Science fiction is defined by Isaac Asimov — the man with
arguably the most nimble imagination and most prolific brain in the history of
the genre — as a form that “deals with the reaction of human beings to changes
in science and technology.” Science fiction
is difficult to define because it can encompass so much and it is often
confused with Fantasy. According to
Twilight Zone personality Rod Sterling, “Fantasy is the impossible made
probable. Science fiction is the improbable made possible.” But devotees of the two respective genres
understand that there are important differences that keep the genres distinct.
No matter which definition of sci-fi you choose, the uniting
characteristic is that the genre expands the borders of what the reader ever
thought possible. Admittedly, I read
little science fiction and I am not well-versed in the genre, but reading Startling Sci-Fi was an excellent
exposure for a novice like me and I can imagine it would be delicious fodder
for those who love the genre. Startling Sci-Fi is the type of book
that stretches boundaries. The book is
enriched by the art of Stefanie Masciandaro who works well with the themes and
visions of the writers. Her art adds the
dimension of another medium that not only enhances the reading experience but
provides additional clarification. The
result is a piece of art that is greater than the sum of its unique parts, each
component distinct in its own way, yet more powerful as part of the whole.
There are many things that make this collection unique,
including the treatment of popular topics related to the future of
technological innovation. Science
fiction gives us a glimpse into a future populated with projections of
technologies that are part of our everyday lives, often with horrifying
implications. In great science fiction
there are almost always parallels that can be drawn with our present
world. These similarities help explore
the depths of human nature and perhaps project where humanity is headed. In several of the stories such as “Monkey
Business,” and “Almost John” we see a future that is artificially enhanced by
our rapidly developing technology. They
pose some important questions about where we are moving as a society. “Almost John” captures the wariness of
government run scientific experiments and offers some unique twists on
traditional science fiction topics.
Similarly, in “Monkey Business” there are Artificial Intelligence (AI)
experiments that are wantonly being performed on animals that run the gamut
from cockroaches to chimpanzees. As the
story draws to its conclusion, it deftly hints at a future with AI deeply involved
in medicine and as a competitor to pharmaceutical companies and their
products. The characters’ dialogue
reveals some of the discussion about the crossing of boundaries between natural
and artificial human intelligence. Conversations
about similar technologies are already being held over cocktails in swanky
Silicon Valley haunts and in Ray Kurzweil interviews. Kurzweil, one of the most prolific minds in
technological innovation and prognostication, openly contemplates the future of
nanobot medical technology and the profound possibilities for extending human
life.
In fact, artificial intelligence is developing at a
mind-blowing rate and only continues to defy the limits that were predicted
only a short time ago. The reader cannot
help but wonder what this means for the future of humanity? Many of the writers paint a gritty picture of
the future where technology creates a living situation seemingly far less
humane, where we must wrestle, individually and collectively, over moral
questions that need deep insight and contemplation while technological
innovations continue to race ahead at a pace that humanity cannot possibly
control.
Not all of the stories take place in the future and it seems
that many pieces challenge the traditional sci-fi classification. “In The Japanese Rice Cooker,” a simple
appliance is personified in amusing and somewhat terrifying ways. In a novel approach, the reader must sift
through old emails to piece together the gruesome acts of these machines which
introduce a dimension of mystery to the story in a piece that challenges the
genre in many ways.
Speaking of challenging the definition of science fiction, in
“New Year’s Eve: 65,000,000 B.C.” the reader is refreshingly transported to an
earlier time when life was simpler. The
beauty of the tale is in its subtlety.
It is a tale with a refreshing simplicity that reminds one of a
childhood bedtime story with the sagacious dimensions of popular Myth. The story is one that the reader can tell the
writer enjoyed creating and this makes for enjoyable reading. This also reveals the deft selection by the
editorial staff on what stories to include and how to arrange the book.
The darker images of the future in these tales are well
balanced by a wry sense of humor. Adam
Sass’s “98% Graves” is filled with bizarre twists that compel the reader
forward with interest. He paints the
picture of a future that is in some ways terrifying but does so with wry humor
that leaves the reader feeling amused.
Sass is one of several writers who are able to use the genre to look at
the inane parts of our existence and see the comedy of where we are and where
we are headed as a culture.
Although the genre by definition does not operate by our
known reality and often much of it is projected far in the future, there are
still underlying issues that plague humanity.
There is mention of the current wars that the U.S. is embroiled in and
there is also treatment of ongoing subjects of human conflict such as religious
zealotry which is addressed in “The Priestess of Light” by David W. Landrum. The reader is oriented in a way that projects
current moral dilemmas in a context that forces fresh perspective. The story is action-packed, which allows the
reader to flip the pages without realizing the depth contemplation that is
occurring.
The book is recommended to sci-fi fans and readers of
literary fiction alike. There are many
distinct literary voices in these pages that are fueled by profound
imaginations. We read for many reasons
but two of the most burning are to escape and broaden our horizons; this book
offers both, in spades.
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