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Identifiable
What do you have if you don’t even have yourself?
Rory Walsh, born into his parents’ brood, has had his entire life documented through the lens of his mother, Nora. Like any mother, Nora wants the best for her son, curating a social profile for him that will guarantee his acceptance into their traditionalist brood, forever.
But the version of him that Nora has created doesn’t exist.
The Rory Walsh everyone sees when they look at him is not the true Rory Walsh. He doesn’t belong in the brood for which he’s been bred, nor in the virtual skin he’s been given. In defiance, Rory goes on a journey to override the Accessible Internet Product, or AIP, system, to find a way to create his own identity. With the help of his best friend, he sets out to leave the world he’s known on an adventure to find a better life...one he can call his own. Will he make it, or will the trek destroy him?
Identifiable is a science fiction novel about people ascribing to, or contradicting, narratives—their darkness, their shortcomings, as well as their capacity to love.
Rory Walsh, born into his parents’ brood, has had his entire life documented through the lens of his mother, Nora. Like any mother, Nora wants the best for her son, curating a social profile for him that will guarantee his acceptance into their traditionalist brood, forever.
But the version of him that Nora has created doesn’t exist.
The Rory Walsh everyone sees when they look at him is not the true Rory Walsh. He doesn’t belong in the brood for which he’s been bred, nor in the virtual skin he’s been given. In defiance, Rory goes on a journey to override the Accessible Internet Product, or AIP, system, to find a way to create his own identity. With the help of his best friend, he sets out to leave the world he’s known on an adventure to find a better life...one he can call his own. Will he make it, or will the trek destroy him?
Identifiable is a science fiction novel about people ascribing to, or contradicting, narratives—their darkness, their shortcomings, as well as their capacity to love.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2021
1 person is currently reading
56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 13, 2023
Einstein made the term Gedankenexperiment - thought experiment - world famous, his special relativity theory made heavy use of this tool. (He didn't coin the term, however, that was Hans Christian Ørsted, while reading Kant.) But what has that to do with a kid called Rory?
The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.
-- George Orwell
This novel is described as a dystopian sci-fi, but as the author herself says: it's a thought experiment. About social media and what it does to us, and the question it revolves around is - you would never guess that - identity.
In this case - what if the identity we create online for our children (by posting that oh-so-sweet video of it tearing through its Halloween candy, and thousands more like that) is forced upon our child? It's a wild idea, and it wouldn't work this way now, which is why Julia sets her novel in the distant future in the 2110's forward. I can see the angle she's coming from. In her world, everyone has instant access to everything on the internet about you just by looking at you. Just imagine meeting someone in the street you've never met before, and instantly seeing every drunk Facebook post that person ever wrote (or was tagged in).
(symbolic) Me in the world of Identifiable, where I would pass no judgement on passing people because I couldn't care less about strangers.
By the way, dystopian stories have almost always been a warning against oppression by surveillance. George Orwell is a classic here, but also, to an instant, Ray Bradbury (Julia quotes both of them during the prologue.) I've read the classics, but I think if you want to read a modern example of this, you should also try Orbury by Nora Wall. (To this day, I think her story was in part an allegory of social media, as you can see in the linked review.)
In the case of Identifiable, Orwell's Big Brother is substituted with Everyone Else. It's a logical conclusion to the current state of the world. (And it is happening - there are people out there who have been confronted during job interviews with stuff they've written on Facebook and co.)
Julia makes more adjustments to her future world, and this is the first novel I've ever read that was clearly influenced by Corona. (In Julia's world, people not only have instant internet access, but also vaccines are mandatory.)
How I imagine the internet access in my brain would look like - too many tabs, right?
What is kind of disturbing - but probably realistic - is how Julia's world is at the same time technological advanced while being backwards in the understanding of role models. There's a lot of male/female stuff there that sounds downright medieval. But maybe that's just the brood Rory's mother lives in. (In Julia's terms, a brood is what we would call a bubble on social media - not sure why the coining of a new term was necessary.)
What if she cared more about seeming like a good mom than actually being one?
-- Profound thoughts of Rory's father
That quote might be the thoughts of one of the protagonists, but it really is - for me, at least - an accurate description of people making their living by social media (I hate the term influencer). You can substitute "mom" in this sentence for anything else, and it's a universal truth of our world today. In TikSnapstaGramTwitHiveBook, people don't strive to be anything - they just want to be seen as something. And that is a difference. It shows how superficial this social media dream world is.
The thought experiment Julia embarks upon revolves around Rory - and his mother, who obsessively created a profile for him while he was young that was so adamant, he couldn't change it. And it's hard not to see Julia's point, but I have to admit that I sometimes felt like she was forcing her opinion on me. Like the scene when a 5 year old Rory has critical thoughts about the way his mother curasses his profile - it feels forced, because I can't see a child of 5 thinking those thoughts. That seems a tad to deep.
What has Christianity in common with social media groups? Well, it's a cross to bear, for sure.
