The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirteenth Annual Collection by Gardner Dozois

From the Publisher

The marvels of tomorrows past and tomorrows yet to come abound in this delightful volume. With two dozen imaginative and moving tales, this collection included the work of the finest writers in the field, among them: Poul Anderson, Terry Bisson, Pat Cadigan, Greg Egan, Michael F. Flynn, Joe Haldeman, James Patrick Kelly, John Kessel, Nancy Kress, Ursula K. Le Guin, Ian R. MacLeod, David Marusek, Paul J. McAuley, Maureen F. McHugh, Robert Reed, Mary Rosenblum, Geoff Ryman, William Sanders, Dan Simmons, Brian Stableford, Allen Steele, Michael Swanwick. A helpful list of honorable mentions and Gardner Dozois's insightful summation of the year in science fiction round out the volume, making it indispensable for anyone interested in science fiction today.

Publishers Weekly

Once again, Dozois serves up a pleasurable mix of established luminaries as well as the newer stars of the SF realm. In Dan Simmons's "Looking for Kelly Dahl," an elementary school teacher journeys from despair to love with a former student who has the ability to teleport to parallel earths where dinosaurs never fell, no one else exists or the 1970s never ended. Maureen McHugh also offers a tale of redemption in an alternate Civil War era, but this time, the underground railroad rescues white former slave owners who have relocated by the thousands to die of exposure on the frontier. In the tradition of the best SF, Geoff Ryman explores homelessness in a credibly violent future where beggars are routinely crucified by hungry mobs. Fans will especially appreciate Dozois's introduction of talented young writers who have yet to publish their own collections or novels. Notable among these is David Murasek, whose novella, "We Were Out of Our Minds with Joy," imagines the couple of the next century almost having it allthat is, until they are issued a permit to have a child. But the truth is that all of the 24 short stories or novellas are rewarding, which is really the most outstanding feature of this collection. (July)

Library Journal

From newcomers to veterans, 22 writers have crafted 24 short stories and novellas recognized for their excellence in themes such as hard science, pulp fiction, and first contact. The writers include Ursula K. LeGuin and Greg Egan, Joe Haldeman, Allen Steele, Poul Anderson, Terry Bisson, Maureen F. McHugh, and Mary Rosenblum. This well-chosen collection of 1995's best sf shorts is highly recommended.

BookList

Of the many best-of-the-year science fiction annuals, Gardner Dozois' reigns supreme. This year's offering features the usual balance of veterans, such as grand masters Ursula LeGuin and Poul Anderson, and newcomers--William Sanders and David Marusek, for instance. The generous selection includes diverse themes and writing styles, ranging from nostalgia in Terry Bisson's tale of three friends' return to a rejuvenating childhood shrine to rigorous hard sf in Greg Egan's tale about a computer that turns lethal when programmed to test an "impossible" theorem. Dozois introduces each entry with a brief biography of its author and concludes the volume with a very long list of honorably mentioned stories. As always, must reading for aspiring sf authors as well as fans and an indispensable addition to sf collections.

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