Space Magic

It was worth buying this collection for the story "I Hold My Father's Paws" alone. That one made me cry -- if you've had a rocky relationship with a parent, this one might get you weepy, too. And then there's the one about the Nucleon (the world's one and only nuclear-powered car, of course!), which I heard David Levine read at Powell's when the book was released -- I smile just thinking about that story. But lest you think they're all sappy heartwarmers... they're not. The stories range widely in tone and feel.

Where have all the great short stories gone? I've always believed that a short story requires more talent/work to deliver a tight story - and each story in this collection, felt fresh, original, and some really carried a strong emotional punch. Very impressive

Levine has a refreshing approach to Sci-Fi that focuses on humanity, not techno-dazzle. His stories are intimate and intelligent, completely opposite of the mass-market sci-fi pablum that focuses on technological gadgets, wars in space, political battles, etc. Levine is gifted in creating a rich environment that centers on the character's exploration of the issues they deal with in that story.