100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories

Rating:
Summary: Less Than It Could Have Been
Review: I have always believed that there is a line between the Fantasy and Science Fiction genre-a thin, blurred line perhaps, but a line nonetheless. Science Fiction is speculative fiction based on science fact, which may be concerned with space travel, environmental evolution, alien life forms etc.
Asimov's "100 Great Science Fiction Short Short Stories" includes genies, leprechauns, wizards, deals with the devil, and even magic fortune cookies. I think Isaac missed the boat, especially since he saw fit to produce a separate volume entitled, "100 Great Fantasy Short Short Stories". Hard-core Sci Fi fans, this book is not for you.
The anthology itself reads like a who's who of the science fiction (fantasy) legends of the 40s, 50s, 60's, and 70's. And although the reader may enjoy reading two or three stories by the same author (Asimov was not above including his own stories or stories about himself), there are a number of "short short" story greats noticeably absent-Simak, Brown, Del Rey, and Dick to name a few.
Although many of the stories are classic and will long be remembered after the final page is turned, the book falls short of what it could have been.


Rating:
Summary: Science Fiction Snacks for the Mind
Review: Concise tales of science fiction that twist and turn their way into your very psyche. Great for midnight snacks when you need to dream while you're awake.

Rating:
Summary: Great stories with quick, effective, complex points
Review: I have no doubt that the short story is the hardest to write. With limited space, the point, and there can really be only one, must be relatively obvious, yet complex enough to make an interesting story. Adding in a science fiction theme increases the level of difficulty, as generally, such stories require more explanation of the circumstances. Given that an environment different from the usual is necessary, some space must be used to explain the background of the story.
Despite all these hurdles, it is possible to write quality stories and this collection is an existence proof of how well it can be done. Independent of the length, these are some of the best science fiction stories of all time. They range from puns to the possibilities of interstellar war. I started the book and kept it close so that I could read it during every spare moment. It is one of the best collections of science fiction stories that I have ever read.

Rating:
Summary: A Short Short Review
Review: This is an excellent book. It runs the gamut of the science fiction genre; from jules verne to starwars, dragons to philosophy. It contains a cross section of literature and authors of both range and caliber rarely found. Many of its stories do not appear to be science fiction at first read; the only common thread among all the stories is the fact that, as Asimov puts in his introduction, "A very honed point." A must read.

Rating:
Summary: A Short Short Review
Review: This is an excellent book. It runs the gamut of the science fiction genre; from jules verne to starwars, dragons to philosophy. It contains a cross section of literature and authors of both range and caliber rarely found. Many of its stories do not appear to be science fiction at first read; the only common thread among all the stories is the fact that, as Asimov puts in his introduction, "A very honed point." A must read.