only served as the other voice in the conversation when Andie needed to rehash the events of a previous scene or talk something out that's extremely obvious. The parents also had no personalities of their own. They were lumped together as an entity and were basically robots.
But it wasn't just the story and the characters that were written poorly. The actual writing is some of the worst that I've ever seen published. Writing 101 is showing vs. telling, and I don't think this author has ever heard of this concept before. This book is full of telling language that makes you never feel completely immersed in a scene. Nova's internal monologue is constantly stating her thoughts and feelings directly, and we never learn anything about her from her actions. The dialogue was also really awkward in every conversation. It felt like it was written by a middle schooler.
The only reason I finished this book is because I felt obligated because it was an ARC. But I would not recommend this to anyone. Ever. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Let's start from the beginning with the unnecessary prologue. The first sentence: "The platform was a hundred and fifty feet down." It's not terrible, but the rest of the scene uses the vaguest language possible to make it seem like the unknown character is in some sort of dangerous situation. Then, surprise! She's on a zipline. It felt like a cheap trick, and there's nothing I hate more than authors who resort to tricks to create false tension.
It's only gets worse from there. The first chapter is NOTHING but info dumping. Our main character Nova, is talking to her best friend, Andie, It was completely insufferable to read because it felt so unnatural for all the conversation topics and inner monologue to explain everything about the premise of the book. Sure, it's the kind of thing that needs explaining, but it's honestly not that complex. Basically, Nova's parents invented a technology called Enhanced Memories that allows people to put in headphones and experience things like skydiving, roaming through Paris, climbing a mountain, etc. as if they were there themselves. This technology has become extremely popular and integrated enough into society that people don't often do adventurous things because it's much easier and safer to do them from the comfort of their own homes. An entire chapter is dedicated to saying all of that.
After the first chapter, I expected some action. But nope. This book has NO inciting incident. Absolutely nothing happens in the first third of the book except more pointless info dumping about enhanced memories and Nova's neglectful parents. I just kept waiting and waiting for the story problem to be introduced, but it droned on and on.
Around the 1/3 mark Nova meets a boy named Kade, which could arguably be considered the inciting incident. But if it is, it's a very weak one, and it comes far later in the story than it's supposed to. Nova is fascinated by Kade because he is anti enhanced memories and insists on making all of his memories on his own. His character was the only good part of this book. I liked him because I think that if this technology were real, I would probably share his same opinions. But even then, his character isn't super strongly developed, and his introduction doesn't do a lot to move the story forward.
As we continue slowly through the rest of the book, Nova starts to become suspicious about some of the things going on regarding memories at the nursing home she works at, but soon after the suspicion is introduced, it's resolved. She also is continually worried about her parents, who are constantly doing beta testing of enhanced memories and don't pay any attention to her. The only real action that happens comes in the last 20% of the book, but it's all very predictable and unrealistic (even when accepting all the realities that come with enhanced memories).
Nova is an extremely flat character throughout the whole book. She had no strong goals or desires. Even though she's the narrator, I finished the book feeling like I really knew nothing about her. The author also made her constantly sound stupid because all the info dumping was funneled through her. Other characters would bring up different societal impacts of enhanced memories (addiction, destruction of the travel industry, etc.) in conversation, and she would just be like, "hmm I'd never really thought about that before." It's like she doesn't have any sort of common sense and has made absolutely no observations about the world. Besides Kade, who at least has some sort of motivation, the rest of the side characters felt like cardboard cutouts. Genie, her coworker at the nursing home, and Andie, her best friend, only served as the other voice in the conversation when Andie needed to rehash the events of a previous scene or talk something out that's extremely obvious. The parents also had no personalities of their own. They were lumped together as an entity and were basically robots.
But it wasn't just the story and the characters that were written poorly. The actual writing is some of the worst that I've ever seen published. Writing 101 is showing vs. telling, and I don't think this author has ever heard of this concept before. This book is full of telling language that makes you never feel completely immersed in a scene. Nova's internal monologue is constantly stating her thoughts and feelings directly, and we never learn anything about her from her actions. The dialogue was also really awkward in every conversation. It felt like it was written by a middle schooler.
The only reason I finished this book is because I felt obligated because it was an ARC. But I would not recommend this to anyone. Ever. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2021
Many thanks to EdelweissPlus and the publisher for giving me an eARC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.
This is a let down. There's no other way around it. While I think that some of my middle grade readers will enjoy this (or, at least, read it and not complain loudly) it is not the hard hitting dystopian/sci-fi thriller I was hoping for. As I was getting close to the end, all I could think to compare it to was a Disney movie or Disney Channel "thriller" where the kids manage to figure things out without anyone noticing and they can sneak into the lab just because they put on a lab coat. I mean, come on. My younger readers (or those who aren't as discerning) will probably find this to be OK. Others, not so much.
The premise (a new technology that allows you to experience memories from other people) is a good one. BUT, it falls flat. It is predictable. It has some plot holes. It isn't all that memorable. So, it's probably a second purchase for large collections. It is very appropriate for younger/middle grade readers, which can sometimes be hard to find in dystopian works. It is also a stand-alone.
This is a let down. There's no other way around it. While I think that some of my middle grade readers will enjoy this (or, at least, read it and not complain loudly) it is not the hard hitting dystopian/sci-fi thriller I was hoping for. As I was getting close to the end, all I could think to compare it to was a Disney movie or Disney Channel "thriller" where the kids manage to figure things out without anyone noticing and they can sneak into the lab just because they put on a lab coat. I mean, come on. My younger readers (or those who aren't as discerning) will probably find this to be OK. Others, not so much.
The premise (a new technology that allows you to experience memories from other people) is a good one. BUT, it falls flat. It is predictable. It has some plot holes. It isn't all that memorable. So, it's probably a second purchase for large collections. It is very appropriate for younger/middle grade readers, which can sometimes be hard to find in dystopian works. It is also a stand-alone.
July 7, 2021
I had high expectations for this one. The premise was so unique and sounded amazing, but was not executed well. The writing was extremely basic and juvenile and very repetitive. I got bored quickly and even predicted the entire rest of the book. This was a hard pass for me.
