Refresh

De: Salim Lemelle

Narrado por: Kevin Free

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

©2020 Salim Lemelle (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC

Brilliant story!

I can’t wait for your next story Salim! I did not see that ending coming

So Incredibly Innovative

Such a creative idea. I’m really shaken by the storyline and the narration. Just overall great.

Could be a series

It's a short story that could easily be a full sci-fi novel or tv series. It presents a believable future and raises questions about the utility and abuse of technology and the ways we respond to injustice and need.

Great premise, well realized with a believable end

An interersting extrapolation of trends in social media with a very beliveable if ironic resolution.
Well narrated.

A Very Thoughtful and Enjoyable Listen

First off, the narrator was wonderful. Very easy and enjoyable to listen to. This story was surprisingly thought-provoking, engaging, and well done. It packs a lot into a short piece of fiction and it will leave you thinking about the truth of it for days. Highly recommend.

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.

Quick, engaging, poignant

Captures your attention immediately. Wonderful commentary on current societal issues regarding technology, privacy and more.

Really enjoyed this

I was only able to give this short story a single star in all categories but I would have gone with 5 stars. It was a good story. It could be taken even further, expanding on at least 5 subjects: technology/ai, police brutality, black lives matter, lgbtq+, relationships between the elderly and their children in the "new age", how people make money in the "new age". It was fascinating!

Interesting storyline

This is a very interesting storyline. This could definitely be turned into a series, book or movie, I would love more.

I don’t know…

It was good. But pretty depressing. Maybe because the future presented here seems so possible.