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The Memory Librarian

By: Janelle Monáe
Narrated by: Janelle Monáe, Bahni Turpin
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Publisher's summary

In The Memory Librarian: And Other Stories of Dirty Computer, singer-songwriter, actor, fashion icon, activist, and worldwide superstar Janelle Monáe brings to the written page the Afrofuturistic world of one of her critically acclaimed albums, exploring how different threads of liberation—queerness, race, gender plurality, and love—become tangled with future possibilities of memory and time in such a totalitarian landscape…and what the costs might be when trying to unravel and weave them into freedoms.

Whoever controls our memories controls the future.

Janelle Monáe and an incredible array of talented collaborating creators have written a collection of tales comprising the bold vision and powerful themes that have made Monáe such a compelling and celebrated storyteller. Dirty Computer introduced a world in which thoughts—as a means of self-conception—could be controlled or erased by a select few. And whether human, A.I., or other, your life and sentience was dictated by those who’d convinced themselves they had the right to decide your fate.

That was until Jane 57821 decided to remember and break free.

Expanding from that mythos, these stories fully explore what it’s like to live in such a totalitarian existence…and what it takes to get out of it. Building off the traditions of speculative writers such as Octavia Butler, Ted Chiang, Becky Chambers, and Nnedi Okorafor—and filled with the artistic genius and powerful themes that have made Monáe a worldwide icon in the first place—The Memory Librarian serves readers tales grounded in the human trials of identity expression, technology, and love, but also reaching through to the worlds of memory and time within, and the stakes and power that exists there.

From asexual and lesbian characters to non-binary and genderqueer individuals, The Memory Librarian features a diverse cast of characters that reflect the rich tapestry of human experience.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Janelle Monáe (P)2022 HarperCollins Publishers
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: LGBTQ+
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Editor's Pick

That’s just the way she makes me feel
Every time I listen to ''Make Me Feel'' by Janelle Monáe, I’m transported back to the moment I first heard it. I was with close friends, driving with our windows down on the first day of the year when we could leave our coats behind. Spring scented the air, and when we parked at home, I rushed inside to listen to the rest of Dirty Computer. That’s when I realized this album would define more than just my 2018. Surely, it was bound to usher in our next era. I mean, seriously. What song equates femininity with power more artistically or subversively than ''Pynk''? Four years ago, Monáe asserted, ''I am not America’s nightmare, I am the American dream.'' And now, The Memory Librarian is skyrocketing her dystopian vision to its next dimension of Afrofuturistic transcendence. It’s queer, it’s collaborative, and it’s time to get on board. —Haley H., Audible Editor

What listeners say about The Memory Librarian

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Yessss!!!!

This was everything I expected from Ms. Monáe. I can't wait to see what she writes next.

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The power of yet

I downloaded this book about a year ago and just got around to listening to it. Somehow I missed that it was a collection of stories with a central theme. I really enjoyed it. It gave me things to think about and how I can navigate these trying times. Thank you JM for your vision.

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Janelle is incredible

I love Janelle's narration. The story is so refreshing as well, it really held my interest.

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66 year old Dirty Computer

I loved it! it was so much more than I ever could have expected thank you so much to Janelle monae for expanding the dirty computer EP. hard for you to know that I lived it but you must have been in my memory, LOL. PERIOD

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Great listening experience!

it was an impressive work. The short stories were intriguingand inventive. i hope she will write more in this universe!

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The Memory Librarian

I’m glad I purchased the audio and book. It has help me bring out the story even more. Janelle shows her true self. I’m so proud of her. Glad to see what else she has in store.

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4 people found this helpful

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Intricate and Enthralling

A range of stories in a shared universe with impeccable worldbuilding, fascinating characters, and very firm perspectives on the joy and dystopia technology like time distortion and memory augmentation can bring

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loooooove

very much like lemony snicket's adult novels. one moment you're in the past, the next you're in the future. it's layered but it works. I've never read a cyber punk novel before but this was a good introduction.

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Loved it!

I love Janelle Monáe and was so excited for this! These are great stories transporting you to a crazy world, but leaving you in a hopeful space. It was an enjoyable and lovely journey through this book.

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The Imagery!!!

I loved this book!! It's my first read of something that tells stories in to the future through melanin eyes! If you are trying to get into Afro Futurism( I think is the genre) this is aGREAT start!!! Definitely glad it's in my personal library!!!

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