The Memory Key

The theme of memory has been thoroughly explored in YA fiction in recent years, and Liu’s novel doesn’t distinguish itself amid similar offerings. Few readers will naively assume that a computer chip implanted in every American’s brain as a prophylactic against dementia is innocuous, so it comes across as banal when protagonist Lora Mint confides, “It’s sort of disturbing that Keep Corp is able to track each individual memory key.” Lora isn’t the most savvy or energetic heroine—her narration is prone to meandering repetition, and she spends much of the early chapters staring into space, overwhelmed by intermittent memories she can’t filter. These often seamlessly bleed into the present, creating a confused, stop-start reading experience. As a representation of Lora’s internal reality, it’s effective, but less so in terms of pacing and emotional connection. Eventually Lora’s struggles with her misbehaving memory take shape as a formulaic government-corporate conspiracy thriller. Liu shows technical skill, particularly in the well-crafted memories, but it isn’t enough to overcome the story’s lack of suspense. Ages 13–up. Agent: Sarah Burnes and Logan Garrett, Gernert Company. (Mar.)