November 22, 2021
This was an okay book.
The idea of Enhanced Memories is kinda cool. The plot started off really well in the beginning but that momentum didn't last till the end. The ending felt a bit unsatisfying-- but that could be because I haven't processed all my thoughts of this book just yet.
Might write a book review for the blog, so stay tuned!
3 stars
The idea of Enhanced Memories is kinda cool. The plot started off really well in the beginning but that momentum didn't last till the end. The ending felt a bit unsatisfying-- but that could be because I haven't processed all my thoughts of this book just yet.
Might write a book review for the blog, so stay tuned!
3 stars
August 19, 2021
Hello Again!
This is going to be my second ever phone book! So about a month or so ago now, I decided to start reading a book on my phone, when I am waiting for an appt, when I am out and about but do not want to carry my Kindle, when I have a few minutes in the morning or at night, etc.. It has honestly been really great! Sometimes I even pick up my phone book while I am just on the couch as my kindle is charging so I can continue to read! For my second phone book I decided to pick up Lies My Memory Told Me! This is an E-ARC the publisher sent me in exchange for my honest opinions, so a huge thank you to the publisher! I really enjoyed my time with this story, so without further ado let’s jump into it!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Nova might be the luckiest or unluckiest kid in the world depending on how you look at things. Nova’s parents created enhanced memories! A new technology that is literally sweeping the nation. Basically, users can experience memories as if they were there. Things like skydiving, cliff jumping, going to Paris, and more! This technology has so many applications like helping people preserve memories and helping people experience things that might be afraid to or never have the opportunity to. It has surged in popularity since it’s debut and many people are consumed by it, including Nova’s own parents. Every day for months now Nova comes home and they say they are beta testing but they are just hooked up to there enhanced memory machines and the house is a mess. Nova cleans the house up, and carries on with her life. But when her parents miss her play at school she is really upset and goes out with her friends to an enhanced memory bar. A place where people can use different enhanced memories but together. Here, Nova gets a memory of a haunted house but its kind of off compared to what she is used to but she can not quite put her finger on what is wrong. On her way out she meets a guy, and they agree to meet up for again (maybe for a date)! But when Nova learns that he does not used enhanced memories and why, she thinks he is crazy until she starts looking around and wondering if maybe he is right?
I absolutely loved this story! At first, I was kind of like hmm I do not know where this is going but by chapter three I wanted to read more and found myself picking it up often until I had like less than 100 pages left and I stayed up really late one night to finish it! There is a rather large twist to the story and admittedly somewhere in my mind, I started to get a feeling things were further off base than the characters and plot were letting on. But I was unable to put my finger on exactly what was wrong with the picture I had before me. But once a few more things fell into place, I absolutely knew what was happening and I honestly only enjoyed the book more! I want to give a huge thank you to the publisher for this E-ARC in exchange for an honest review and I can not wait to see what this author writes next!
Goodreads Rating: 5 stars
December 12, 2021
Proceed With Caution:
This book contains altered memory, dementia, kidnapping, and a gunshot.
The Basics:
Lies My Memory Told Me is narrated by sixteen year old Nova. Nova's parents helped invent Enhanced Memories, a way to digitally preserve and play back memories. It's the hottest technology on the market, but after meeting a boy who doesn't use it all, Nova starts to question this supposed revolutionary tech. It doesn't help that her parents have been acting super strange and she's been feeling off.
My Thoughts:
Lies My Memory Told Me has a very intriguing premise. I love the idea of being able to watch someone else's memories in order to gain new experiences. It's like a 100% immersive movie! In fact, in the world the author created, the Enhanced Memories are all the rage. Everyone watches them! Well, except for the mysterious boy that Nova meets in a club who mistakes her for someone else.
Lies My Memory Told Me started to lose me early on because while I love the idea of Enhanced Memories and totally believe that they'd become a raving success if they existed, I did not believe how the people acted in response to them. Enhanced Memory discs have only been available for two years, which I did think just goes to show how quickly new technology can be adopted and essentially take over.
However, whenever someone mentions doing something in real life, like ice skating for instance, the instant reaction is "OMGNO that's sooo dangerous! Why would you want to do that when you can experience it from the safety of your couch?!" They act like it's completely unheard of to leave your house and go do stuff. It's been TWO YEARS. If this technology had been around for their entire lives, I could understand. But they were like thirteen, so they definitely remember normal life.
The plot twist was pretty predictable. There's really only so many options when you're dealing with recorded memories and your own memories being hazy. Particularly when it's your own parents who invented the technology. And why in the world would they live in the same town as "the scene of the crime." Like, they couldn't have moved anywhere else in the world? They had to be in the one place where Nova would be found out, spoiling their entire plan? Stupid.
The one thing that I did like about Lies My Memory Told Me was how it got me thinking about what makes us who we are. Is it our mind or our body? If our memories were installed into a different body, are we still ourselves or are the now the person who's body our minds are inhabiting? I read Gory Details shortly after this, and there was a chapter about head/brain transplants, which brought up similar questions.
In the end, Lies My Memory Told Me was disappointing. The characters weren't believable at all. Everything was just too convenient to make the plot move quickly. I wish there had been more innovative twists to this great idea.
Read more at Pinkadot Pages.
This book contains altered memory, dementia, kidnapping, and a gunshot.
The Basics:
Lies My Memory Told Me is narrated by sixteen year old Nova. Nova's parents helped invent Enhanced Memories, a way to digitally preserve and play back memories. It's the hottest technology on the market, but after meeting a boy who doesn't use it all, Nova starts to question this supposed revolutionary tech. It doesn't help that her parents have been acting super strange and she's been feeling off.
My Thoughts:
Lies My Memory Told Me has a very intriguing premise. I love the idea of being able to watch someone else's memories in order to gain new experiences. It's like a 100% immersive movie! In fact, in the world the author created, the Enhanced Memories are all the rage. Everyone watches them! Well, except for the mysterious boy that Nova meets in a club who mistakes her for someone else.
Lies My Memory Told Me started to lose me early on because while I love the idea of Enhanced Memories and totally believe that they'd become a raving success if they existed, I did not believe how the people acted in response to them. Enhanced Memory discs have only been available for two years, which I did think just goes to show how quickly new technology can be adopted and essentially take over.
