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John Kessel

    John Kessel crafts stories that delve into the complexities of human psychology and relationships, often set against the backdrop of speculative or absurd circumstances. His writing is characterized by stylistic precision and a profound exploration of character, drawing readers into narratives that are both unsettling and insightful. Kessel's work consistently prompts contemplation on the nature of reality and the human condition. As a co-editor of literary anthologies, he actively contributes to the development of genre literature and the discovery of new voices.

    John Kessel
    The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction 3/1996
    The Baum Plan for Financial Independence and Other Stories
    Good News from Outer Space
    Rewired
    • John Kessel's latest collection — which includes the Nebula and Shirley Jackson Award winner "Pride and Prometheus" — is a long-awaited road map to the fantastic where Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, The Wizard of Oz, and Flannery O'Connor intersect. Kessel's four-story modern classic sequence about life on the moon, The Lunar Quartet, makes up the center of the book."A sustained exploration of the ways gender dynamics can both empower and enslave us. Kessel's wit sparkles throughout, peaking with the most uproariously weird phone-sex conversation you'll ever read ("The Red Phone")." A-—Entertainment WeeklyWinner of the Nebula, Sturgeon, Locus, and Tiptree awards, John Kessel is the author of The New York Times Notable Book Meeting in Infinity. He co-edited the anthologies Feeling Very Strange and Rewired. Kessel and his family live in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he co-directs the creative writing program at North Carolina State University.

      The Baum Plan for Financial Independence and Other Stories2008
      3.7
    • Rewired

      The Post-Cyberpunk Anthology

      • 424 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      This vivid anthology showcases the evolution of cyberpunk, welcoming a new generation of writers who push the genre into innovative territories. With a punk rock spirit, cyberpunk navigates the realms of the internet, bioengineering, and global politics, leaving a significant mark on entertainment and media. Drawing inspiration from the pioneering manifesto, Mirrorshades, each story explores the gritty realities of technological transformation. The collection features contributions from legendary editor Bruce Sterling alongside contemporary authors such as Cory Doctorow, Jonathan Lethem, Gwyneth Jones, Hal Duncan, Charles Stross, and Pat Cadigan. An engaging introduction by James Patrick Kelly and John Kessel sets the stage for this exhilarating snapshot of a dynamic literary movement. The anthology includes stories like “Bicycle Repairman” by Sterling, “Lobsters” by Stross, and “When Sysadmins Ruled the Earth” by Doctorow, among others. Each piece reflects the genre's essence, offering diverse perspectives on the future shaped by technology. This collection is a testament to the enduring and evolving spirit of cyberpunk literature.

      Rewired2007
      3.9
    • Good News from Outer Space

      • 402 pages
      • 15 hours of reading

      George Eberhart is dead. Or was. The newsnet he works for has illegally revived him. But he finds himself examining the sensationalist stories he has been reporting on - for evidence that there are Aliens among us. Lucky Eberhart, George's wife, loses her job for her role in reviving him, and finds that there are worse things on Earth than she had dreamed of in her philosophies. The Reverend Jimmy-Don Gilray believes that the Day of Judgment will arrive on the stroke of midnight, December 31, 1999. But all bets are off if the Aliens are already here. Meanwhile, Carla Hazard, Sandy Ellison, and Martha Shummel are finding that this is their lucky day. Or is it all a sinister Alien game? And Judgment Day approaches...

      Good News from Outer Space1990
      3.7