San Diego Lightfoot

If the title story was the only story collection repeated so that there were 304 pages, it would still be one of the best story collections in the history of science fiction. I stumbled across Reamy, this story actually, at the age of 12. And now at 31, it is still as influential as it was then. In the introduction, Ellison tries not to lament the fact that Reamy died young, producing very little work. This insightful piece by one who knew him, (I'd still like to see a piece on Reamy by Pat Cadigan who is mentioned in the intro) sets the stage for these 11 stories. Ellison's comments do very much to let you know that not all of these stories are masterpieces. Some are in all actuality formulaic, but this isn't to say that there isn't something to be said for all of them.Althought Ellison lambasts "Insects in Amber" it too is a stand alone story and I do miss the movie that could have been made from it. If you do read "San Diego Lightfoot Sue" be sure to read "Twilla" and "The Detweiler Boy". These stories interact with the novel "Blind Voices" and create a Reamy universe much the same way other contemporary authors string their pieces together.These stories are written by a nice man Ellison writes, and I personally mourn the fact that there aren't more of them to read. Or jeez more readers who have had a chance to feel this way. Buy this book!!!