This is a perfectly sweet little story about found family, sticking together no matter what, learning to let friends help and comfort and being able to move on from the past to a wonderful future. I love all the quirkiness of the different food service bots, even the sadness of Stay Behind because he will do anything to protect his friends. This was so much fun to listen to, a little slice of a future that seems pretty dark with all the previous fighting and California separating from the rest of the US and how sentient bots have some rights but still there is a lot of prejudice towards them but still with hope. Usually it is cozy fantasy but this fits perfectly into cozy sci-fi and will definitely lift your spirits as you cheer these fantastic bot on and root for them against the mysterious prejudiced online attacks against their wonderful little restaurant. I know I would want to go see it for myself and eat the wonderful noodles that Hands makes! I would recommend this book, both reading or listening to it on audiobook. The narrator, Em Grosland, does a wonderful job in bringing the bots and other characters to life in that little restaurant that brings everyone together. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to listen to this fantastic audiobook!

Sometimes you just need a low-stakes cosy sci-fi novel to curl up with, and this exactly fit the bill. Although this was a very cosy lighthearted novel, it did touch on some heavier topics but in such a delicate way. The characters were all so distinct, and the friendship they had was beautiful. It is such a fun idea and I really love the community they created, even though the book is relatively short. This is perfect for those who love cosy vibes and don't want to read a super heavy sci-fi novel. We need more cosy sci-fi's like this!

This was a bittersweet experience. Beautiful characters, an in depth and well done history of a futuristic war between California and the rest of the United States, as well as a robot's view into human thoughts and feelings. Utterly wonderful read.

“Necessities helped people survive, but joyful excess gave them life.” Automatic Noodle was a short read, but it was also a full one. There is so much to say about this story. First, I would never have believed I would like a story told from a robot POV, and here we are… As it’s often the case with this genre, there is so much more underneath the surface of cozy readings. In this one, if the robots are fighting for their rights, and not to be second class citizens. It’s a story about empowerment, hope and community -but also about all the challenges marginalized communities have to face. The online harassment is such a great take here, and I adored how the MCs made the language their own. All the characters are multi-layered, with a (painful) backstory, and I really enjoyed my journey through this book, an ode to diversity, community, but also to good food and good company —which is exactly what makes it cozy. A short but amazing read! 4.5/5

Such a fun read! A gentle story about the quiet beauty of found family and importance of building community, with loveable characters and an uplifting message.Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers' Monk + Robot duology.