A review by kp_writ
Real Sugar is Hard to Find by Sim Kern

5.0

Perhaps the most solid short story collection I've seen from a single author. I first encountered this author at a virtual reading event hosted by my local bookshop, and I knew I'd have to buy this book for what sounded like such unique worldbuilding. The author uses very specific elements or questions and crafts a world so seamlessly around them. Relatable characters, extremely relevant theme, beautiful prose - it's all just so well done. I was also pleasantly surprised by the theme of (queer) parenthood too, as it isn't something I see (or look for) very often. But I think it fits very well and highlights similar anxieties that are themes in cli-fi in general. I feel like this collection has redefined speculative fiction and sci-fi/cli-fi for me. Extremely inspiring. Will be returning to this to take lessons on craft.