In the Upper Room and Other Likely Stories
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Book Overview
"In the Upper Room and Other Likely Stories "is the new collection of sixteen fantastic, ironic tales by Terry Bisson. Terry Bisson uses the fantastic genres as do Kurt Vonnegut or Harlan Ellison, and like them, he is one of the strikingly original voices in short fiction today, with an audience that transcends genre. "Particularly delightful," said "The Christian Science Monitor" of his first collection. Bisson writes entertaining and moving stories in a strong and unique voice. They are sharp, witty, subversive, and stylish. For instance: An Office Romance: a story of the private lives of icons on a computer desktop. First Fire: a scientist discovers a way to date burning flame's and tries it on one in an ancient temple, with astonishing results. Macs: clones of murderous criminals, with no human rights, are sent to be the property of their victims' families. From the author of "Bears Discover Fire," one of the most anthologized American short stories of the last decade, this is a collection of stories that originally appeared in sources as diverse as "Asimov's SF, Playboy, Southern Exposure," and "Crank "They are clever, slick, memorable, occasionally profound, and always surprising.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0312874049
ISBN13:9780312874049
Release Date:May 2000
Publisher:Forge
Length:304 Pages
Weight:1.00 lbs.
Dimensions:1.0" x 5.8" x 8.6"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Witty, Lovely, Sad
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
Terry Bisson is a treasure. He writes hopeful stories about the value of childhood dreams, as in the bittersweet "There Are No Dead," where three boys find a way to literally start over. He writes subtle and depressing stories about how technology can smother modern life ("In the Upper Room," "An Office Romance," "He Loved Lucy"). His dialogue is sharp and can carry entire stories ("10:07:24," "Smoother"). And at his best he has the ability to look at our world from a slightly skewed angle that allows him to see deep and disturbing truths, as he does in the chilling "macs." These stories are lovely, funny and sad, and they will make you think. If you haven't heard of Terry Bisson, this is a good entry point into his unique point of view.
Not This Virginia
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
The stories in this collection vary from the profound to the wistful to the grandly comic. Among the more highly mentionable are "macs", "The Player" and "First Fire", all of which will linger in the mind long after the last page has been turned. But for me, the one that reached me the most was "Not This Virginia". Anyone who has ever had to deal with an elderly parent in decline will find something in this story. It touches the soul and says no, you are not alone. Thank you, Terry.
One of our best living writers
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
(The disclaimer): I've known Terry Bisson for 40 years and admired him all that time.The review): He is, hands down, one of our best writers and finest minds, and were it not for the ignorant bias that places "fantasy" literature in a sub-set of lower status, he would be recognized for what he is: an imaginative wizard, a technical genius, a superb stylist and one of the funniest guys around. I've never understood why John Updike or Saul Bellow's "fantasies" are treated as high-art and Terry's are consigned to small publishers, but hell I've never understood why athletes and movie actors make lots of money and teachers and the people who feed us, don't. This is a great book. Don't ever miss the opportunity of reading Bisson and remembering just how exhilerating a conversation with a fine mind can be.
Living Legend
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Terry Bisson has created two modern masterpieces of literature. His stories will pass the test of time and will be required reading by American students in the future. The short stories contained in "In the Upper Room and other likely stories" are great additions to his vast and still growing literary feats. My strongest advice to you is not to let the chirping of a few misguided critics prevent you from reading anything written by the world's greatest living author.
First Fire
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Terry's story was a great homage to Arthur C. Clarke's story 9 Billion Names for God, or something like that. Overall a great collection from a proven writer. Highly recomended.
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