Rory's parents are deeply rooted in Christianity. That is something I find not plausible in the year 2100 onwards - if I extrapolate current trends into the future, I'm pretty sure the church will get less important. Even more so considering the drastic changes to politics Julia implemented in her world. But then again, the people in this novel stick to their broods like fanatics stick to a religion, even using violence against people of different broods. Paternal control ensures early on that children grow up that way, as is shown when Rory plays with a Red child, and his mother scolds him for not playing with a fellow Yellow.
*****
In the end, I quite enjoyed this Gedankenexperiment, although the theory behind it seemed to have a few holes. Like the way the birth of this innovation was described, that seemed like Julia felt the urge to describe how her technocratic world came to be - word to the wise: If you have a strong premise for your setting that works and you don't have a fantastic way of explaining how it came to be - then simply skip the explanation. The novel would work so much better without it.
There's also the fact that those internet access points in humans brains might be lightning fast, but that in itself wouldn't change the fact that people are still sometimes slow in their thought processes, making those insta judgments a bit unrealistic within the context of the setting. And I would have honestly loved to implore they way that affected our world in more depth, like for example in schools - what need is there to learn anything in, say, history when you can access all records within a moment?
Julia tells how that would change our social life. But how would that change the way we learn, what kind of weaknesses to fake news would this kind of dependency create? And what would happen to a society so dependent on this kind of technology if there was some kind of failure, like the destruction of internet access?
Julia, if you read this and you ever decide to revisit your world of Identifiable, those are the questions I implore you to explore!
The fact that this novel is capable of sparking all those questions within me is a sign of how good it is. 4.5 well earned stars! Rounded up.
Disclaimer: I’ve received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The choice for mankind lies between freedom and happiness and for the great bulk of mankind, happiness is better.
-- George Orwell
This novel is described as a dystopian sci-fi, but as the author herself says: it's a thought experiment. About social media and what it does to us, and the question it revolves around is - you would never guess that - identity.
In this case - what if the identity we create online for our children (by posting that oh-so-sweet video of it tearing through its Halloween candy, and thousands more like that) is forced upon our child? It's a wild idea, and it wouldn't work this way now, which is why Julia sets her novel in the distant future in the 2110's forward. I can see the angle she's coming from. In her world, everyone has instant access to everything on the internet about you just by looking at you. Just imagine meeting someone in the street you've never met before, and instantly seeing every drunk Facebook post that person ever wrote (or was tagged in).
(symbolic) Me in the world of Identifiable, where I would pass no judgement on passing people because I couldn't care less about strangers.
By the way, dystopian stories have almost always been a warning against oppression by surveillance. George Orwell is a classic here, but also, to an instant, Ray Bradbury (Julia quotes both of them during the prologue.) I've read the classics, but I think if you want to read a modern example of this, you should also try Orbury by Nora Wall. (To this day, I think her story was in part an allegory of social media, as you can see in the linked review.)
In the case of Identifiable, Orwell's Big Brother is substituted with Everyone Else. It's a logical conclusion to the current state of the world. (And it is happening - there are people out there who have been confronted during job interviews with stuff they've written on Facebook and co.)
Julia makes more adjustments to her future world, and this is the first novel I've ever read that was clearly influenced by Corona. (In Julia's world, people not only have instant internet access, but also vaccines are mandatory.)
How I imagine the internet access in my brain would look like - too many tabs, right?
What is kind of disturbing - but probably realistic - is how Julia's world is at the same time technological advanced while being backwards in the understanding of role models. There's a lot of male/female stuff there that sounds downright medieval. But maybe that's just the brood Rory's mother lives in. (In Julia's terms, a brood is what we would call a bubble on social media - not sure why the coining of a new term was necessary.)
What if she cared more about seeming like a good mom than actually being one?
-- Profound thoughts of Rory's father
That quote might be the thoughts of one of the protagonists, but it really is - for me, at least - an accurate description of people making their living by social media (I hate the term influencer). You can substitute "mom" in this sentence for anything else, and it's a universal truth of our world today. In TikSnapstaGramTwitHiveBook, people don't strive to be anything - they just want to be seen as something. And that is a difference. It shows how superficial this social media dream world is.
The thought experiment Julia embarks upon revolves around Rory - and his mother, who obsessively created a profile for him while he was young that was so adamant, he couldn't change it. And it's hard not to see Julia's point, but I have to admit that I sometimes felt like she was forcing her opinion on me. Like the scene when a 5 year old Rory has critical thoughts about the way his mother curasses his profile - it feels forced, because I can't see a child of 5 thinking those thoughts. That seems a tad to deep.
What has Christianity in common with social media groups? Well, it's a cross to bear, for sure.
Rory's parents are deeply rooted in Christianity. That is something I find not plausible in the year 2100 onwards - if I extrapolate current trends into the future, I'm pretty sure the church will get less important. Even more so considering the drastic changes to politics Julia implemented in her world. But then again, the people in this novel stick to their broods like fanatics stick to a religion, even using violence against people of different broods. Paternal control ensures early on that children grow up that way, as is shown when Rory plays with a Red child, and his mother scolds him for not playing with a fellow Yellow.
