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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Aorta Try to Quit Laughing!, 16 Nov 2003
These were the stories that kick-started Robinson's writing career. Originally appearing in Analog, they met such a warm reception and requests for more that Spider was almost forced to oblige, even though these stories have only a bare minimum of that 'hard science' feel that is the normal requisite for stories in that magazine. The reason these stories got that kind of reception is simply that they deserved it. All happen within the confines of Callahan's bar, a most congenial place that people seem to find just when they need it, for the patrons of this bar are always willing to listen to and help anyone who truly needs it. Fully loaded with humanity even when dealing with aliens out to destroy our world or turn us into their own private feed cattle, these stories are tightly plotted, filled with recognizable people from just down the street, and just wacky enough to engage both your interest and your funny bone. Just to add icing to the cake, most of these stories are also loaded with puns (most especially in those stories that occur on Tuesday night, officially designated PunDay), some of them quite good and original, and guaranteed to raise a groan or two. And then there is Tall Tales Night, where some really, really tall ones get told just as sidelights to the main story. The stories I liked the best in this collection were "The Time Traveler" which is science fiction only by courtesy, but is a riveting story that may have you reaching for your handkerchief, and "The Law of Conservation of Pain" where science fiction mixes with the world of music in a most painful and joyous manner. These are two of the longest stories here, and Robinson does seem to do better at this length. Some of the shorter length stories, such as "The Centipede Dilemma", depend too much on a single gimmick or idea to be fully satisfying, but the overall level of this collection is very high. And once you have tasted the flavor of Callahan's bar, you'll more than likely wish you had one just like it around your neighborhood. Alas, the supply of Callahans is very limited, but at least you can read more about this fascinating place in all the other Callahan books Spider has published over the years. --- Reviewed by Patrick Shepherd (hyperpat)
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