From Powells.com
25 Best Sci-fi and Fantasy Books of the 21st Century (So Far)
Staff Pick
For over 30 years, Seattleite Ted Chiang has slowly and steadily been writing emotionally intelligent, speculative short stories. He’s not a quick writer, or a prolific one. He’s published just 18 stories in that time. But what incredible stories they are. (Sci-Fi award committees agree: Chiang’s won four Hugos and four Nebulas.) Exhalation is Chiang’s second collection, and though it was only published a few years ago, these nine stories have become classics of the genre, exploring the complicated relationships between humans and machines, determinism and free will. I can’t wait to read what he writes next, though I will try to be patient. Recommended By Adam P., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
National Bestseller - One of the New York Times Best Books Of The Year
Nine stunningly original, provocative, and poignant stories — two published for the very first time — all from the mind of the incomparable author of Stories of Your Life and Others
Tackling some of humanity's oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could imagine, these stories will change the way you think, feel, and see the world. They are Ted Chiang at his best: profound, sympathetic, revelatory.
Ted Chiang tackles some of humanity's oldest questions along with new quandaries only he could imagine.
In "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate," a portal through time forces a fabric seller in ancient Baghdad to grapple with past mistakes and second chances. In "Exhalation," an alien scientist makes a shocking discovery with ramifications that are literally universal. In "Anxiety Is the Dizziness of Freedom," the ability to glimpse into alternate universes necessitates a radically new examination of the concepts of choice and free will.
Review
"Chiang is always thought provoking, and his latest collection is no exception." Library Journal (Starred Review)
Review
"Chiang produces deeply moving drama from fascinating first premises….These stories are brilliant experiments, and his commitment to exploring deep human questions elevates them to among the very best science fiction." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
"An instant classic….Visionary speculative stories that will change the way readers see themselves and the world around them: This book delivers in a big way." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
"Chiang's long-awaited second collection…continues to explore emotional and metaphysical landscapes with precise and incisive prose….Chiang remains one of the most skilled stylists in sf, and this will appear to genre and literary-fiction fans alike." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
"Exquisitely crafted….One after another, Chiang's stories claim their place in your mind until you're completely swept up in his provocative and at times even charming world….Each story is a carefully considered, finely honed machine." BookPage (Starred Review)
About the Author
Ted Chiang's fiction has won four Hugo, four Nebula, and four Locus Awards, and has been featured in The Best American Short Stories. His debut collection, Stories of Your Life and Others, has been translated into twenty-one languages. He was born in Port Jefferson, New York, and currently lives near Seattle, Washington.