*****
In the end, I quite enjoyed this Gedankenexperiment, although the theory behind it seemed to have a few holes. Like the way the birth of this innovation was described, that seemed like Julia felt the urge to describe how her technocratic world came to be - word to the wise: If you have a strong premise for your setting that works and you don't have a fantastic way of explaining how it came to be - then simply skip the explanation. The novel would work so much better without it.
There's also the fact that those internet access points in humans brains might be lightning fast, but that in itself wouldn't change the fact that people are still sometimes slow in their thought processes, making those insta judgments a bit unrealistic within the context of the setting. And I would have honestly loved to implore they way that affected our world in more depth, like for example in schools - what need is there to learn anything in, say, history when you can access all records within a moment?
Julia tells how that would change our social life. But how would that change the way we learn, what kind of weaknesses to fake news would this kind of dependency create? And what would happen to a society so dependent on this kind of technology if there was some kind of failure, like the destruction of internet access?
Julia, if you read this and you ever decide to revisit your world of Identifiable, those are the questions I implore you to explore!
The fact that this novel is capable of sparking all those questions within me is a sign of how good it is. 4.5 well earned stars! Rounded up.
Disclaimer: I’ve received a free Advanced Reader’s Copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2023
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author, New Degree Press and Kelly Lacey of Love Books Tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
In Identifiable, Julia Tvardovskaya envisions a not-distant-enough dystopian future where the echo chamber that social media can become is hard-wired into our brains at birth and we only ever hear what we want to, only ever socialise with those who align with our values.
Rory isn’t the only main character or focus of the story. For the first half of the story, much of the plot is focused on his parents and older sister, as we see how their society encourages people to function and the toll it can take on people’s mental health to be so rigidly ‘curated’. Alongside this we see glimpses into a different way of living, starting with Nora’s sister Leah in the prologue, as she flees from the emotional jungle of familial and societal judgement into an actual jungle and finds sanctuary with the 1% of the population who have opted out of the system.
Approximately halfway through the book, we move into Rory’s story, stuck halfway between those two extremes – he is fully and ‘perfectly’ integrated into the system, but in a role and identity that doesn’t match his feelings and beliefs. How can he live in a hunting brood, as a vegetarian who can’t stand the thought of animals suffering? How can he live in a critical brood (and family) when all he craves is open acceptance and love for who he is?
The themes of the story are clear throughout, as through the characters the author examines what it is to project a ‘picture perfect’ life, and the costs to our individuality, freedom and environment. She looks particularly at how parents can inadvertently (or not) stifle their children in their well-meaning attempts to force them into the ‘correct’ mould, as perceived through their own biased filters. This is such an important issue to explore at a time when both children and parents are exposed to more online interaction than ever before, and the long-term ramifications of our online actions are not yet known, as those who were teens when the internet became a household staple are only know stepping into middle-age. I know many parent friends who are already grappling with finding that balance between sharing their pride in their children with friends and family, while still keeping the children’s pride, privacy and dignity intact.
I found myself totally caught up in the story of the Walsh family and, as well as being an entertaining read, it definitely got me thinking about the impact of social media on my own life and the lives of my not-yet-old-enough children. I do believe in balance and I won’t be running off to live in the jungle (yet!), but I might just be a little bit more aware of how I curate our online lives and to what purpose.
Those looking for a dystopian sci-fi with ‘Big Brother’, Orwellian themes will enjoy this exploration of the darker side of finding your clique.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
In Identifiable, Julia Tvardovskaya envisions a not-distant-enough dystopian future where the echo chamber that social media can become is hard-wired into our brains at birth and we only ever hear what we want to, only ever socialise with those who align with our values.
Rory isn’t the only main character or focus of the story. For the first half of the story, much of the plot is focused on his parents and older sister, as we see how their society encourages people to function and the toll it can take on people’s mental health to be so rigidly ‘curated’. Alongside this we see glimpses into a different way of living, starting with Nora’s sister Leah in the prologue, as she flees from the emotional jungle of familial and societal judgement into an actual jungle and finds sanctuary with the 1% of the population who have opted out of the system.
Approximately halfway through the book, we move into Rory’s story, stuck halfway between those two extremes – he is fully and ‘perfectly’ integrated into the system, but in a role and identity that doesn’t match his feelings and beliefs. How can he live in a hunting brood, as a vegetarian who can’t stand the thought of animals suffering? How can he live in a critical brood (and family) when all he craves is open acceptance and love for who he is?
The themes of the story are clear throughout, as through the characters the author examines what it is to project a ‘picture perfect’ life, and the costs to our individuality, freedom and environment. She looks particularly at how parents can inadvertently (or not) stifle their children in their well-meaning attempts to force them into the ‘correct’ mould, as perceived through their own biased filters. This is such an important issue to explore at a time when both children and parents are exposed to more online interaction than ever before, and the long-term ramifications of our online actions are not yet known, as those who were teens when the internet became a household staple are only know stepping into middle-age. I know many parent friends who are already grappling with finding that balance between sharing their pride in their children with friends and family, while still keeping the children’s pride, privacy and dignity intact.
