Book description
In these eleven short stories by speculative fiction master George Alec
Effinger, New York's populace must deal with the realities of a bi-polar
existence; patients' brains are cut to tiny pieces in a clinical search
for the medical definition of bliss; a little child's natural fear of
the dark is exploded into new mind-bending phobias and a cartoon
favorite pays a personal visit to an aging, aching fan. Humor, sheer
audacity, and an eclectic array of human fears and expectations placed
against each other all make this collection a perfect representation of
Effinger's unique voice. He is a truly remarkable talent and one not to
be missed. George Alec Effinger was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1947.
He attended Yale University, where an organic chemistry course disabused
him of the notion of becoming a doctor. He had the opportunity to meet
many of his SF idols thanks to his first wife, who was Damon Knight and
Kate Wilhelm's babysitter. With their encouragement, he began writing
science fiction in 1970. He published at least 20 novels and 6
collections of short fiction including WHEN GRAVITY FAILS and THE EXILE
KISS. As well, he also wrote and published two crime novels, FELICIA and
SHADOW MONEY. With his Budayeen novels, Effinger helped to found the
Cyberpunk genre. He was a Hugo and Nebula award winner and a favorite
amongst fellow SF writers.
