The Persistence of Memory

Mnevermind Trilogy, Book 1

De: Jordan Castillo Price

Narrado por: Seth Clayton

Every day, Daniel Schroeder breaks his father's heart.

While forgetting your problems won't solve them, it does seem like it would make life a heck of a lot easier. Daniel thought so once. Now he knows better. He and Big Dan have always been close, which makes it all the more difficult to break the daily news: the last five years were nothing like his father remembers.

They're both professionals in the memory field - they even run their own memory palace. So shouldn't they be able to figure out a way to overwrite the persistent false memory that's wreaking havoc on both of their lives? Daniel thought he was holding it together, but the situation seems to be sliding out of control. Now even his own equipment has turned against him, reminding him he hasn't had a date in ages by taunting him with flashes of an elusive man in black that only he can see.

Is it some quirk of the circuitry, or is Daniel headed down the same path to fantasy land as his old man?

©2012 Jordan Castillo Price (P)2016 Jordan Castillo Price

Better than I hoped for.

I’ve had this series for awhile and kept putting it off. It’s not normally a trope I’d go for. But the Psycop series is so fantastic, I finally tried this one. It’s just as awesome in it’s own way. I am now really looking forward to the rest of the series.

Gorgeous world-building and storytelling

This is one of those books in which you lose yourself. The strangeness of mnemography, the restless sense that brings that not knowing what's real and what's part of a Mneme for a big part of the first half of the story, and the haunting drabness of this slightly different world is what will hold your attention at first.

And then, there is Daniel. overwhelmed, frustrated and so, so tired. Dealing with his almost ruined shop, two jobs, a father who has lose in a persistent mneming, and too much work, too much worry, too much guilt...

He is feeling a bit sad and quite alone. Although there is a whole lot of odd characters that surround him (most of them family, but there is also good-hearted, goofy Larry, who is his only friend), there is nobody special in his heart, and there hasn't been one for a time. And then really weird... okay, weirder things begin to happen.

Cue to Elijah Crown, who, in his own words, is neurotypical, but who is also an ace when it comes to mnemography. He's also quite handsome, considers himself straight and is rather mysterious.

There isn't a lot of romance in this book, but what is here has the potential to became a striking love story.

Jordan Castillo Price's writing is always rewarding, and I have yet to find myself finishing one of her books dissatissfaied, but this one is sitting now between my favourites ones.

Seth Clayton does a marvelous job with the narration, his is spot-on while delivering, and every character is distinctive whitout becoming ridiculous. An excelent choice!

So, yes, I love this story. I love the characters and I NEED to know what will come after this fantastic, fabulous book.

If you love Philip K. Dick, this book is a must for you.

Intriguing story

There were a lot of things I really liked about this book & a couple things I didn't like quite as much.
What I liked: I sympathized greatly with Daniel; he wasn't perfect - he definitely had character flaws, but I felt for him; I was completely emotionally invested in his story. I found it interesting that he's 45 too. I liked all the main characters, (except those that are intentionally meant not to be liked, (cough, Daniel's mother, cough)). Daniel's father is a great guy. I even grew to like his one rather obnoxious coworker at his second job, who turned out to be more than he seemed in some ways. I'd like to know the "man in black" better as well. I liked the feel of the book, how it felt contemporary, but with the sci-fi aspect of the memory machines & atmospheric journeys into people's dreams. I also greatly enjoyed the narration - Seth did a fantastic, completely perfect job.
What I didn't like so much: While I appreciated the slow burn & suspense, I wanted the book to continue so that I could see MORE of what goes on with a budding romance, to see more of everything. There is a very abrupt ending, clearly meant to lead us into the next book, but I would've appreciated to have the story continue in one volume, even if it meant for a twice-as-long book. This wasn't the kind of cliffhanger that left me stunned, with bated breath; instead, it just left me feeling like there just should've been the next chapter. The only other thing I didn't like was some of the ableist language - the R-word is used more than once & it should've been clearer that it is a horrid term to use. There is also some characterization of fat people that some might object to.
So - I did like it. I will probably read the next one at some point soon, but I mostly would've liked for this book & the next to just continue on as one book.

Such a great mind play! Wonderful!

So, I admit. I was absolutely NOT attracted to this series when I read the blurbs on the books. I’m not into dystopian stuff and though I can appreciate a good mind fuck, that’s not generally what I look for in a romance. It sounded like there was going to be some sort of robot or electrically created person… yeah. Not my thing. But… I like Seth Clayton as a narrator and I ADORE all the stuff I’ve ever read by Jordan Castillo Price so… I said – I’ll give it a try!

OMG.

It both is and isn’t what I expected. But it is friggin’ awesome!

So, yeah. It’s a bit dark. (Not nearly as dark as the Mary series or Meatworks, though.) Daniel is up against a wall both emotionally and financially, so he’s not super cheery and he’s really not even looking for a hook up much less a relationship.

I’m not going to go into much detail about the story – because what’s the fun in that? You’ll have to figure things out along with Daniel as far as what’s what. But… I will tell you that I was very surprised by the turn of events – pleasantly.

Besides a fascinating bit of science and philosophy (what is memory, experience, reality, etcetera) there is some moral dilemma thrown in here, a bit of hurt/comfort and disability type stuff as well.