However, whenever someone mentions doing something in real life, like ice skating for instance, the instant reaction is "OMGNO that's sooo dangerous! Why would you want to do that when you can experience it from the safety of your couch?!" They act like it's completely unheard of to leave your house and go do stuff. It's been TWO YEARS. If this technology had been around for their entire lives, I could understand. But they were like thirteen, so they definitely remember normal life.
The plot twist was pretty predictable. There's really only so many options when you're dealing with recorded memories and your own memories being hazy. Particularly when it's your own parents who invented the technology. And why in the world would they live in the same town as "the scene of the crime." Like, they couldn't have moved anywhere else in the world? They had to be in the one place where Nova would be found out, spoiling their entire plan? Stupid.
The one thing that I did like about Lies My Memory Told Me was how it got me thinking about what makes us who we are. Is it our mind or our body? If our memories were installed into a different body, are we still ourselves or are the now the person who's body our minds are inhabiting? I read Gory Details shortly after this, and there was a chapter about head/brain transplants, which brought up similar questions.
In the end, Lies My Memory Told Me was disappointing. The characters weren't believable at all. Everything was just too convenient to make the plot move quickly. I wish there had been more innovative twists to this great idea.
Read more at Pinkadot Pages.
July 30, 2021
Rating 2 DNF @60%
Oof. This book had such a great synopsis but unfortunately the book itself didn’t work for me. The concept behind the book is creative but that’s about it. The book started off slowly giving the reader a lot of information to set up the story. However, in my opinion all of that information seemed pointless and irrelevant. It took too many words and pages to say what needed to be said. The main character was pretty plain, nothing stood out about her. This book was missing the action and drama that was promised from reading the synopsis. Overall, I would only recommend this book to readers who don’t mind slow pacing and who won’t be upset if the ending doesn’t pay off.
**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
Oof. This book had such a great synopsis but unfortunately the book itself didn’t work for me. The concept behind the book is creative but that’s about it. The book started off slowly giving the reader a lot of information to set up the story. However, in my opinion all of that information seemed pointless and irrelevant. It took too many words and pages to say what needed to be said. The main character was pretty plain, nothing stood out about her. This book was missing the action and drama that was promised from reading the synopsis. Overall, I would only recommend this book to readers who don’t mind slow pacing and who won’t be upset if the ending doesn’t pay off.
**Received an advanced copy through NetGalley in return for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **
October 17, 2021
Overall rating: 2.5/5
Short Chapter rating: 3/5
This book started out really interesting and I was intrigued by this idea of enhanced memories. It’s about Nova a 17 yr old whose parents invented the technology and she starts to feel very alone as her parents stop connecting with her, and she meets Kade who gets her thinking the enhanced memories are bad for you.
As I think about this story, not a lot actually happens. It stays very surface level and didn’t get to the level of information needed to make it great. I think had the author gone deeper into her parents or this company and created a true villain and more action (more suspense), I think it would have made the story stronger. I felt myself getting a bit bored. Even with all the details coming together in the last few chapters, it felt rushed and made it a bit chaotic. Unfortunately, it felt a bit flat for me.
I would say it’s ok.
Is this book for you? If you like YA, sci-fi/tech stories, then give this book a go.
Thank you Net Galley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
Short Chapter rating: 3/5
This book started out really interesting and I was intrigued by this idea of enhanced memories. It’s about Nova a 17 yr old whose parents invented the technology and she starts to feel very alone as her parents stop connecting with her, and she meets Kade who gets her thinking the enhanced memories are bad for you.
As I think about this story, not a lot actually happens. It stays very surface level and didn’t get to the level of information needed to make it great. I think had the author gone deeper into her parents or this company and created a true villain and more action (more suspense), I think it would have made the story stronger. I felt myself getting a bit bored. Even with all the details coming together in the last few chapters, it felt rushed and made it a bit chaotic. Unfortunately, it felt a bit flat for me.
I would say it’s ok.
Is this book for you? If you like YA, sci-fi/tech stories, then give this book a go.
Thank you Net Galley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2023
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
This book lost me at “gender spectrum.”
God only created two genders: male and female.
Genesis 1:27 “… male and female He created them.”
Genesis 5:2 “He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created.”
Matthew 19:4 “And [Jesus] answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,”’”
Mark 10:6 “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’”
Content: profanity, expletives, sexual perversion
Note: All verses quoted from the New King James translation.
This book lost me at “gender spectrum.”
God only created two genders: male and female.
Genesis 1:27 “… male and female He created them.”
Genesis 5:2 “He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created.”
Matthew 19:4 “And [Jesus] answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning “made them male and female,”’”
Mark 10:6 “But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’”
Content: profanity, expletives, sexual perversion
Note: All verses quoted from the New King James translation.
March 14, 2023
𝐌𝐲 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠… ✿ ✿
𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝…
✦ This book appeared suspenseful and mysteriously. I’m not l into sci-fi at all but I really liked this new memory concept as it’s original to me! I had to give it a go.
✦ I really feel like a movie or series based off of this would attract so much more attention, however. I’d love to see Nova come to life and really see her personality from her expressions/actions.
October 23, 2021
A YA thriller with an intriguing premise, this one failed to hit the mark for me in terms of execution. The issue is with the protagonist, Nova, who doesn’t realize until very late in the story that she herself is a central character in the drama. Because of this, she appears for most of the story to be an observer… and a fairly dispassionate one because she doesn’t believe there’s actually a problem until it starts to affect her personally. This sets the reader at something of a remove to the action and makes it difficult to really feel engaged with the story.
I’m fascinated by the concept of Enhanced Memory as a parallel to social media: most people believe it’s benign and even beneficial (I use Facebook to keep in touch with distant friends and family!) but don’t see there’s a dark side until it touches them personally (have YOU lost someone to a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories?) And because of this, I think the story wraps up too neatly. Yes, Nova and Kade exposed that the makers of Enhanced Memory were doing terrible, illegal and non-consensual things to harvest memories of unwilling subjects. But I don’t believe that in and of itself would be enough to change things for the better in the way it’s ‘told’ to us happens in the last few pages of the book. EM is too recent an innovation: and memories being duplicable, even if the duplicates are less immersive than the original, there are too many living people with real memories they’d be more than willing to sell for a decent enough payout. The timeframes have been compressed for the sake of making Nova still a teenager, basically, and I don’t think it quite fits together.