I found myself totally caught up in the story of the Walsh family and, as well as being an entertaining read, it definitely got me thinking about the impact of social media on my own life and the lives of my not-yet-old-enough children. I do believe in balance and I won’t be running off to live in the jungle (yet!), but I might just be a little bit more aware of how I curate our online lives and to what purpose.
Those looking for a dystopian sci-fi with ‘Big Brother’, Orwellian themes will enjoy this exploration of the darker side of finding your clique.
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
March 1, 2023
I didn't know what to expect from this book, but I really enjoyed it. It was a really interesting look at social media and the lasting effects that being constantly connected to social media can have in the future such as anxiety and other mental health problems
It is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters, who I found myself really caring about. It also made me look at how much I look at things such as facebook and tiktok and how that could be affecting my life.
There are some hard hitting issues within the book as well as some religious content, but I think that it was done really well and all added to the story.
It is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters, who I found myself really caring about. It also made me look at how much I look at things such as facebook and tiktok and how that could be affecting my life.
There are some hard hitting issues within the book as well as some religious content, but I think that it was done really well and all added to the story.
January 18, 2023
Such An Interesting Story!
I was gifted a copy of this book from the author quite awhile ago (and I want to thank her for it!) and then it ended up packed away during a construction project and I never got to it. However, I was constantly thinking about it so I purchased the ebook to read it.
Worth. Every. Penny.
Honestly, this took me a long time to get into solely based on the very heavy religious undertones that encompass most of the beginning of this book. It sent me back to some very difficult times in my life and I considered putting it down and returning later. I didn’t, I chose to power through and I am so glad that I did!
This is a dystopian story surrounding new government ideals alongside an implanted device that allows the entirety of the internet to be available with just a thought. It’s an interesting concept, one I personally was skeptical of - and I remain that way honestly. It’s completely plausible that this technology will exist someday but as it is many of share perfectly curated posts on social media in order to appear how we want to appear - the difference is in this book all others have to do is scan us (literally with their eyes) and they can see everything online about us and immediately judge us either worthy or unworthy of their time based on what is available.
I really enjoyed this once I got past the overtly religious “brood” the beginning was focused on and this turned out to be a very interesting coming of age dystopian novel.
Definitely recommend.
I was gifted a copy of this book from the author quite awhile ago (and I want to thank her for it!) and then it ended up packed away during a construction project and I never got to it. However, I was constantly thinking about it so I purchased the ebook to read it.
Worth. Every. Penny.
Honestly, this took me a long time to get into solely based on the very heavy religious undertones that encompass most of the beginning of this book. It sent me back to some very difficult times in my life and I considered putting it down and returning later. I didn’t, I chose to power through and I am so glad that I did!
This is a dystopian story surrounding new government ideals alongside an implanted device that allows the entirety of the internet to be available with just a thought. It’s an interesting concept, one I personally was skeptical of - and I remain that way honestly. It’s completely plausible that this technology will exist someday but as it is many of share perfectly curated posts on social media in order to appear how we want to appear - the difference is in this book all others have to do is scan us (literally with their eyes) and they can see everything online about us and immediately judge us either worthy or unworthy of their time based on what is available.
I really enjoyed this once I got past the overtly religious “brood” the beginning was focused on and this turned out to be a very interesting coming of age dystopian novel.
Definitely recommend.
February 20, 2023
Imagine a world where the internet is not only in your head all the time, but it is what makes you who you are. With a single look, anyone can see your religious beliefs, your family history, all the good and bad things that have been recorded about you online...and EVERYTHING is online.
That's the world in the 2100s.
This novel is about what happens when the internet takes over and your social profile is the only thing that matters, to anyone. If you're affiliated with the wrong brood, born into the wrong religion then your very future can be affected.
This is a rather scary image of the future, and one that I can honestly say I am happy I don't live in, having been born in a generation before the internet became everything. Ironic saying that on a social media platform.
The writing was strong, the characters well-formed, but I did feel a little bit as though I missed out on something when the first character we are introduced to, Leah, becomes less of a character and more of a plot point to be used later in the book...an example of what can be that no one knows about or remembers until escape from society is needed. I personally would have liked to find out more about life in the colony, more about Leah and her daughter and Amos the man who saves them and becomes a strong father figure.
I find it interesting that religion becomes a HUGE focus for the way that people live in a society almost ruled by the internet and the invisible AIP devices that live in the heads of 99% of the global population.
This book could be read as a warning to not become too reliant on the internet and its facilities, but sadly it also shows the cultish levels that people will rise (or fall) to when they feel as though what they're comfortable with has been put under threat (see Nora and Finn when their son tells them he is leaving their brood to find a new life at university).
Personal rating, 3.5 stars.
That's the world in the 2100s.
This novel is about what happens when the internet takes over and your social profile is the only thing that matters, to anyone. If you're affiliated with the wrong brood, born into the wrong religion then your very future can be affected.
