Genre: Science Fiction

Author: James Alan Gardner

This is quite a collection of short stories here. I think the most awesome thing about it is how it displays Gardner’s gift of creativity. Some of the ideas behind the stories are just brilliant. And it was a very nice touch to add in comments by him about each of the stories. My only complaint in that is that those comments were all located at the beginning of the book – separated from the specific story each was a bout. So I spent a decent amount of time flipping back and forth from comments to short story.

Of the stories, I think “The Children of the Creche” is one of my favorites. Not so much because of the twists, but because in the end, the would-be hero becomes almost a greater villain. “Muffin Explains Teleology to the World at Large” is by far the funnest of the stories included. And I would have to include “Reaper” as another of my favorites for its insight, as well as just some of the repartee included.

So would I recommend it? Absolutely. Gardner doesn’t flinch from sexual themes or tones, but for the most part he doesn’t delve too deeply into that vein. And for any aspiring writers out there, this is another excellent collection of short stories to dig into.

Worldview: Secular

Recommended Age: probably not for Middle School Age, but High Schoolers should be
fine for the most part.

Additional links:
James Alan Gardner’s Website
Google books page for James Alan Gardner