Finally wrote my review of AUTOMATIC NOODLE by Annalee Newitz. (Please do not tag the author; we don't want to cause them extra notifs) ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ A hopeful message about the power of inclusion and found family. We can choose to build community, even in the face of those who think that they can only rise if they tear others down. We have to show them the way, even if they resist it. And they will. But, you're worth it. We all are. We need some positive vibes these days, and this story fills that bill. It is a story of outsiders who help to heal each other through their shared work toward a common goal. I am here to tell you that community can save your life. I like the structure: a whimsical story on the surface, with a lot to say underneath it. This introduces a parallel. Just as the story itself is layered with deeper meanings, the author encourages us to look for more nuance in our perceptions of the actions or circumstances of others. Recognizing how variables can cause our strict understanding of "the rules" to blur or bend, is the first step in extending grace to one another. Most judgment of others is based on overly simplistic reasoning. We know about situational ethics, but we are more likely to apply the justifications to ourselves than to others. Also, Kohlberg suffered from a severe lack of imagination and ignored the power of community in the famous Heinz dilemma experiment. The psychologist pushed for one "right" answer, solved only by yourself. That is ironically, the opposite of higher moral reasoning (in my view). It's amazing how much a story about robots has to teach us about community, care, respect, and autonomy. Newitz also seems to be asking us an important question: What would it be like to do work that you loved, simply for the love of it? And could that labor of love heal a community? The author perfectly illustrates the inherent capriciousness of online algorithms and digital content, as well as how it feels to be treated like a second class citizen. No matter what you do or say, there will always be people who refuse to acknowledge your intrinsic value. Our focus has to be on the people who appreciate (or at least respect) us for who we are. This is also a short read, so a good choice if you are looking for something uplifting with a redemption arc. It also may make you crave some hand-pulled Biangbiang noodles. 🍜 @bookstodon group #books #bookstodon #SciFi

Today's writing tip, from a reader: your first sentence is crucial. You'd be surprised how many people decide whether to read on, from the first sentence alone. Personally, I flip to somewhere near the middle to assess the writing quality and style, but most people don't do it that way, I think? Anyway, it might be intriguing to find out what your favorite first sentences are, of any book you've read. @bookstodon group

Little caregiver rant: So, my mom, whom many of you already know has Alzheimer's, has recently lost weight. She's not quite underweight, but I'd like to make sure she gets enough calories every day. Unfortunately, she will not eat anything that's actually good for her. Kinda like an adult toddler. I can't even sneak protein shakes on her. She's even pickier than I am, which is saying something. She has never liked pasta or rice, hates Chinese food, etc. It really limits options. I think smoothies might be the only way to get her some proper nutrition. That and pizza and cheeseburgers. 🙃 I wonder if I could get her to eat fried chicken? 🤔

At some point soon, ICE goons are going to be attacked by the very folks they target, because they'll have nothing left to lose. #ICE

My wife is on a motorcycle ride with her group, to a town in Alabama. I asked her if she felt safe. She told me that every day she goes over a different scenario where someone might be a threat, especially to gay people. (She has a considerable self-defense background.) It's terrible that we have to do this, because the worst people have been emboldened.

A big game hunter was gored by a buffalo and I wonder if there's anything that we can do for the family . . . of the buffalo.

We would do well to admit that some of this terrible stuff happening right now is actually "precedented," and it just wasn't happening to us.