An intriguing concept, but an unreliable narrator and too much exposition along with timeframes that don’t quite gel means this one misses the mark somewhat. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
I’m fascinated by the concept of Enhanced Memory as a parallel to social media: most people believe it’s benign and even beneficial (I use Facebook to keep in touch with distant friends and family!) but don’t see there’s a dark side until it touches them personally (have YOU lost someone to a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories?) And because of this, I think the story wraps up too neatly. Yes, Nova and Kade exposed that the makers of Enhanced Memory were doing terrible, illegal and non-consensual things to harvest memories of unwilling subjects. But I don’t believe that in and of itself would be enough to change things for the better in the way it’s ‘told’ to us happens in the last few pages of the book. EM is too recent an innovation: and memories being duplicable, even if the duplicates are less immersive than the original, there are too many living people with real memories they’d be more than willing to sell for a decent enough payout. The timeframes have been compressed for the sake of making Nova still a teenager, basically, and I don’t think it quite fits together.
An intriguing concept, but an unreliable narrator and too much exposition along with timeframes that don’t quite gel means this one misses the mark somewhat. Three stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
March 27, 2022
3.75 stars
Thank you, Inkyard Press and NetGalley, for allowing me to read and honestly review this title!
Social media expands into the mind of memories, but when no one is making new ones, stealing becomes a serious option. A strong concept/idea, straightforward writing style to read and a good story.
I enjoyed how Nova was fully onboard with EM until she was shown the darker sides; the abuse of the elder, the dangers of only depending on media, the moral choices and how living through memories is losing the moments you have to live.
The ending felt a little rushed and also anti-climatic, sadly. But I can understand that it is hard to wrap up a massive memory media world in one book.
The story concept intrigued me and compelled me to finish this book in one sitting; if this science/moral/media society like the story is your thing, you'll love this.
BONUS NOTE: The beginning of this book commenting how the use of the memory program helped then transition and helped them understand their feelings while experiencing someone else memories was actually really touching!
Thank you, Inkyard Press and NetGalley, for allowing me to read and honestly review this title!
Social media expands into the mind of memories, but when no one is making new ones, stealing becomes a serious option. A strong concept/idea, straightforward writing style to read and a good story.
I enjoyed how Nova was fully onboard with EM until she was shown the darker sides; the abuse of the elder, the dangers of only depending on media, the moral choices and how living through memories is losing the moments you have to live.
The ending felt a little rushed and also anti-climatic, sadly. But I can understand that it is hard to wrap up a massive memory media world in one book.
The story concept intrigued me and compelled me to finish this book in one sitting; if this science/moral/media society like the story is your thing, you'll love this.
BONUS NOTE: The beginning of this book commenting how the use of the memory program helped then transition and helped them understand their feelings while experiencing someone else memories was actually really touching!
November 11, 2022
Nova lives in a world that feels like virtual reality taken to an extreme. Memories can be recorded and shared with everyone, but she discovers a dark side of this wonderful new technology. Nova ends up questioning her identity and realizing not everything is as it seems.
This book is alright, and while I wouldn’t say to avoid it, I wouldn’t strongly recommend it either. A lot of the science feels questionable, for example the memories aren’t really described in a way that matches how I remember things, and I think it would be interesting to see how different people remember events in different ways. I also think if science allowed for that sort of direct effect on the brain, there would be a lot more that resembles current virtual reality technology, such as games created for these inventions and in general more interacting with a simulated world then just viewing other’s interactions with the real world.
This book is alright, and while I wouldn’t say to avoid it, I wouldn’t strongly recommend it either. A lot of the science feels questionable, for example the memories aren’t really described in a way that matches how I remember things, and I think it would be interesting to see how different people remember events in different ways. I also think if science allowed for that sort of direct effect on the brain, there would be a lot more that resembles current virtual reality technology, such as games created for these inventions and in general more interacting with a simulated world then just viewing other’s interactions with the real world.
June 25, 2022
I enjoyed the concept of this book, however the writing is not great.
None of the characters in this book are fleshed out, none of them have a personality besides Kade. The romance built what felt like out of nowhere and then disappeared.
Several scenes were completely unbelievable within the scope of the story.
I enjoyed the concept of not knowing who you really are and having mixed personalities/memories in one body however I felt like it fell flat because nova did not actually HAVE a personality.
None of the characters in this book are fleshed out, none of them have a personality besides Kade. The romance built what felt like out of nowhere and then disappeared.
Several scenes were completely unbelievable within the scope of the story.
I enjoyed the concept of not knowing who you really are and having mixed personalities/memories in one body however I felt like it fell flat because nova did not actually HAVE a personality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
The promise of this book’s synopsis seemed to hold excitement, mental health breakthroughs with a dash of romance and adventure. The reality was banal. The writing and dialogue did not match the message that was presented in the book’s summary, and it left this reader detached and dismayed.
I received an ARC from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Read
July 27, 2023Nova uncovers a startling secret when she meets a guy named Kade. Together, they discover a secret affecting Nova's life, and they use various methods to piece together the truth. This book was a suspenseful science fiction thriller that really takes a deep look at what it means to live in society, and how we can embrace difficulties in our lives.
-Patron A.Y.
-Patron A.Y.
July 28, 2024
3/5 Stars!!
This one was a very typical sci Fi high school novel. This was shelved as a teenage fiction and that's definitely how it's felt to me.
I've been reading very well rounded out characters and worlds recently so comparatively this was a let down.
A short read at only 300 or so pages so this is to be expected. I think the book's concept is really interesting however I feel this could have been the set up for a longer read or a series.
This one was a very typical sci Fi high school novel. This was shelved as a teenage fiction and that's definitely how it's felt to me.
I've been reading very well rounded out characters and worlds recently so comparatively this was a let down.
