Automatic Noodle

Bookseller recommendation

“A cozy sci-fi & such a quick read! Sentient robots secretly running an authentic noodle restaurant was so fun! This book contains themes of othering, capitalism, strength in community, and found family. ”

— Morgan • Fred & June's Books

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

“I thought this would simply be a cozy sci-fi story about robots and noodles. But lo and behold this little novella managed to pack in commentary on the effects of war, climate change, bigotry, and community in one short story. I adored the robots, the very heart of this story, and their genuine love for each other, as well as the unique culture Newitz has created. 🤖”

— Victoria • Books & Books

Bookseller recommendation

“Never did I think I would be describing a book as "cozy" while also describing it as "a sharp examination of racism, xenophobia and slavery" but somehow Automatic Noodle manages to achieve both of these disparate themes beautifully. It's the story of leftover robots starting their own noodle restaurant in a dystopian post-war San Francisco. Facing anti-robot sentiment and dangers to their newfound freedom, this book was not at all what I expected, but exactly what I needed.”

— Lisa • Bailey Books

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

“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

“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

“Automatic Noodle by Annalee Newitz is a beautifully crafted tale that blends technology and humanity in unexpected ways. The standout feature of this novel is the distinct personalities and backstories of the characters. Each one feels like a unique individual, rich with its own history and emotional depth, despite being a food service bot. The setting of the noodle shop is a perfect backdrop for the themes of found family, warmth, and belonging. It’s not just about food; it’s about what food represents—comfort, tradition, and the ties that bind us together. The narrative is emotionally resonant, offering a tender look at how unlikely bonds can form in the most unexpected places and how community is built, and why we all need it, especially now. ”

— Jessie • Autumn Leaves

Bookseller recommendation

“Queer robots opening a cosy noodle restaurant for humans? What more could you ask for?!”

— Alaw • Schrödinger's 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

“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

“Come for the cozy novella about robots opening a noodle shop, stay for the allegory on post-war reconstructionism and the struggles of refugees and immigrants. If Hiyao Miyazaki did a post-apocalyptic sci-fi story (again) following the Republic of California's war with The United States of America, plus bigotry, plus social media smear campaigns, plus PTSD, plus queer exploration of self through the lens of 'bots, plus noodles.”

— Elisabeth • Gibson's Bookstore