In the Stacks

by Robin Sloan

Web edition of short story commissioned by the digital product studio Brand New Box as a year-end gift for their clients and friends, available for all to read at Brand New Box's website. You can also play with the synthesizer.

"It’s a truly interactive presentation — don’t miss the play button." - Robin Sloan

BRAND NEW BOX is a digital product studio that builds new superpowers for high-performing teams. We like creating new things, and we have a very special place in our hearts for Lawrence, Kansas. We commissioned this new short story from Robin as a little love-letter and thank-you to the city and people that support BNB. Here’s to learning new things in 2023!

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Robin Sloan is the author of the novels Sourdough, Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, and Moonbound, all published in the U.S. by MCD. He grew up in Michigan and now splits his time between the San Francisco Bay Area and the San Joaquin Valley of California.

Reviews

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely little story. A love letter to libraries and old music technologies, and a story about how you are never too old to (continue) learning and make a mark on the world. You never know what will happen or how you will inspire people.

[Ivan Zhao · Rating 4 out of 5]

extremely cute short story related to aging, the power of music, and the importance of libraries

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short stories aren’t my favorite and this may well be the first one I’ve ever given five stars. Absolutely loved it.

[5t4n5 Dot Com · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can read this by clicking here and play with the big red synth as well.

A super good little story, really enjoyable.

And best of all, it's free.   So have at it and try some Robin Sloan if you haven't already.

[rixx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story. Bonus points for the vibes and the actual playable interactive part, but somehow, despite the aging and the library and the everything, it felt superficial and didn't grab me. It's really well-done! Just, I admire it from a distance. Love that it's available online, of course – and that taking it offline would change it and make it less interactive.

[Alanah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful! Absolutely loved this short story ❤ it brought me back to when I worked for a public library, with a recording studio and creative makerspace. A story like this coming to life is what I would dream of on an average workday (when I had the time!)

Read it free here! (And play a tune with the cover!!)

[to'c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Robin Sloan, how do you write so good?

Another wonderful short from Mr. Sloan. This one’s a bit more moving than most. You might want to have a hanky ready.

The accompanying synth is quite fun too!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently this was a commissioned story. And highlighted an interesting older woman who develops a patch on an old synthesizer in the library. Music and real life ‘magic’ ensues to change her prescribed obscurity.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really sweet little short story. If it had been longer, I probably would have given it four stars, but there just wasn't enough time to fall really in love with it. I generally love a lot of Robin Sloan's writing.

[Shaha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly one of the coolest things, I loved playing the small red synth and reading the LOVELIEST story that featured the big one! Thank you!

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://brandnewbox.com/inthestacks/

Don't forget to press the play button after reading.
Thank you for sharing/creating such a lovely story.

To forever learning and not just waiting.

[Pers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very engaging and moving.

[Griffin Ansel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute short story that was fun to listen to with the provided music.

[Rachel B · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story, but also too short. I wanted to hear more about Maisie's life.

[fenchurch · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Maisie kept a schedule. Wednesdays were library days; synthesizer days.”

[kayt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t waiting. I was learning.

oh this was lovely

[Braelin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story on passing time and learning.

[jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

i will be giving this to my supervisor (i work at the library)