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Refresh
- Narrated by: Kevin Free
- Length: 36 mins
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Publisher's Summary
Refresh is an explosive, powerful short story about a near-future dystopia in which citizens can commodify every waking moment of their lives with computer-generated augmented reality. But this ubiquitous, game-changing technology can create dangerous consequences, especially for society’s most vulnerable people.
Welcome to Refresh: With nothing but a pair of computerized contact lenses, the app allows you to immortalize and share your experiences in virtual reality, and to step right into the life of anyone you’d like - for the right price. And in the near-distant future, there is no longer a question of who uses the app, only how: to record and share special occasions, like weddings and vacations? Or to push the envelope toward something more controversial, more shocking, more sinister?
This thought-provoking listen follows a young Black man who, in order to profit from his own marginalization and to make a larger statement, hatches a plan for a confrontation with a police officer that’s sure to capture the attention his profile desperately needs. But when the lines between performance and experience are blurred, is he prepared for the reality of what’s at stake?
Refresh is both a compelling futuristic tale and a gut-wrenching commentary on our world and the reality of being Black in America.
Please note: This audio contains strong language, distressing situations, and descriptions of violence that some listeners may find upsetting. Discretion is advised.
©2020 Salim Lemelle (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC
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Featured Article: The Best Short Story Audiobooks to Immerse Yourself In Now
Although brief in length, short stories have had a huge impact on the canon of great literature. In fact, some of the most historically revered novelists wrote short stories, which make excellent introductions to their work. Plus, these bite-size listens are the perfect way to get a big dose of literary inspiration even when you’re short on time. From a wide variety of genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and more, here are the best short story audiobooks.
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What listeners say about Refresh
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Performance
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- Amazon Customer
- 01-17-21
Not "could have" been...it WAS good
I am so confused about what a prior reviewer complaining of foul language was spouting off about. I didn't encounter anything at all like that in this story which was both captivating and jarring at the same time. Loved it, glad I listened.
8 people found this helpful
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Performance
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- Anonymous User
- 02-11-21
Wanna be SJW fan fiction
I suppose if you don't like police officers you will like this book, but it's just an attempt to cash in on the political climate. This is packaged like it's a futuristic novel about society when all it really is, is an attempt to show us that most of us are bad people and people like the author are the victims, regardless of their actions. I guess if you're pretty liberal you will love this book, but if not stay away..
6 people found this helpful
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- Nedieh Red Nav
- 01-16-21
Great Narration
Kevin Free is one of the best narrators and his portrayal here is amazing.
The book is a bit of a rehash of Ready Player Two idea with a twist on BLM themes being portrayed.
Enjoyable short listen.
6 people found this helpful
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- Moose S
- 01-10-21
Brilliant story!
I can’t wait for your next story Salim! I did not see that ending coming
6 people found this helpful
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- Holli Leonard
- 01-10-21
Excellent Short Story!!!
The story grabbed my attention and before I knew it was over. I wanted more! Would enjoy a full book sequel. Salim brought sci-fi into a fine line of reality. Enjoyed fully!
4 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 01-23-21
are you kidding me
waste of time. so glad I didn't pay for it. enough said but I have to have 3 more words
3 people found this helpful
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- BlueStar
- 01-21-21
wow
I hope they pick this up for a black mirror episode. amazing! I'm shook lol
3 people found this helpful
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- CCCii
- 01-15-21
Holy smokes
I don't like to know much about a book when I download it. I mean, I knew this was SF, and free, but that's it. So, even though I can claim I had no expectations, this book wasn't what I expected. At all. It was a real surprise. It deals with issues SF doesn't normally deal with, from a perspective that SF doesn't often have, and that not familiar with. Which, for me, means pretty much perfect. It would have been easy for me to overlook this piece. I'm so glad I didn't. You shouldn't either. Thirty-six minutes and free? Just do it.
3 people found this helpful
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- Vern
- 02-06-21
Political
Audible should be ashamed. Just when we need to put division aside, Audible sanctions this tripe.
2 people found this helpful
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- Deb
- 01-28-21
Enjoyed this short story!
Love the perspective and details! I recommend this book for a short escape. Highly probable technology.
2 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 12-26-21
Fantastic short story
Not what I expected, but totally gripping. A near future short story. Brilliantly extrapolating todays trends and obsessions. Would make an excellent Black Mirror episode