A short read at only 300 or so pages so this is to be expected. I think the book's concept is really interesting however I feel this could have been the set up for a longer read or a series.
November 15, 2025
3.5
I love, love, love storylines that follow high-stakes narratives with a heavy emphasis on the intricacies of plausible near-future technology and its potential dangers or applications.
I love, love, love storylines that follow high-stakes narratives with a heavy emphasis on the intricacies of plausible near-future technology and its potential dangers or applications.
September 21, 2021
When Nova's parents created Enhanced Memory, a technology system that let people experience the memories of others as if they were their own, the world was irrevocably changed. Now people learn new skills with a single memory, or travel to faraway lands from the comfort of their own homes. In the two years since, Nova is certain that Enhanced Memory is a gift to the world. Her opinions begin to change, though, when she meets Kade, a vlogger who decries the recreational use of Enhanced Memory and urges users to take caution. Suddenly, Nova's life seems to be falling apart: her parents are obsessed with memories, her friends don't think Enhanced Memory can be dangerous, and she's beginning to have strange headaches...
There is one thing that I (usually) don't take relish in while review-writing, and it's giving bad reviews. I fully believe that every book has a reader somewhere, and acknowledge that authors often put their hearts and souls into their novels. But I don't have another way to say this without beating around the bush. This book is bad. I had high hopes for it when I requested an arc, and was excited when I was approved, but it didn't take me long to realize that if I didn't feel obligated to read this, I would've given up right away. 1 star.
There are so many things I want to say, and so many half-formed thoughts that I want to share, yet I'm struggling to put them together in a cohesive, concise way. I guess the easiest way to do it would be to say: There was nothing particularly outstanding about Nova. Even as our sole narrator, Nova manages to be the very definition of bland. She has no discernable personality--everything that I might say about her is what she's told us about herself, instead of letting readers figure out who she is. Her actions don't match with the way she describes herself, and she's surprisingly and painfully ignorant, to the point of offense, in some cases. (Like someone saying that Enhanced Memory could be addictive, and she's like ???? "but it's not cocaine." Also, I'm paraphrasing.) Unfortunately, her supporting cast is no better. They're little more than amorphous cardboard blobs.
Furthermore, the writing was just lacking for me. I couldn't help but feel like there was a serious lack of flow within the storyline. It is choppy and often hard to follow, with scenes that did not feel necessary. Nova's narration was awkward and inauthentic. Many conversations were excuses for info-dumping, or explaining seemingly obvious things to our clueless heroine. And, while I'm being nitpicky, there are way too many filler words. An example: "this is like ____ or something/anything.) I couldn't help but wonder if it was a result of the author trying to authenticate the teenage voice, but I must say that it was distracting.
And lastly, it felt like the story didn't know what it wanted to be. Was it a low science fiction? Was it a psychological thriller? Did it want to produce dystopian vibes, or did it want to be more contemporary? The plot felt rather aimless, any twists could be seen a mile away, and the ending was rushed.
(An aside, because I have to say this but don't know where to put it in this mess of a review: if it's only been two years since Enhanced Memory became a thing, why is everyone acting like they've never done anything remotely dangerous, like ice skate or go to a concert???)
Of course, the version I read is still an arc, so some of these things may be improved upon or edited in that time frame. But at the same time, some of these things are going to be difficult if not impossible to edit in such a short time frame.
I received my ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the publisher, Inkyard Press, for the chance to read and review. All opinions are my own. Publication date: 10.19.2021.
There is one thing that I (usually) don't take relish in while review-writing, and it's giving bad reviews. I fully believe that every book has a reader somewhere, and acknowledge that authors often put their hearts and souls into their novels. But I don't have another way to say this without beating around the bush. This book is bad. I had high hopes for it when I requested an arc, and was excited when I was approved, but it didn't take me long to realize that if I didn't feel obligated to read this, I would've given up right away. 1 star.
There are so many things I want to say, and so many half-formed thoughts that I want to share, yet I'm struggling to put them together in a cohesive, concise way. I guess the easiest way to do it would be to say: There was nothing particularly outstanding about Nova. Even as our sole narrator, Nova manages to be the very definition of bland. She has no discernable personality--everything that I might say about her is what she's told us about herself, instead of letting readers figure out who she is. Her actions don't match with the way she describes herself, and she's surprisingly and painfully ignorant, to the point of offense, in some cases. (Like someone saying that Enhanced Memory could be addictive, and she's like ???? "but it's not cocaine." Also, I'm paraphrasing.) Unfortunately, her supporting cast is no better. They're little more than amorphous cardboard blobs.
Furthermore, the writing was just lacking for me. I couldn't help but feel like there was a serious lack of flow within the storyline. It is choppy and often hard to follow, with scenes that did not feel necessary. Nova's narration was awkward and inauthentic. Many conversations were excuses for info-dumping, or explaining seemingly obvious things to our clueless heroine. And, while I'm being nitpicky, there are way too many filler words. An example: "this is like ____ or something/anything.) I couldn't help but wonder if it was a result of the author trying to authenticate the teenage voice, but I must say that it was distracting.
And lastly, it felt like the story didn't know what it wanted to be. Was it a low science fiction? Was it a psychological thriller? Did it want to produce dystopian vibes, or did it want to be more contemporary? The plot felt rather aimless, any twists could be seen a mile away, and the ending was rushed.
(An aside, because I have to say this but don't know where to put it in this mess of a review: if it's only been two years since Enhanced Memory became a thing, why is everyone acting like they've never done anything remotely dangerous, like ice skate or go to a concert???)
Of course, the version I read is still an arc, so some of these things may be improved upon or edited in that time frame. But at the same time, some of these things are going to be difficult if not impossible to edit in such a short time frame.
I received my ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to the publisher, Inkyard Press, for the chance to read and review. All opinions are my own. Publication date: 10.19.2021.
June 28, 2021
I didn't know what to expect when I started Lies My Memory Told Me but I did not anticipate finishing it in one sitting! I feel like this book's plot is something that's been done before, or it's something I've seen/thought of before . . . reading it was just as fun, though.
There's really no action within this book, and that was a slight letdown in the grand scheme of things but it wasn't a complete dealbreaker either. We follow our main character as she goes about her days as the daughter of two scientists who created the next best thing . . . memory extracting and "sharing."