This is a rather scary image of the future, and one that I can honestly say I am happy I don't live in, having been born in a generation before the internet became everything. Ironic saying that on a social media platform.
The writing was strong, the characters well-formed, but I did feel a little bit as though I missed out on something when the first character we are introduced to, Leah, becomes less of a character and more of a plot point to be used later in the book...an example of what can be that no one knows about or remembers until escape from society is needed. I personally would have liked to find out more about life in the colony, more about Leah and her daughter and Amos the man who saves them and becomes a strong father figure.
I find it interesting that religion becomes a HUGE focus for the way that people live in a society almost ruled by the internet and the invisible AIP devices that live in the heads of 99% of the global population.
This book could be read as a warning to not become too reliant on the internet and its facilities, but sadly it also shows the cultish levels that people will rise (or fall) to when they feel as though what they're comfortable with has been put under threat (see Nora and Finn when their son tells them he is leaving their brood to find a new life at university).
Personal rating, 3.5 stars.
October 1, 2022
“What do you have if you don’t even have yourself?” - Julia Tvardovskaya
I'll admit when I think SciFi, my first thoughts gravitate to aliens and spaceships; however, this was NOT the case! 😂
This futuristic debut novel was so thought provoking, plausible, and relatable! The author captured my attention from the start with a note explaining her passion behind the project and it literally gave me the chills!
She points out how it used to be when you would go to a friend's house or vice versa, you would have the option to “hide that embarrassing photo before so and so comes over” versus in today's society so much can be accessed ALL over the internet. She proposes the topic of social media and HOW we choose to use it impacts whether it's positive or negative.
The novel is set in the 2100s following the main character Rory, his family, and a few others told from multiple POVs. I felt invested in finding out what was going to happen, understanding the obstacles with social technology, societal expectations, and Rory finding his own identity.
This is one of those books that makes you examine your own life and what's important to YOU!
I thought this was extremely insightful to many social concerns we face in the world we are living in today and while obviously fictional, an interesting glimpse into "what could be.' A great reminder that while we're all different, even right here in our little book community, we've found connections beyond the thing that brought us together! It's important to appreciate each other's' differences 🤍
Thank you Julia for gifting me a copy of your book! I’m so glad I was able to experience and now share your work with others!! And thank you to my reading buddies Meg & Katie! I really enjoyed sharing this experience with you both!!
I'll admit when I think SciFi, my first thoughts gravitate to aliens and spaceships; however, this was NOT the case! 😂
This futuristic debut novel was so thought provoking, plausible, and relatable! The author captured my attention from the start with a note explaining her passion behind the project and it literally gave me the chills!
She points out how it used to be when you would go to a friend's house or vice versa, you would have the option to “hide that embarrassing photo before so and so comes over” versus in today's society so much can be accessed ALL over the internet. She proposes the topic of social media and HOW we choose to use it impacts whether it's positive or negative.
The novel is set in the 2100s following the main character Rory, his family, and a few others told from multiple POVs. I felt invested in finding out what was going to happen, understanding the obstacles with social technology, societal expectations, and Rory finding his own identity.
This is one of those books that makes you examine your own life and what's important to YOU!
I thought this was extremely insightful to many social concerns we face in the world we are living in today and while obviously fictional, an interesting glimpse into "what could be.' A great reminder that while we're all different, even right here in our little book community, we've found connections beyond the thing that brought us together! It's important to appreciate each other's' differences 🤍
Thank you Julia for gifting me a copy of your book! I’m so glad I was able to experience and now share your work with others!! And thank you to my reading buddies Meg & Katie! I really enjoyed sharing this experience with you both!!
Read
January 6, 2023Set in the 2100s, we follow Rory as the main character, along with a few others through multiple POVs, as he navigates life in a world where a technology called AIP documents everything about your life. The AIP pops up in front of your eyes anytime you have a question about anything or any person… basically the internet in front of your face at all times. His whole life was documented by his mother, but that perceived version of him doesn’t exist. He wants to create his own identity.
This was such a thought-provoking and eye-opening read. This book shows the risks that come with social technologies and its impacts on life along with the expectations society gives us. The authors note at the beginning hit home for me as a mom because it talked about how you post photos of your kids on the internet and once it’s there it’s out there for the world to see and it really makes you think about how social media shapes a perceived persona. I enjoyed following the characters and Rory’s story and it was definitely a book that brought lots of emotions as he tried to find his own identity. I think this is a completely relatable read for todays struggles with social media and using it for good vs bad.
Thank you, Julia for gifting me a copy of your wonderful book! Thank you for this eye-opening read and I loved the ending.
This was such a thought-provoking and eye-opening read. This book shows the risks that come with social technologies and its impacts on life along with the expectations society gives us. The authors note at the beginning hit home for me as a mom because it talked about how you post photos of your kids on the internet and once it’s there it’s out there for the world to see and it really makes you think about how social media shapes a perceived persona. I enjoyed following the characters and Rory’s story and it was definitely a book that brought lots of emotions as he tried to find his own identity. I think this is a completely relatable read for todays struggles with social media and using it for good vs bad.
