Customer Reviews

Stars: Original Stories Based on the Songs of Janis Ian (Daw Book Collectors)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
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Too bad there's no list of the authors posted, but here are a few: Orson Scott Card, Tanith Lee, Rob Sawyer, Joe Haldeman, Harry Turtledove, the enigmatic Howard Waldrop, Jane Yolen, Greg Benford, John Varley, Diane Duane, Mercedes Lackey... well, you get the idea. This is an astonishing tour de force by Ian & Resnick. The author list alone astounds; that each author managed to see through to the heart of the song they chose delights, throwing new light both on the author and the lyricist. Highly recommend what is destined to be a classic anthology in the field!

A wonderful combination of the best-Mike Resnick-amazing sci-fi writer and Janis Ian who's illustrious career keeps expanding,have combined their talents.This is a real treat and not to be missed.An excellent anthology for the well seasoned sci-fi reader as well as the novice.

The list of authors is exemplary. The list of songs is exemplary. That Janis Ian and Mike Resnick could bring together authors of this stature, meld them to the songs, and come up with 30 astonishing stories based on those songs, is more than I can handle! I read it cover to cover, and plan to read it again and again. Robert Silverberg's "Legends" was pretty terrific, but it didn't sit on the cutting edge. It was too safe. This is the closest thing to "Dangerous Visions" I've found. A "Dangerous Visions" for my own generation!

30 of today's SF writers put their take and imaginations on stories based on the songs of the innumerably talented Janis Ian. An unusual and interesting, entertaining and satisfying collection, with Ian proving that's she's not only a terrific songwriter, but can write SF with the best of them.

Having heard some of Janis Ians work I thought it interesting that people would be so drawn to her lyrics to write stories about them. I bought the book not knowing what to expect and have been thrilled with what I read. I really think it was worth every penny and made sitting on the beach in Hawaii recently even better than I ever thought it could be!

I have never been much of a fan of SciFi, nor a reader of short stories. I am, however a fan of Janis Ians Music. So buying this book was a must for me.
However, I felt it would be very easy to be dissapointed with what other writers did with the songs I love so much. I need not have worried. The stories are all very different in how I see the songs, but often add interesting insights that I would never have thought of.
Most of the stories have a strong moral base, and provoke thought about the world we live in.
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover......and can't wait to explore the writing of the various authors.
Favourite Story......"EJ-ES", based on "Jesse", buttomorrow, could be another one!!!
Mike Andrew.......New Zealand

"Stars" took this non sci-fi reader by surprise. Upon opening this anthology I'd not been exposed to most of the contributing authors, however I have come away with a deep respect for each of their talents! As a fan of Janis Ian's, I was very familiar with her body of work and was eager to see how her songs had influenced each story. I'm thrilled to say that the direction these amazing writers took their chosen song/lyric was brilliant and many times unexpected. A fabulous collection, and not to be missed!

Stars deserves ongoing mention as an extraordinary collection of science fiction inspired by the music of folk singer Janis Ian. Janis invited respected authors in the genre to contribute works influenced by her songs: the result is an unexpected, wonderful collection of original stories - based on her music, but no prior familiarity with Ian is required in order to enjoy these varied tales.

That so many incredibly gifted scifi writers were inspired enough by the songs of one songwriter to be willing to contribute to an anthology is amazing. That each story so excellently showcases not only the skill of the storyteller but the essence of the song is nothing short of miraculous. The author list reads like a `who's who' of scifi writers; from Tad Williams and Spider Robinson, to Mercedes Lackey and Tanith Lee, with Mike Resnick and Janis Ian herself contributing stories into the mix. There is something for everyone in this anthology. You don't need to have any idea who Janis Ian is to be thoroughly engaged by these stories. This book should be on the shelf of every person who considers themselves a fan of science fiction. It's a keeper!

I'm only somewhat familiar with Ian's music - mostly the hits - but my hat's off to any singer who can put together 30+ of the best writers in the field and create something as stunningly original as this anthology. Many of these authors never write short stories "to order". Much to my surprise, Ian's forward states that all but one of the writers were already familiar with her work and owned her CD's. If that's the case, most of my favorite authors are Janis Ian "fans" -- and judging by these stories, I can see why! Ian's forward alone is worth the price of the book.