The stuff about reality is really compelling. Everyone’s had that sensation of trying to figure out “am I dreaming” or waking up from a dream KNOWING it was real, but then eventually figuring out that it wasn’t. Sometimes that’s good, sometimes that’s disappointing. With this “technology” that sense of memory goes one step further and blurs the definition of “reality”. Add to that when things go wrong… it makes for a very compelling story.

I found “the man in black” to be fascinating and I can’t wait to learn more about him. Which leads me to how this is both awesome and sucky at the same time. On the one hand I’m psyched because I can at least read the next two books in the series – but I’m bummed because only one (so far) in audio format and the audio is awesome!

Seth Clayton did a lovely job with Lane Hayes’ books as well as Raine O’Tierney’s book, so I knew he would at least be acceptable. Well, he really seemed to fit this genre/story to a “T”. He adds in some “special effects” with his voice, he does the dry humor perfectly, and manages to give everyone a unique voice without making anyone (including aunt Pipsie) sound ridiculous. He definitely added to my overall enjoyment of the story and really brought this to life. I loved how he handled “the man in black’s” character in addition to (of course) Daniel and Larry and his Dad.
(I can’t wait for the audio – I’m gonna read the next two books – but I’m gonna be excited for the audios when they come, too!)

Highly recommended. 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful!

What made the experience of listening to The Persistence of Memory the most enjoyable?

I love Jordan Castillo Price, and the complex characters that she creates. Her world is familiar and feels utterly believable, her people are flawed, lovable and interesting.

What about Seth Clayton’s performance did you like?

Seth Clayton's performance is fantastic, he makes this book and the people in it come alive to the listener.

Outstanding narrator takes it to the next level

This is another book/series that I didn't review because I basically just want to pour my love for it over it from a pitcher, lol. I love how JCP creates real, average people that are facing challenges we all do, but it's all wrapped up in something that is just on the edge of possible. Dan is great, he's overcome with grief about about what happened to Big Dan, and he's put his life on hold because of it, but he still has the spark of hope that things can get better. Elijah is exploring himself and his life in ways he's never done before. JCP treats him and his challenges, as someone on the autism spectrum, with respect. The side characters are all fleshed out as well. Plus the idea of Mneme is fun to explore, while also being presented as a business and something that can have consequences, instead of just something fun and fantastical.

Audio: Seth Clayton is an amazing narrator. He is one of my favorites. He acts things out, gives everyone a distinct voice, and overall is great to listen to. I love his voices for Dan and Elijah, but Aunt Pipsy's voice cracks me up, there isn't a voice I don't appreciate. I will look for other audio books that he narrates because he is that good.

AWESOME

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. This book was awesome as was the narration. It is a refreshing story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Persistence of Memory?

Larry. The guy was awesome. And how someone appeared where they weren't supposed to.

What about Seth Clayton’s performance did you like?

His voices. Larry stood out, but everything was great!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

An experience so mind blowing you won't remember what happened... or will you...

Excellent!

I loved reading this series so getting to listen to Seth Clayton's excellent narration of this book is like icing on the cake. He does an amazing job here (as he always does) bringing Daniel, Big Dan and Elijah to life. Can't wait to move on to Book Two!

Great audio version of a great book

I've been waiting for this audio book for a long time, I already have the ebook trilogy. This is not JCPs most well known series, but it is sweet and interesting and really worth a read!

Even better in audio. Fantastic narrator choice!

Okay, so you’d probably figure since I’d already read this trilogy, why would I be so eager to listen to it also. Well, for one thing, the narrator. Seth Clayton. He’s newer, but everything I’ve listened to that he’s narrated has been awesome! And he does a great job emoting and using just the right pacing and various tones for each individual character he narrates, so it’s almost like a full cast audio!

Anyway, with that in mind, I was curious if I would get a different feel for the story, and if it would change my previous thoughts when I finished. The first go round, after reading each book one at a time, I recall feeling almost like the end of each story (except the last, of course) was just barely starting, almost like a cliffhanger.

But, having already read the complete series, this time around, since I knew what was coming, I felt like I could just lean back and enjoy. And chuckle. And outright laugh! Its amazing how listening with my ears instead of just absorbing words with my eyes gave me a whole new sensory experience. Gave me a whole new level of enjoyment.

There were just so many little things I’d missed the first go round. Like Larry. And his ideas about people paying to do interesting things to pigs in Mnems. Okaaaay…Or the specific details within each Mnem. Like the quality of the packet determines if things are window dressing, or if they have little or no smell or taste. And many more little things caught my attention that somehow I seemed to miss the first time I read this book.

And the narrator? He was spot on! I’m SO looking forward to the rest of the audios!! JCP picked another winner like she’d done with Gomez Pugh.

I feel spoiled, and tend to always have high expectations from this author. JCP books are the bomb. Full package deal. Icing on the cake..and I could go on *smiles*

Cover Art? Awesome. Check.

Narrator choice? Awesome. Check.

World Building? Awesome. Check.

Quality All Around Product? Awesome. Check.

You just CAN’T go wrong with a JCP story. Grabbed me with PsyCop. Kept me with Mnevermind. And keeping my interest peaked with all the standalones and shorts for the various series already published.

If you haven’t checked them out yet, please consider grabbing up these stories. The audios do nothing but complement the books. And with the quality covers, do yourself a favor, and get a print copy too! You’ll be glad you did. Highly, highly recommended.