Thank you, Julia for gifting me a copy of your wonderful book! Thank you for this eye-opening read and I loved the ending.
February 15, 2023
I stepped outside of my normal mood reader box with this one. It was an eye opening look at the effects of social media and the underlying issues that plague families that are forever connected to their social media accounts. Be warned this book can be very triggering PPD, depression and anxiety were difficult topics discussed early on but the author’s writing style dissuaded me from putting it down.
Finn and Nora’s relationship was so rocky and I feel for them on so many levels. The constant need to update and curate Rory’s and Maueve’s AIP truly shattered their marriage and I am just sad. Rory felt trapped and I felt trapped right along with him and I was rooting for him the entire time.
I do think the story was well paced and I enjoyed the AIP interjections throughout signifying that technology and artificial intelligence is always within earshot of our lives dictating our paths. As a reader, I reflected on my own social media usage and the long term effects it has on my family.
Overall, the book was a nice palette cleanser from my most recent genre obsession Romantasy! I’m a new fan of Julia Tvardovskaya and will be open to reading more of her work.
Finn and Nora’s relationship was so rocky and I feel for them on so many levels. The constant need to update and curate Rory’s and Maueve’s AIP truly shattered their marriage and I am just sad. Rory felt trapped and I felt trapped right along with him and I was rooting for him the entire time.
I do think the story was well paced and I enjoyed the AIP interjections throughout signifying that technology and artificial intelligence is always within earshot of our lives dictating our paths. As a reader, I reflected on my own social media usage and the long term effects it has on my family.
Overall, the book was a nice palette cleanser from my most recent genre obsession Romantasy! I’m a new fan of Julia Tvardovskaya and will be open to reading more of her work.
April 8, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is an interesting science fiction/fantasy. In this world people have a chip in their head that brings up everything about them. The first 13 years of your life are controlled by your parents, so you're stuck with whatever they decide to upload. If you have controlling parents, you can’t control your profile until you turn 18. This happened to MC Rory. People are assigned to a brood. Each brood has defined parameters of what they do, what they believe & how they behave. People do not interact outside of their brood.
Rory doesn't hold the same values of his brood & is desperate to break out & forge his own path. Doing so gets him exiled. This book has so many social issues. Nature or Nurture? Conform or Defy? Are we a product of our family, or are we our own individual? When it matters most, do we have the courage of our convictions, or do we back down to fit in?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours and New Degree Press. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is an interesting science fiction/fantasy. In this world people have a chip in their head that brings up everything about them. The first 13 years of your life are controlled by your parents, so you're stuck with whatever they decide to upload. If you have controlling parents, you can’t control your profile until you turn 18. This happened to MC Rory. People are assigned to a brood. Each brood has defined parameters of what they do, what they believe & how they behave. People do not interact outside of their brood.
Rory doesn't hold the same values of his brood & is desperate to break out & forge his own path. Doing so gets him exiled. This book has so many social issues. Nature or Nurture? Conform or Defy? Are we a product of our family, or are we our own individual? When it matters most, do we have the courage of our convictions, or do we back down to fit in?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours and New Degree Press. All opinions are my own.
September 30, 2022
Synopsis: Set in the 2100's, Identifiable is a science fiction novel describing a futuristic world where the internet is right in front of your face, you are only allowed to socialize with others in your "brood" and appearances are everything. Told from multiple points of view and told over 35 years, the story primarily follows one family and a few others related to the family.
Review: this book hit very close to home for me! The book opens with an authors note discussing parents sharing their children on social media and relating it to children never being able to hide the embarrassing photos on the wall because they are out in the world online. It was eye opening and really made me think. I had so many emotions while reading this book, and felt fully invested in the characters. My heart ached for Rory and Maeve and broke over Leah. The ending was so satisfying and I just loved it! I always error on the side of less details because I never want to spoil any book! There are a few trigger topics in this book. Feel free to DM me if you want information.
Review: this book hit very close to home for me! The book opens with an authors note discussing parents sharing their children on social media and relating it to children never being able to hide the embarrassing photos on the wall because they are out in the world online. It was eye opening and really made me think. I had so many emotions while reading this book, and felt fully invested in the characters. My heart ached for Rory and Maeve and broke over Leah. The ending was so satisfying and I just loved it! I always error on the side of less details because I never want to spoil any book! There are a few trigger topics in this book. Feel free to DM me if you want information.
February 22, 2023
A look into the future and what could be. Imagine being able to be online all the time. When you meet someone you scan them and find out everything they have uploaded on social media or the internet. The world is divided into broods based on ideals and beliefs. By a color that comes up when you scan someone you can see if they are in the same or a similar brood or an opposite one.
I loved reading this book. It covered Rory’s life so some chapters would skip a few years. What we put on social media is what we want the world to see. People can find you on social media and learn a lot about you if you allow them. This story takes that further by giving everyone access all the time. If you wanted to reinvent yourself, you can’t. You are judged before you open your mouth by what is uploaded. The idea is hopefully a scary one. The author wrote an excellent book with wonderful characters. It is easy to lose yourself in this book and feel for Rory who just wants to be himself. You won’t be disappointed with this book!
