Nano Comes to Clifford Falls: And Other Stories [Hardcover]

Nancy Kress (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2008

Blending a focus on cutting-edge technology with deep emotional impacts, this enticing collection draws its stories from various Year's Best and Reader's Choice lists. The pathos of the human condition is explored in such stories as "My Mother, Dancing," in which seedlings are planted and those responsible must decide if they will play God with them, or let natural selection progress; or in "Nano Comes to Clifford Falls," where nanotechnology brings every wish to everyone—yet dire problems still ensue. The narratives reveal many forms of artificial intelligence including a persecuted slave in "Computer Virus," a controlling force of the universe in "Mirror Image," or even one that's entirely indifferent to humans in "Savior." From the center of the galaxy to the swamps of Earth, all 13 inventive tales offer a trademark mix of hard science fiction interacting with flawed humanity.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The latest story collection by one of the field’s outstanding writers makes a valuable addition to any self-respecting sf collection. The title story, like most of the other pieces, is character-centered as a single mother wrestles with high-tech taking over her town. “Patent Infringement” is a fine if brief epistolary story on the subject; “The Most Famous Little Girl in the World” is the story of the lifelong friendship of two women set against a background of alien contact. “First Flight” is an affectionate homage to the classic Tom Corbett, Space Cadet TV show of the 1950s. “To Cuddle Amy” is a powerful short-short horror story about disposable children. “My Mother, Dancing” deals with a human race called on to seed with life a completely barren universe. That Kress remains a master is everywhere evident. --Roland Green

Review

"Another of the author's substantial and provocative examinations of near-future biotechnology. . . . Kress is certainly the most probing writer of the past decade on this theme."  —Locus magazine

"Exemplifies all that is compelling and admirable about science fiction."  —David B. Coe, author, Eagle-Sage

"The keeness of vision to. . . see the possibilities for the future very clearly, and they are both fascinating and frightening."  —San Francisco Examiner and Chronicle

"A depth of imagination unusual even among SF writers."  —Analog

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 340 pages
• Publisher: Golden Gryphon Press; First Edition edition (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1930846509
• ISBN-13: 978-1930846500
• Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 5.9 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,183,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of Nancy Kress December 28, 2012

By kennethen

Format:Hardcover

I bought this book because I like Nancy Kress's writing. As I read, I found out that I had read many of them before in various annual "Best Of Science Fiction" anthologies. Nonetheless, I enjoyed reading them again. There are no cookie cutter characters here. Thoughtful, well constructed stories, guaranteed to entertain.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Top 10 March 21, 2011

By EEV G. A. WOLFORD PhD

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you like Sci-Fi/Fantasy, or philosophy, this is one of the hottest authors I've read.

Dr. W.

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A magnificent anthology of thirteen tales August 17, 2008

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Hardcover

Written by multiple award-winning author Nancy Kress, "Nano Comes to Clifford Falls And Other Stories" is a magnificent anthology of thirteen tales, with a foreword from author Mike Resnick. From exploring the human condition to just making readers laugh, Kress' writing flows with versatility; readers are in for something different with every story. "Nano Comes to Clifford Falls: And Other Stories" is highly recommended for community library fiction collections.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Thought provoking stories. January 7, 2009

By Arvin

Format:Hardcover

It is an interesting change reading the scifi written by a woman, I can certainly see and feel a difference in the stories. Besides that, very interesting stories and well written. I have found the second story in this book is my favorite so far, very unique. Recommended for any serious scifi collection.