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A review by sashas_books
Best Science Fiction Stories of Clifford D. Simak by Clifford D. Simak
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I do love the way Simak writes – so simply, so subtly, giving the reader a hug, or a wink, as the case may be. Also, his works (with some exceptions) do not feel as dated to me as so much of the older sci-fi does. I should really dig through our bookshelves more often – “wow, look, I found a collection of Simak stories I hadn’t read!”
“Founding Father” – coziness at a colony on a new planet gets turned around by a surprise ending and a panicky, suffocating feeling in the last sentences. It reminded me of Bradbury.
“Immigrant” – there is an El Dorado kind of planet that everyone dreams of going to. Then there is a twist, and then another, and then another. Quite lovely.
“New Folk’s Home” – the basic idea is interesting, but the story itself is nothing special. It is only the writing that makes it stand out.
“Crying Jag” – a hilarious and nonsensical story about aliens and sadness.
“All the Traps of Earth” – a robot on the run almost becomes a robot messiah. This was a really heartwarming story.
“Lulu” – OR “How to Write About a Rogue AI in a Sexist Way”. Do read more Simak by all means, but skip this one.
“Neighbor” – There are aliens among us! Here is a story that manages to be pastoral, cozy and spooky at the same time.