I loved reading this book. It covered Rory’s life so some chapters would skip a few years. What we put on social media is what we want the world to see. People can find you on social media and learn a lot about you if you allow them. This story takes that further by giving everyone access all the time. If you wanted to reinvent yourself, you can’t. You are judged before you open your mouth by what is uploaded. The idea is hopefully a scary one. The author wrote an excellent book with wonderful characters. It is easy to lose yourself in this book and feel for Rory who just wants to be himself. You won’t be disappointed with this book!
March 6, 2023
I found this story to be very interesting and gave me a lot to think about. I'm not a fan of dystopias, but this one grabbed my attention immediately.
The story starts out with the author explaining that this was part of an experiment.
The story focuses on the future with AIP and the impact it has. Nora creates her Children's AIP profile from the time they were born and makes them to be something that they're not. In the story you find Rory, growing up and struggling with his identity and brood.
Everyone sees him and thinks they know him.
The book was well written in multiple POVs and very well paced. It gave me a lot to think about especially about social media and the impact it has on all our lives.
If you're a fan of dystopias and futuristic AIP you will definitely enjoy it.
# Thank you so much to @lovebookstours
@newdegreepress and @jul_tvard for the gifted copy in exchange of an honest review.
The story starts out with the author explaining that this was part of an experiment.
The story focuses on the future with AIP and the impact it has. Nora creates her Children's AIP profile from the time they were born and makes them to be something that they're not. In the story you find Rory, growing up and struggling with his identity and brood.
Everyone sees him and thinks they know him.
The book was well written in multiple POVs and very well paced. It gave me a lot to think about especially about social media and the impact it has on all our lives.
If you're a fan of dystopias and futuristic AIP you will definitely enjoy it.
# Thank you so much to @lovebookstours
@newdegreepress and @jul_tvard for the gifted copy in exchange of an honest review.
October 12, 2022
Set in the 2100s, the story follows Rory Walsh, as he grows up in a world filled with advanced technology known as Accessible Internet Product (AIP) and shows his journey to find his place in the world, even if that means going against societal expectations.
The more I read books from the Science Fiction genre, the more I have to admit that I have no idea why I haven't read more from this genre! It's probably because when I think sci-fi, my mind automatically thinks of aliens and robots, but books from this genre can be about so much more than that!
The sci-fi elements within this story immediately attracted my attention and kept the pages turning! I quickly became invested in the technology, the characters, the setting, and the overall journey of the story.
The character development of Rory throughout the book was perfectly done! I enjoyed following his journey of finding his place in the world. I found the struggles he came across, while seeming to be rooted in a futuristic focus of the world, they were still reminiscent of some of the present day struggles going on in our lives today.
My mind was blown away by the technology of the AIP! I absolutely could not imagine web browsers popping up in front of my eyes every time I pondered a topic or had a question about something. The advancement of medical technology in the book was crazy!! I can't even imagine how it would change present day healthcare!
The epilogue was truly the cherry on top of this sundae! Rory's journey was tied up perfectly and the story's resolution truly warmed my heart!
Thank you to Julia for her generosity of sending me a copy of this masterpiece!! I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to read this captivating story! I absolutely loved every page!!
If you've made it this far into the review, thank you because I know I seemed to blab on and on endlessly! But seriously, do yourself a favor and read this one!! Even if you're not usually a fan of sci-fi, at least give this one a try!
"It breaks my heart that we live in a world that is full of people willing to destroy one another and each other's happiness because they don't fit a particular mold or expectation."
The more I read books from the Science Fiction genre, the more I have to admit that I have no idea why I haven't read more from this genre! It's probably because when I think sci-fi, my mind automatically thinks of aliens and robots, but books from this genre can be about so much more than that!
The sci-fi elements within this story immediately attracted my attention and kept the pages turning! I quickly became invested in the technology, the characters, the setting, and the overall journey of the story.
The character development of Rory throughout the book was perfectly done! I enjoyed following his journey of finding his place in the world. I found the struggles he came across, while seeming to be rooted in a futuristic focus of the world, they were still reminiscent of some of the present day struggles going on in our lives today.
My mind was blown away by the technology of the AIP! I absolutely could not imagine web browsers popping up in front of my eyes every time I pondered a topic or had a question about something. The advancement of medical technology in the book was crazy!! I can't even imagine how it would change present day healthcare!
The epilogue was truly the cherry on top of this sundae! Rory's journey was tied up perfectly and the story's resolution truly warmed my heart!
Thank you to Julia for her generosity of sending me a copy of this masterpiece!! I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to read this captivating story! I absolutely loved every page!!
If you've made it this far into the review, thank you because I know I seemed to blab on and on endlessly! But seriously, do yourself a favor and read this one!! Even if you're not usually a fan of sci-fi, at least give this one a try!
"It breaks my heart that we live in a world that is full of people willing to destroy one another and each other's happiness because they don't fit a particular mold or expectation."
