Short Story Sunday: The Sci-Fi Experience

The Cold Equations by Tom Godwin

Apparently when this story was first released, it was very controversial. I can understand that, though! Carl recommended it on his blog as one of the best short stories he had ever read, so since I trust him, I decided to give it a try! I totally agree with him. Godwin writes a really good story. The thing I liked the best, though, was that it wasn't something that had been done a million times before. It was a fresh story. While not necessarily progressing the way I wanted it to, it all made sense at the end.

Paying it Forward by Michael A. Burstein

I didn't know if I was going to like this story or not, but it actually turned out to be rather good! I like the idea behind this story. One thing about science fiction is that since it hasn't happened yet, I always find pieces of technology that leave me thinking it would be nice if they were possible. This story is also rather up-lifting, which is not really how science-fiction generally is, but it works for this story. Another good short story experience for the weekend!

The Cauldron by Rocky Keele

Okay, so not a short story, more a novella, but more my style. I find that short stories normally end too soon and I am left wanting more. Alien visitors to Earth always lead to interesting storylines, when you think about it. There are so many ways in which things can play out. This story has three intertwinning perspectives, so you get to see the story from different angles. There is also a dog, which I thought was a nice touch. For a novella, the dog shows its personality well. And, the aliens were not exactly what you would expect. I really enjoyed reading about them discovering new things. Very much worth a read!

The Crystal Spheres by David Brin

David Brin is a sci-fi author that I have heard of before, but never got around to reading! Judging by the quality of his writing, though, I think I am going to have to remedy that before long. This story was really interesting! Once again I am left enjoying the idea behind it. It is stories like this that leave me thinking and wishing that I could be experiencing them, not just reading them. Especially when they start off the story getting to see Atlantis. I would love to see Atlantis! I really wish this was a novel, though. I was just getting caught up in everything, and it ended.

The Home Team by Greg Wickenhofer

This short story is only two pages, so it won't take very long to read at all! And, it was great! It is the technology of today, only they can talk... I laughed my way through this story, and I am sure others will too!

The Egan Thief by Gord Sellar

I am not sure what to think of this short story. It wasn't terrible, but it didn't really grab me like the others. It is about an author the discovers that Greg Egan is stealing his story ideas. It's a strange story. I really can't decide what to say about it. I think I would have to read it again...

**** Edited to Add

The Menace From Earth by Robert Heinlein

Carl suggested that I read this one, so I managed to squeeze it in! Fantastic story. All I can say is that I want to fly!