Automatic Noodle

Bookseller recommendation

“The cozy small business success story of Legends & Lattes meets the progressive sci-fi of Becky Chambers, with a flavor entirely its own, in this fresh, heartwarming tale about a motley crew of robots launching a restaurant amid PTSD, prejudice, and review bombing in a future post-war San Francisco. I ATE this book UP and already miss the team at Automatic Noodle and all the friendship, pride, and love found at the bottom of a bowl of their famous biang biang noodles! ”

— Megan • Underground Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Short yet as complex and beautiful as life, this is a hopeful novella of bots, noodles, and found family, perfect for anyone who has been ‘othered’ in life. A new cozy SFF novella with lots to say about society.”

— Valeria Salas Ibarra • Front Street Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Such an immersive and vibrant little sci-fi novel with loveable queer robots and descriptions of food that will definitely have you craving noodles (and deep discussions about prejudice, self-acceptance, and AI). Also it's very well read by Em Grosland.”

— Holly N. • Kew & Willow Books

Bookseller recommendation

“I loved this book! From the descriptions of the noodles to the jabs of pop culture, it was so entertaining! Great audiobook narrator!”

— Sara • Roundabout Books

Bookseller recommendation

“This is an absolute must-listen audiobook. The narrator, Em Grosland, adds such beauty and life to the powerful and emotional story. The imagery, sensations and flavours throughout the novella juxtapose the characteristic and charming robots that are more attuned to humans than you think. It will absolutely leave you questioning humanity (or lack thereof). An amazing near future, cozy sci-fi by Annalee Newitz. ”

— Bella • Dymocks Karrinyup

Bookseller recommendation

“Cozy sci-fi set in a future, post war, version San Francisco where robots are a common sight but have limited rights. So when a group of workers at an abandoned restaurant wake up they decide that a grey area in the law is the perfect chance for them to start up something for themselves. This lovable cast of misfit robots are so well developed, their personalities just shine out of the pages, and I adore them all. I cheered them on as they discovered their individuality, bravely hoped for a better life, and found their community. The plot was simple and sweet, I really enjoyed the world of automatic noodle. A very well developed setting and cast of characters for such a quick 4.5 hour listen. Cozy sci-fi at its best! ”

— Jenise • Maple Mercantile Book & Gift Shop

Bookseller recommendation

“At some times it's the story of a robotic found family working to live self sufficiently, while at other times it shines a light down on our own world's harsh treatment of others. Inspiring and eye-opening all in the same breath. The ensemble of characters is delightful and well thought out. Each one feels complete and alive.”

— John • Books & Company

Bookseller recommendation

“Timely, funny, and delicious. A delicious little story about a ragtag group of robots (and one human) trying to find their place in the world. That place? It might be a noodle restaurant. The discussion of review bombings, racism, and war at the backdrop could not be more timely ”

— Kim • Read It & Eat Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“Ok here’s some fun food fiction that is equal parts cozy, current, and thought provoking. Set in a future time after a second civil war in the United States, in the independent Republic of California, a group of sentient bots take over their ghost kitchen to create their own business selling hand-pulled noodles. As they struggle with discrimination against robots, and a coordinated review bombing, they find a bit of joy in creating a third space in a land that lost its humanity a long time ago (on multiple levels). 4.5 stars ⭐️”

— Betsy • Newtonville Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Can a dystopia be cozy? Despite the stress on these robots from xenophobia, existential debt, and PTSD, I loved being wrapped up in their quest for perfect noodles and triumph over review bombing. For fans of Legends & Lattes, with underlying notes of queerness, climate change, and rebuilding community after political harm. ”

— Bethany • Odyssey Bookshop

Bookseller recommendation

“A quick and cozy near future sci-fi where robots open a noodle shop to do something meaningful in a post war society.”

— Miki • Book Love

Bookseller recommendation

“This epic tale follows four tossed aside robots (along with their human sidekick) who decide to open a noodle shop in a near-future post-war San Francisco. Utterly bursting with life, flavor, and soul, this is a love letter to food and community that will stay with you for a long time to come. The comfort this book gave me is truly unparalleled.”

— Melissa • BookPeople