I feel like a part of this story was also a question of morality. If this technology was readily available, knowing what it could do to our brains, etc. — would we still go through with it, for experiences that we gain from others? and what they're giving up when they give up these memories?
This was a quick read with a lot of fun elements. A few flaws but easily overlooked. If you're interested in the concept of fake memories and questioning morality then by all means, pick up Lies My Memory Told Me and give it a go!
There's really no action within this book, and that was a slight letdown in the grand scheme of things but it wasn't a complete dealbreaker either. We follow our main character as she goes about her days as the daughter of two scientists who created the next best thing . . . memory extracting and "sharing."
I feel like a part of this story was also a question of morality. If this technology was readily available, knowing what it could do to our brains, etc. — would we still go through with it, for experiences that we gain from others? and what they're giving up when they give up these memories?
This was a quick read with a lot of fun elements. A few flaws but easily overlooked. If you're interested in the concept of fake memories and questioning morality then by all means, pick up Lies My Memory Told Me and give it a go!
June 10, 2022
2.5
Lies My Memory Told Me is a story built on an intriguing idea but ultimately it failed in execution. This is Wunsch’s debut novel so I can understand that she got lost in the idea and tried to cut corners to make the story work the way she wanted it too.
*Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Lies My Memory Told Me is a story built on an intriguing idea but ultimately it failed in execution. This is Wunsch’s debut novel so I can understand that she got lost in the idea and tried to cut corners to make the story work the way she wanted it too.
*Thank you to Inkyard Press for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 16, 2021
What an excellent read! I loved everything about this story from the characters, the plot, the setting, and the twists. Reading this novel really made me think about the importance of memory and how it helps to create one's identity. This book was very well done.
November 16, 2021
They took THAT MEMORY off him and we're supposed to go on like it's no big deal?
October 22, 2021
I was provided an ARC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this YA sci-fi thriller. The concept of this was really interesting. I really liked the Enhanced Memory idea where you can experience things you've always wanted to try, but were never able to for whatever reason from the comfort of your own home. It was a cool take on some tropes we've seen before in other books and movies. I think the concept of a virtual reality technology that you can get addicted to is a very real conversation, as tech gets more and more available we are always on it. I know it is a conversation we have in our house all the time. We are always on our devices for some reason school, work, leisure, etc. When is enough enough? How do you know if you are addicted or just using it to escape the stress of life? Can you tell the difference?
This follows Nova, daughter of two prominent inventors who helped launch the Enhanced Memory technology. This technology has taken the world by storm providing people with experiences they may have never otherwise had. It also helps patients struggling with memory loss to preserve their memories before they are gone for good. Nova sees firsthand how the memories help the patients at the home she works at after school, however she also sees some of the effects the memories can have when they are used too often. She also discovers that there is a dark side to the memories, and they can be as addictive as getting your next hit of a drug. As she begins to uncover the darker side of Enhanced Memories through her new friend Kade, she realizes that her parents may be wrapped up in something ugly. Her parents become more and more neglectful and more protective of their work and the memories they bring home to test. She starts to realize that Kade may be onto something with his “make real memories” philosophy and that Enhanced Memories may not be 100% safe. I don’t want to give much more away as it will spoil key points of the story.
At first I felt like Nova’s character development was a bit lacking, but as the story progressed, I realized that her character development was spot on. She was introverted and cautious throughout the story, but as things progressed she started to take more risks and come out of her shell a bit. After the reveal, which happens nearly at the end of the book, her character development makes a lot more sense. The development wasn’t lacking, she was looking for something that was missing. It takes her quite a while to figure things out, but once she does things start to fall into place and it all starts to come together.
I felt like the pacing was off on this book, there is alot of explanation about why Enhanced Memory was so great, but you know something is off about it. Then the ending felt a bit rushed. The reveal and conclusion was only a few chapters and I felt like that could have been given a bit more time, We spend a lot of time going through Nova's day to day life in the beginning, but I wanted more of the action and suspense that came toward the end. This doesn’t really get into the hard science of how the technology works. The descriptions of the tech are all pretty high level, so this will appeal to a broad audience that enjoy both science fiction and thrillers.
This is age appropriate for young adult readers, I think even mature middle grade readers would enjoy this. There is no graphic violence or sexual content. The main characters do kiss, and there is mention of pornography but it is not described in any detail and the conversation is quickly diverted away from that topic. If you don’t enjoy hard sci-fi but you enjoy a thriller that isn’t scary or creepy I’d give this a read.
I would say if you liked Ready Player One, Warcross, Ender's Game I think you'd really enjoy this.
I enjoyed this YA sci-fi thriller. The concept of this was really interesting. I really liked the Enhanced Memory idea where you can experience things you've always wanted to try, but were never able to for whatever reason from the comfort of your own home. It was a cool take on some tropes we've seen before in other books and movies. I think the concept of a virtual reality technology that you can get addicted to is a very real conversation, as tech gets more and more available we are always on it. I know it is a conversation we have in our house all the time. We are always on our devices for some reason school, work, leisure, etc. When is enough enough? How do you know if you are addicted or just using it to escape the stress of life? Can you tell the difference?
This follows Nova, daughter of two prominent inventors who helped launch the Enhanced Memory technology. This technology has taken the world by storm providing people with experiences they may have never otherwise had. It also helps patients struggling with memory loss to preserve their memories before they are gone for good. Nova sees firsthand how the memories help the patients at the home she works at after school, however she also sees some of the effects the memories can have when they are used too often. She also discovers that there is a dark side to the memories, and they can be as addictive as getting your next hit of a drug. As she begins to uncover the darker side of Enhanced Memories through her new friend Kade, she realizes that her parents may be wrapped up in something ugly. Her parents become more and more neglectful and more protective of their work and the memories they bring home to test. She starts to realize that Kade may be onto something with his “make real memories” philosophy and that Enhanced Memories may not be 100% safe. I don’t want to give much more away as it will spoil key points of the story.
