Edited by Lou Anders Futureshocks

Futureshocks

Edited by Lou Anders

Roc, Jan 2006, $14.95, 336 pp.

ISBN 0451460650

As described in the introduction, this sixteen collection science fiction anthology focuses on future trending of "new fears arising out of sociological, biological or technological change". Each tale centers on a particular hot button that a relatively large populace believes will lead to the end of society as we know it; similar as pointed out by Mr. Anders to the 1950's and 1960's nuclear trepidations. The contributions range the spectrum of controversy such as bioengineering or "living" after death, and of course AI, etc. Overall the compilation is superb with some tales going very deep in spite of the shortness. A shocked audience will ponder bad choices that lead to the denigrating of a group; not necessarily pure-bred human. Though a few tales surface the potential, they do not dig deep into the impact. However, for the most part, most of the compilation will leave readers wondering whether Pogo is right that we met the enemy and he (or she or it) is us.