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Update: M. Leinster, etc


June 30, 2006
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Murray Leinster -"The Runaway Skyscraper"
© Argosy, Feb 1919
Amazing, Jun 1926
Amazing, Feb 1956
Fantastic, Jan 1980
--Pre-1940 short fiction All-Time Poll /25 (tie)
--/ fourth place time sf story
--/ wonder award
--/ rare find

First Murray Leinster's published story, and already a feast of "wonder-filled" action. Whole Manhattan skyscraper and all its occupants are transported into pre-historic past, and witness some fabulous environment. A debut to be proud of.
review: 30-Jun-06 (read in 1997)

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Philip K. Dick - "Paycheck"
© Imagination, Jun 1953
The Best of P. K. Dick, 1977
--/ fourth place time sf story
--/ idea award
--/ adventure award

Lots of people have seen the film, but not everyone read the story. It's a real thriller, with intense (though quite dry) dialogue and manic-paced action. It has a winner of idea - cheap little things acquire a huge value because of time-travel/memory loss combination. + very nice urban NY environment, & vintage Dick "detached-cool" mood.
review: 30-Jun-06 (read in 2006)

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"SF&F Reading Experience" is part of "Dark Roasted Blend / Thrilling Wonder" family of sites. We try to highlight the most entertaining and rewarding science fiction and fantasy, with emphasis on memorable reader experience, not necessarily general acceptance by the critics. Have fun, and delve into our extensive ratings and reviews!

Most reviews are written by Avi Abrams, unless otherwise noted. Reviews also appear on our unique historical retrospective page Wonder Timeline of Science Fiction. Feel free to submit your own review, if a particular story is not listed here.


All major OFFICIAL AWARDS are highlighted in BLUE
("winner" has a letter "W" by it, otherwise it is a runner-up only)

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Also, there are our personal STYLE / GENRE SPECIFIC AWARDS. These reflect the story's content and the lasting impression on the reader:

--/ wonder award
sense-of-wonder, "visual intensity" and inventiveness

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