At first I felt like Nova’s character development was a bit lacking, but as the story progressed, I realized that her character development was spot on. She was introverted and cautious throughout the story, but as things progressed she started to take more risks and come out of her shell a bit. After the reveal, which happens nearly at the end of the book, her character development makes a lot more sense. The development wasn’t lacking, she was looking for something that was missing. It takes her quite a while to figure things out, but once she does things start to fall into place and it all starts to come together.
I felt like the pacing was off on this book, there is alot of explanation about why Enhanced Memory was so great, but you know something is off about it. Then the ending felt a bit rushed. The reveal and conclusion was only a few chapters and I felt like that could have been given a bit more time, We spend a lot of time going through Nova's day to day life in the beginning, but I wanted more of the action and suspense that came toward the end. This doesn’t really get into the hard science of how the technology works. The descriptions of the tech are all pretty high level, so this will appeal to a broad audience that enjoy both science fiction and thrillers.
This is age appropriate for young adult readers, I think even mature middle grade readers would enjoy this. There is no graphic violence or sexual content. The main characters do kiss, and there is mention of pornography but it is not described in any detail and the conversation is quickly diverted away from that topic. If you don’t enjoy hard sci-fi but you enjoy a thriller that isn’t scary or creepy I’d give this a read.
I would say if you liked Ready Player One, Warcross, Ender's Game I think you'd really enjoy this.
May 23, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Lies My Memory Told Me in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The Gist
Lies My Memory Told Me by Sacha Wunsch is a compelling young adult novel that delves into the complexities of memory, identity, and truth. The book raises intriguing questions about the nature of reality and personal experience. Despite its promising concept and thought-provoking themes, the execution leaves something to be desired.
The Details
The story follows Nova Reynolds, who lives in a society obsessed with experiencing and sharing memories through Enhanced Memory. As the daughter of the technology's creators, Nova is expected to embrace this world fully. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets Kade, a mysterious boy with a tragic past, and starts to uncover unsettling truths about Enhanced Memory and her own memories.
The novel's premise is fascinating and timely, considering the current debates about technology and privacy. Wunsch does an admirable job of setting up a world where memories can be bought, sold, and manipulated, creating a dystopian backdrop that feels both futuristic and eerily plausible. The ethical implications of such technology are well-explored, and the book poses significant questions about the authenticity of memories and the potential consequences of tampering with them.
Nova is a relatable protagonist, and her journey to uncover the truth about her past and her family's involvement with Enhanced Memory is engaging. Her internal struggles and growing doubts about the technology that defines her world are convincingly portrayed. Kade, with his enigmatic background and connection to the darker side of Enhanced Memory, adds depth to the narrative and provides a catalyst for Nova's awakening.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. One of the main issues is the pacing. The story starts strong but tends to lose momentum in the middle sections. There are moments where the narrative drags, and the tension that is so effectively built up in the beginning dissipates. The climax, while exciting, feels rushed and leaves some plot threads unresolved.
The world-building, although imaginative, sometimes lacks depth. More detailed descriptions and explanations of the technology and its societal implications would have enriched the story. Additionally, some secondary characters feel underdeveloped, making it hard to fully invest in their arcs.
The writing style is accessible and straightforward, which works well for a young adult audience, but there are instances where the prose could benefit from more nuance and subtlety. Certain plot twists are predictable, which lessens their impact, and the dialogue occasionally falls into cliché.
The Verdict
Overall, Lies My Memory Told Me by Sacha Wunsch is an ambitious and thought-provoking novel that tackles important themes relevant to our increasingly digital world. While the execution is uneven and the story sometimes loses its way, it remains a compelling read with a unique premise and a strong central character. Fans of speculative fiction and dystopian tales will find much to ponder in its pages, even if it doesn't fully realize its potential.
June 17, 2022
“Lies My Memory Told Me” is one of those really enjoyable novels: ostensibly young adult, but one which many older readers will also enjoy.
Nova’s parents invented the fabulous new technology known as Enhanced Memory. Now everyone can share someone else’s memory: enjoy a dangerous activity with no risk to themselves, learn a new skill in no time, “travel” all over the world. It’s such a good thing that Nova feels guilty about her resentment of the way it eats up her parents’ time and takes them away from her.
And then one night Nova meets Kade when he mistakes her for someone else. And although they’re strongly drawn to each other, Kade also seems afraid of Nova. Kade thinks Enhanced Memory is a danger, not a gift. He runs a secret vlog, cataloguing new experiences, and is terrified of being outed.
As Nova spends more time with Kade, and their relationship deepens, she starts to notice things. Bad things that come out of Enhanced Memory. Questions no-one wants her to ask. The way her parents have changed. And eventually she can’t take it anymore: she has to find the answers.
Older readers may find this plot a little transparent, and there are a few minor plot holes they’re more likely to notice too. However, that’s unlikely to impede their enjoyment of a well written and fast paced novel. It’s got an excellent balance of action and emotion, and catches the emotional state and maturity level of older teenagers well.
Characterisation is also a strength; readers are going to empathise with Nova completely, and understand many of her emotions and actions. Nova carries the story, and it’s easy for readers to go along with her. Other characters, such as her parents, are drawn with considerable depth although less time is spent with them.
Once or twice I found the moralising perhaps a little too blatant; again, that might in part be because I’m an older reader. The intended audience may well breeze straight past this. It’s interesting, because in other places Wunsch is quite subtle, such as the way in which s/he depicts people having become much more risk averse.
This is a science fiction novel, but at the softer end of the spectrum – there’s nothing too technical here. It’s a reasonable extrapolation of current social and scientific trends, without forecasting anything very radical. While many of the ideas and plot points were ones I’d seen before, this is put together very well. The strong setting contributes to a sense of freshness.
This is a highly readable, topical, and flat out enjoyable novel. I didn’t feel that it contained any real surprises, but I still wanted to know exactly what was going to happen. I enjoyed reading it, and felt a sense of satisfaction with it when I was done.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Nova’s parents invented the fabulous new technology known as Enhanced Memory. Now everyone can share someone else’s memory: enjoy a dangerous activity with no risk to themselves, learn a new skill in no time, “travel” all over the world. It’s such a good thing that Nova feels guilty about her resentment of the way it eats up her parents’ time and takes them away from her.