February 16, 2023
Wow. This one definitely gave me a Book hangover! So many parallels to life right now, even though it takes place a hundred years from now. I couldn’t stop talking about it, my poor husband! You couldn’t help but love Rory, and his fight against all of the rules and regulations in this new world, and the ways he found to try and make his own way in a world that didn’t want him to be different. So many of the things his parents did came so close to how things are right now, and you can’t help but imagine that this could really happen. At first I was frustrated with how the second storyline was going, and wished for more from it, but it all tied together in such a perfect way, that I totally get why the author wrote it the way she did. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending! I can’t say enough about this book, read it. You won’t regret it! 5 enthusiastic 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
February 12, 2023
‘Identifiable’ is a fascinating and, at times, disturbing look at a dystopian future where social media and the image we project determines how people see us and our chances in life.
I really enjoyed this novel as we follow Rory’s attempts to fight the AIP and change his own future. I felt so sorry for Rory many times and it really made me think about social media and especially the things we post online about our children. I would definitely recommend this novel to Science Fiction readers.
Check your triggers before reading
I received a gifted ebook of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
I really enjoyed this novel as we follow Rory’s attempts to fight the AIP and change his own future. I felt so sorry for Rory many times and it really made me think about social media and especially the things we post online about our children. I would definitely recommend this novel to Science Fiction readers.
Check your triggers before reading
I received a gifted ebook of this novel. This review is my honest opinion and written voluntarily.
March 2, 2023
I enjoyed reading this book. I know social media is a big thing, but this book has opened my eyes more and it shows just how it can run your life, there is always someone watching and listening to you 24/7. You can't help but feel for Rory and his attempt to lead a normal life that he builds for himself. Rory's mother Nora, started to create her children's AIP as soon as they were born and you can see what the impact it has on Rory. The author has put a lot of work into this book and it had me hooked from the begin. it also made me think about social media in my life.
March 24, 2023
I loved this book so much, it was very thought-provoking! It's won so many awards, and it was so amazing to have illustrated for the author :). The book shines a dystopian lens on the dangers of social media, especially for young kids and their parents. This book should be required reading for all new parents !! :)
January 19, 2022
I really enjoyed Julia’s debut novel. This dystopian story was thought provoking and engaging. It captured my interest from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next in the lives of the characters. Must read.
June 21, 2023
This book is a page turner. Bonus, it also made me really evaluate my social media habits and how I parent my kid in this online age. I am a huge sci-fi / distopian fan and this book had all the hallmarks that kept me engaged and invested in the world and characters.
November 17, 2022
Identifiable is a great look into what “could be”. That various viewpoints throughout the book are interesting yet not completely out of sight! The author keeps you on your toes all throughout!
February 27, 2023
A good dystopian sci-fi book where the future is eerily realistic.
March 14, 2023
Identifiable is a thought provoking sci fi dystopian story where an implantable device in your brain gives you access to anything you want to know at all times. I was invested in the main character, Rory, as the coming of age book takes you through his journey to find peace despite some interesting challenges. This is a great example of how social media can shape us and contribute to our lives for the worse.
I liked the alternating points of view from different characters throughout to get a full feel of the effects of this dystopian world.
I liked the alternating points of view from different characters throughout to get a full feel of the effects of this dystopian world.
April 7, 2022
The prologue of this debut novel, set in a dystopian society, feels incredibly plausible, and had me anxious to read more!
January 2, 2024
I finished this novel rather quickly. The novel is a coming of age fiction in a world where social profiles and data can be obtained simply by looking at someone. The futuristic novel shines light on an ever-growing issue stemming from our inability to "unplug"; and what that is meant for our communities, our mental health, and the dangers of what it means not to fit into your categorized box.
A book about found family, making our own choices and the journey that gets us to our ultimate destination. It reminded of The Giver, 1984, and Brave New World; it also brought to mind the sentiment that, some people come into your life for a moment, a chapter or two, and others are meant to come in and stay forever, until the book reaches its final page.
Definitely a book for anyone interested in the futuristic, dystopian feel with social media at its center.
A book about found family, making our own choices and the journey that gets us to our ultimate destination. It reminded of The Giver, 1984, and Brave New World; it also brought to mind the sentiment that, some people come into your life for a moment, a chapter or two, and others are meant to come in and stay forever, until the book reaches its final page.
Definitely a book for anyone interested in the futuristic, dystopian feel with social media at its center.
May 11, 2022
The shape of things to come? This novel is a fast-paced dystopian adventure (and cautionary tale). I fell in love with the characters, and couldn't wait to see the progression of Rory's life. An immersive, thought-provoking novel that I couldn't put down! This should be a must-read for all, especially those with social media accounts.
February 28, 2024
This book is incredible!!! I couldn’t put it down because I was so invested in the characters’ lives. I also love the way this book makes you step back and analyze your own life and what is meaningful to you. 10/10, must read!
March 15, 2022
Fascinating world building makes this a compelling story that leaves you thinking long after you complete it.
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