Automatic Noodle

By: Annalee Newitz

Narrated by: Em Grosland

A cozy near-future novella about a crew of leftover robots opening their very own noodle shop, from acclaimed sci-fi author Annalee Newitz.

“Without ignoring the metallic constraints of their robotic bodies, [Narrator Em] Grosland…crafts a narration for each character that feels completely distinct and tenderly human. His vocal range has a place for each robot in this ragtag group…” — Booklist (Starred Review)

You don’t have to eat food to know the way to a city’s heart is through its stomach. So when a group of deactivated robots come back online in an abandoned ghost kitchen, they decide to make their own way doing what they know: making food—the tastiest hand-pulled noodles around—for the humans of San Francisco, who are recovering from a devastating war.

But when their robot-run business starts causing a stir, a targeted wave of one-star reviews threatens to boil over into a crisis. To keep their doors open, they’ll have to call on their customers, their community, and each other—and find a way to survive and thrive in a world that wasn’t built for them.

A Macmillan Audio production from Tor.com

Critic reviews

Praise for Automatic Noodle:

"This is a story—about building community despite adversity, fighting for your rights and individuality, and creating art that you want to see in the world—that I didn't know I needed right now. And it was so much fun to read!”—Martha Wells, author of The Murderbot Diaries and Witch King

"This book will make you hungry. It will also keep you warm."—Becky Chambers, author of the Monk and Robot series

"Newitz packs this tale with simmering action, endearing characters, and political savvy, topping it all off with generous dollops of humor and imagination. It’s delicious."–Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

"This is a feel-good hopepunk story that will appeal to readers of both robot and AI-centered science fiction...highly recommended for those who loved novels such as Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Service Model and Aimee Ogden’s Emergent Properties."–Library Journal (starred review)

"This sweet, heart (and stomach) warming novella is a certified cozy read, rich with meaning for queer readers, enjoyably familiar to San Francisco lovers. Perfect for fans both of Becky Chambers' Monk & Robot series and Travis Baldree's Legends & Lattes.... Newitz has gifted sf readers with a hopeful, postapocalyptic found-family tale."–Booklist (starred review)

"A deceptively breezy, sneakily poignant, culinary dystopian redemption tale that blends the pleasures of a heist, a satirical romp, and The Bear. Smart, inventive, and fun."—Michael Chabon, author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and Moonglow

"A love letter to community, identity, San Francisco, and noodles, Automatic Noodle also is a searing commentary on capitalism and our algorithm-driven culture. In other words, it's like the perfect bowl of noodles: delicious and comforting with just enough spice to kick your senses and clear your sinuses."—Mike Chen, bestselling author of Star Wars: Brotherhood and A Quantum Love Story

“The characters and their dilemmas are so vivid and believable. I choked up more than once and I cheered. Lovely stuff! A cool, joyous post-apocalyptic fable for our divided times.”—M. R. Carey, USA Today bestselling author of The Girl with All the Gifts

“This heartwarming tale of found family, exquisite food, and loveable bots overcoming society's flawed codes will make readers say, 'Yes, chef!'”—Samit Basu, author of The Jinn-Bot of Shantiport

"No one writes robots better than Annalee Newitz."—Interzone Magazine

Story was great.

Definitely need a sequel or a series about this for sure. Maybe some spinoffs about other out of work robots.

An enjoyable listen

I really enjoyed the AIs' food descriptions and interactions. this was a cute fun listen.

this is a real 15 star review from a human....

and whoever you are, whatever persuasion, kind soul reading this review, I want so much for you to experience this book. I am absolutely and thoroughly charmed. please let there be a sequel as soon as possible. much love to the automatic noodle crew from a human fan 🤖💙🩷🌺

Ideal listen for rainy autumn days

This story is a cozy, feel-good listen for rainy autumn days. Best enjoyed with a bowl of noodles!

Sweet fun story

Very clever tale, tightly written. As a SF Bay Area person it was fun to hear all is landmarks. And I love the idea of California succeeding from the union.