REVIEW: “Toys, Going Home” by Eric Del Carlo

Review of Eric Del Carlo, “Toys, Going Home,” Unfit Magazine 2 (2018): Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

This was an utterly delightful story about a motley assort of Story robears, programmed to make their way back to their holders whenever separated from them, so that they can tell the Story of their travels when they return.

In case any of you are like me and cannot stomach the idea of a story of toys trying to find their way hoome that doesn’t end up happily, well: No kittens were harmed in the making of this story.

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REVIEW: “An Algorithm for Fools” by Cat Rambo

Review of Cat Rambo, “An Algorithm for Fools,” Unfit Magazine 2 (2018): Purchase here. Reviewed by Sara L. Uckelman.

The narrator of this story is doing pretty well for himself, after the alien apocalypse; there may not be many other people around, but that’s okay because he doesn’t really go in for that whole “human commerce, or interaction” sort of thing. It’s so lovely to read a story where I find myself resonating with the main character, and then a bit later on have it explicitly confirmed, by the character themself, that they’re on the spectrum. That frisson of fellow-feeling really helps endear a story to me! And I loved the narrator’s algorithms for coping.

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REVIEW: “Yesterday’s Wolf” by Ray Nayler

Review of Ray Nayler, “Yesterday’s Wolf”, Clarkesworld Issue 180, September (2021): Read Online. Reviewed by Myra Naik.

Elmira lives in a post-war society with her family, where they raise sheep and life a simple life. But Elmira has special skills with technology and programming that her father is very supportive about.

As the story unfolds, we learn about not just her intelligence but also her tenacity. We also learn more about her family in quick, insightful bursts of conversation and observation.

While the pasture life may seem idyllic, there are wolves, both literal and metaphorical. But Elmira finds a way, supported by her family. A story of hope and tenacity amidst heavy losses.

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