2041-12 Stories about the Future

Published in 1991, this collection of stories posed each author the question-what would the world be like 50 years from now? Veteran SF and fantasy writer Jane Yolen presents readers with a collection of delightful stories on the advent of her fiftieth year. These range from the introspective, to the hilarious, to the gravely frightening. Ten of these twelve tales are original to this production, and all of them are worth a read. This anthology is directed at a young teen audience, as evidenced by the introduction by the editor. Jane poses the question to her reader, what will the world be like in 50 years, when they are in their sixties. After a brief and imagination-provoking intro by Jane Yolen of what the future might bring, we get down to the business of the stories themselves. Veteran readers of SF will recognize many of the names: Connie Willis, Nancy Springer, Anne McCaffrey, Patricia McKillip, Joe Haldeman and Susan Shwartz are just a few that leap off the page. The stories all vary in length and tone, but they all address the world of the possible future, and the young people that may very well inhabit it. Perhaps my favorite story is the tale that launches this collection: MUCH ADO ABOUT [CENSORED] by Connie Willis. This delightful little gem launches itself at PC behavior and censorship taken to its extremes when a class decides to read Shakespeare. They keep running into snags: The Drapery Defense League objects to Hamlet because Polonius is stabbed while he's hiding behind a curtain. Or there's the protest of the National Coalition Against Contractions (who feel that the use of contractions is directly responsible for the increase in crime rates). WHO'S GONNA ROCK US HOME? by Nancy Springer is an emotionally laden tale of a young man who rebels against a drugged society and must come to terms with his father. A QUIET ONE by Anne McCaffrey takes place on a horse ranch on a new planet-its not so much a SF story as one of character, and perseverance. Joe Haldeman's IF I HAD THE WINGS OF AN ANGEL is a beautiful little piece about growing up inside an asteroid. OLD GLORY by Bruce Coville is a chilling look at what our country could become and a warning to us today. There were a few stories that I didn't find as compelling, such as LOSE NOW, PAY LATER by Carol Farley, and MOBY JAMES by Patricia McKillip, but the fact of the matter is, the variety is enough to forgive the lack of interest in a few of these selections. YOU WANT IT WHEN? by Kara Dalkey is a funny story and fine for a light read, but I felt it was a little too lightweight. THE LAST OUT by Resa Nelson and David Alexander Smith is a nostalgic look at baseball, and they write a very touching story of the passing of the old guard. EAR by Jane Yolen, considers the affect of technology on teens perceptions, and how it changes their world to turn it off. FREE DAY by Peg Kerr looks at a bleak society and the touching relationship between a girl and an old wom

There is not much to say about this book as a whole, so I'll just give a run-down of my favorite stories.Much Ado About [Censored]- By Connie Willis. Absolutley hilarious. This is a YA rewrite of Willis's terrific Ado, which can be found in Impossible Things. The basic concept is that censorship has reached such a height that people have injuctions against Shakespeare. When a high-school class tries to read Shakespeare, they do not know what hellish research lies in store.Who's Gonna Rock Us Home?- By Nancy Springer. Very thought-provoking. It says some sobering things about socialism and the Ritalin generation, along with freaks and rebels. Lose Now, Pay Later- By Carol Farley. Very reminiscient of Connie Willis. Funny with an interesting twist at the end.If I Had The Wings of an Angel- By Joe Haldeman. Poignant. Good statement about growing up.You Want It WHEN?- by Kara Dalkey. Hysterical, but one of those stories with an annoying time-travel angle that serves to do nothing but give a headache. Still, very good.Ear- By Jane Yolen. Interesting....it feels as though the message is just out of reach, which I suppose is the draw. I just love it.Free Day- By Peg Kerr. Sad. Sobering. Excellent.Beggarman- By Susan Shwartz. Anyone who's ever been an outsider will see themselves in Jommy.Old Glory- By Bruce Coville. Too painful to read more than once. If the First Amendment is gone, what have we left?

This collection of stories are all from the year 2041. All have different things that the world will be like in 2041. One story is "Ear" which is about the people of 2041 have to wear an amp on their ear to hear. Another is "Whose Gonna Rock Us Home?" which is about a boy who runs away from home with just him and his guitar on the streets full of murderous gangs. So I think this is the best collection of sci-fi stories about the future of the year. Trust me you should add this to your science fiction book collection