Book Review: Stars: Original Stories Based on the Songs of Janis Ian

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Stars: Original Stories Based on the Songs of Janis Ian     Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Janis Ian , Mike Resnick
Class/Genre:   Science Fiction   [Short Stories]
Daw, Aug 2003, $23.95, 400 pp.

The theme is a gimmick as this collection contains thirty tales built from Janis Ian’s music. Ms. Ian selected the authors based on her love of science fiction and how each one influenced her lyrics. Thus the anthology goes full circle. Each tale is well written with some being fantastic such as Nancy Kress’ "EJ-ES" (work it out) and Resnick’s "Society’s Gov". No contribution is weak as the STARS of SF pay homage to Ms. Ian and her wonderful songs.

Fans of short story science fiction will appreciate this delightful book, but especially those like this reviewer who remembers hearing "Society’s Child" on the radio when some young teen my age was the rage. Though not attending Elsinore (try Hunter Bronx at seventeen) and having not been at conventions in recent years due to health, there is only one personal complaint to this fine collection. Resnick failed to announce that Ms. Ian would be at the 01 World Science Fiction Convention, for this fan of hers would have made superwoman efforts to attend. Keep that in mind bias is showing.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.