And then one night Nova meets Kade when he mistakes her for someone else. And although they’re strongly drawn to each other, Kade also seems afraid of Nova. Kade thinks Enhanced Memory is a danger, not a gift. He runs a secret vlog, cataloguing new experiences, and is terrified of being outed.
As Nova spends more time with Kade, and their relationship deepens, she starts to notice things. Bad things that come out of Enhanced Memory. Questions no-one wants her to ask. The way her parents have changed. And eventually she can’t take it anymore: she has to find the answers.
Older readers may find this plot a little transparent, and there are a few minor plot holes they’re more likely to notice too. However, that’s unlikely to impede their enjoyment of a well written and fast paced novel. It’s got an excellent balance of action and emotion, and catches the emotional state and maturity level of older teenagers well.
Characterisation is also a strength; readers are going to empathise with Nova completely, and understand many of her emotions and actions. Nova carries the story, and it’s easy for readers to go along with her. Other characters, such as her parents, are drawn with considerable depth although less time is spent with them.
Once or twice I found the moralising perhaps a little too blatant; again, that might in part be because I’m an older reader. The intended audience may well breeze straight past this. It’s interesting, because in other places Wunsch is quite subtle, such as the way in which s/he depicts people having become much more risk averse.
This is a science fiction novel, but at the softer end of the spectrum – there’s nothing too technical here. It’s a reasonable extrapolation of current social and scientific trends, without forecasting anything very radical. While many of the ideas and plot points were ones I’d seen before, this is put together very well. The strong setting contributes to a sense of freshness.
This is a highly readable, topical, and flat out enjoyable novel. I didn’t feel that it contained any real surprises, but I still wanted to know exactly what was going to happen. I enjoyed reading it, and felt a sense of satisfaction with it when I was done.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
August 3, 2022
This book was D.U.M.
The writing was awful and the story had such weird nonsensical parts to it. (There is no way I believe that after two years of memories being on the market that people would stop making their own. That doesn't make any sense at all) I decided to finish the book because I wanted to know what was going on, even if I didn't really care about the characters.
I'm not sure it was worth it, but it did cement my negative feelings about this book. I was trying to decide whether to make this review a spoiler, but I realize it might be kind of me to give you a summary so you don't have to read it. Please don't read it. It will just take away time from your life that could be spent making real, better memories. (Pun slam intended)
Nova is this very undecided individual whose parent's create Enhanced Memories. (By the way, this plot has already been done before...not original.) So now you don't have to experience anything on your own, you can just watch someone else's memories and they become yours. Sort of. As long as you got the good memories. Whatever.
Nova has no problem with EMs except that her parents, who claim to really love her, now ignore her completely to spend all their time with the memories. Nova meets Kade, who doesn't use them because he was once addicted to them, and somehow this seems really strange to Nova. Um...duh. You don't understand why anyone would do dangerous things at all anymore, (like climbing a fence and ice skating!!!) but you can't see how people would become addicted? Yet that is all your parents do? Seriously dumb.
Nova slowly figures out she is an idiot but not before doing lots of dumb stuff and getting Kade in trouble. By the time Nova figures out that she used to be someone else (with different memories) Kade is kidnapped. But don't worry, although it would seem difficult to spring Kade from a disguised building with haphazard security, it will be super easy, barely an inconvenience. Everyone rejoice, but don't start thinking this will have a happy ending.
Nope, more stupid stuff. Sure, Nova somehow combines her memories and becomes both people (contented sigh) but her dad shoots Kade!? Dumb. And Kade's first memories that were taken were his feelings for Nova!? Dumb.
I do not understand why there was profanity added to this book. It seemed forced and unnecessary. It didn't match Nova's personality at all. It was like the author thought it would sound more modern or cool with it included. While still trying to seem hip and inclusive, she adds the very vague coming out of Andie. That was never explained at all. Did she come out as gay, wiccan, a soul singer, what? Just another of the annoying parts of this book.
Okay, there is my rant. I feel bad that this book is in my school library. I may remove it.
The writing was awful and the story had such weird nonsensical parts to it. (There is no way I believe that after two years of memories being on the market that people would stop making their own. That doesn't make any sense at all) I decided to finish the book because I wanted to know what was going on, even if I didn't really care about the characters.
I'm not sure it was worth it, but it did cement my negative feelings about this book. I was trying to decide whether to make this review a spoiler, but I realize it might be kind of me to give you a summary so you don't have to read it. Please don't read it. It will just take away time from your life that could be spent making real, better memories. (Pun slam intended)
Nova is this very undecided individual whose parent's create Enhanced Memories. (By the way, this plot has already been done before...not original.) So now you don't have to experience anything on your own, you can just watch someone else's memories and they become yours. Sort of. As long as you got the good memories. Whatever.
Nova has no problem with EMs except that her parents, who claim to really love her, now ignore her completely to spend all their time with the memories. Nova meets Kade, who doesn't use them because he was once addicted to them, and somehow this seems really strange to Nova. Um...duh. You don't understand why anyone would do dangerous things at all anymore, (like climbing a fence and ice skating!!!) but you can't see how people would become addicted? Yet that is all your parents do? Seriously dumb.
Nova slowly figures out she is an idiot but not before doing lots of dumb stuff and getting Kade in trouble. By the time Nova figures out that she used to be someone else (with different memories) Kade is kidnapped. But don't worry, although it would seem difficult to spring Kade from a disguised building with haphazard security, it will be super easy, barely an inconvenience. Everyone rejoice, but don't start thinking this will have a happy ending.
Nope, more stupid stuff. Sure, Nova somehow combines her memories and becomes both people (contented sigh) but her dad shoots Kade!? Dumb. And Kade's first memories that were taken were his feelings for Nova!? Dumb.
I do not understand why there was profanity added to this book. It seemed forced and unnecessary. It didn't match Nova's personality at all. It was like the author thought it would sound more modern or cool with it included. While still trying to seem hip and inclusive, she adds the very vague coming out of Andie. That was never explained at all. Did she come out as gay, wiccan, a soul singer, what? Just another of the annoying parts of this book.
Okay, there is my rant. I feel bad that this book is in my school library. I may remove it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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