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Alfred Bester's 'Virtual Unrealities' is a collection of short fiction that showcases his unique perspective on childhood fantasies, time travel, and the consequences of wishes. The stories range from hard Sci-Fi to dark narratives, all delivered in Bester's distinctive writing style that combines rhythm and enchantment with satirical elements. The book explores themes of psychological maturity, delusions, and the need to grow up, all wrapped in playful typesetting and creative storytelling techniques.

If you liked Virtual Unrealities: The Short Fiction of Alfred Bester, here are the top 22 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    The Menace from Earth - Future History/Heinlein Timeline by Robert A. Heinlein
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    'The Menace from Earth' by Robert A. Heinlein is a collection of short stories set in the future, showcasing the author's versatility and storytelling skills. The title story, set on the moon with a lower gravity, features winged flyers and a young heroine dealing with heartache caused by an aging actress. Other tales in the collection explore intriguing plots, interesting characters, and universal concepts, making it a recommended read for fans of science fiction and Heinlein's work.

    She was standing at a bus stop only ten feet away. He was indoors but that would not have kept him from noticing; he was seated in a drugstore booth adjacent to the bus stop; there was nothing between...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Future History/Heinlein Timeline )

  2. 'The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Year's Best Science Fiction' by author Gardner Dozois is a comprehensive anthology that showcases a wide range of science fiction stories selected from 20 years of annual collections. The stories cover various themes such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, consciousness, space travel, and humanistic narratives. The collection includes tales that explore futuristic concepts, high-tech methods of remembering loved ones, encounters with aliens, and the complexities of human emotions in a technologically advanced world.

    The writing style in 'The Best of the Best' is diverse, ranging from fast-paced narratives covering scientific themes to thought-provoking novellas that delve into psychology, linguistics, and cultural dynamics. The stories are a mix of traditional science fiction elements like aliens and artificial intelligence, as well as more human-centric narratives that focus on relationships, memories, and societal impacts of technological advancements. Readers can expect a treasure trove of short fiction that offers a glimpse into the imaginative and thought-provoking world of science fiction.

    Eleanor Arnason published her first novel, The Sword Smith, in 1978, and followed it with such novels as Daughter of the Bear Kingand To the Resurrection Station. In 1991, she published her best-known...

  3. #3
    Software
    Book 1 in the series:Ware

    Software - Ware by Rudy Rucker
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    Software by Rudy Rucker is a gritty, gripping science fiction novel that explores cyberpunk themes in a retro Pulp or early Golden Age format. The story is set in a future world where robots have rebelled against their enslavement to humanity and offer immortality to their creator, Cobb Anderson, in the form of a robot body with his own taped memories. The plot follows Cobb Anderson, an aging 'pheezer' in Florida, as he is approached by a representative of the robots, known as boppers, with the offer of immortality. The book delves into themes of sentient robots, old age, and the transmigration of the soul, presenting interesting science fiction concepts alongside bits of lurid imagery and unsubtle social commentary.

    A computer disguised in an ice cream truck, a party animal teenager, and a retired drunkard are the unlikely heroes in this near-future setting. The tone of the book is described as funny, fresh, and original, providing a quick, fun read with good characters and a unique take on the transition from human to robotic bodies.

    Cobb Anderson would have held out longer, but you don't see dolphins every day. There were twenty of them, fifty, rolling in the little gray waves, wicketting up out of the water. It was good to see t...

  4. #4

    The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester
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    In a future society where Espers, individuals with telepathic abilities, have made murder seemingly impossible, Ben Reich sets out to commit the perfect murder in 'The Demolished Man'. The book is a murder mystery with a unique twist as the protagonist navigates a world where thoughts can be read, leading to a thrilling and fast-paced narrative. Author Alfred Bester's writing style is commended for its clever storytelling, engaging characters, and imaginative world-building that explores the conflicts of a society filled with Espers and the consequences of attempting the impossible.

    Night, noon, summer, winter… without bothering to think, Reich could have rattled off the time and season for any meridian on any body in the solar system. Here in New York it was a bitter morning aft...

  5. #5

    Earthman's Burden - Hoka by Poul Anderson, Gordon R. Dickson
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    Earthman's Burden is a humorous science fiction book that follows the adventures of Alexander Jones, a young spaceman turned diplomat, as he navigates the eccentric alien race called the Hokas. These bear-like creatures from the planet Toka have a penchant for imitating characters from human fiction, leading to comical and chaotic situations. The stories within the book showcase the Hokas' interpretations of various Earth cultures, from wild west cowboys to Sherlock Holmes mysteries, all seen through a satirical and imaginative lens. The writing style blends elements of adventure and humor, creating a light-hearted and entertaining read that explores themes of cultural misunderstanding and the clash between reality and fiction.


  6. #6

    Lost Legacy by Robert A. Heinlein (Lyle Monroe)
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    Lost Legacy is a captivating novella by Robert A. Heinlein, exploring human potential and psychic abilities. The plot follows three friends who rediscover dormant telepathic and telekinetic powers in a near-future America. Along the way, they encounter the legendary writer Ambrose Bierce, who reveals a hidden community of superpowered individuals living in the caves of Mount Shasta.

    Heinlein's writing style in this early work is concise and engaging, effectively packing a rich narrative into a short form. The story begins strongly but wavers slightly as it progresses. While it tackles intriguing themes of personal development and the limits of human capability, some characterizations feel lacking. Overall, Lost Legacy successfully intrigues readers with its imaginative premise and thoughtful reflections.

    The man addressed ostentatiously ignored the salutation while handing a yellow slicker and soggy felt hat to the Faculty Clubroom attendant, but accepted the chair. His first words were to the negro a...

  7. #7

    Elsewhen by Robert A. Heinlein
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    Professor Arthur Frost, wanted for questioning in connection with the mysterious disappearance from his home of five of his students, escaped today from under the noses of a squad of police sent to ar...

    First published in Astounding Science Fiction, September 1941 as Elsewhere by Caleb Saunders.

    First collected into Assignment in Eternity, 1953.

    ...

  8. #8

    Gulf by Robert A. Heinlein
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    THE FIRST-QUARTER ROCKET from Moonbase put him down at Pied-a-Terre. The name he was traveling under began-by foresight-with the letter "A"; he was through port inspection and into the shuttle tube to...

    First published in Astounding SF, November, December 1949.

    First collected in Assignment In Eternity, 1953.

    ...

  9. #9

    The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
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    'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester is a classic science fiction novel set in the 24th century where mankind has evolved with mental abilities like jaunting and teleportation. The story follows Gully Foyle, a man seeking revenge after being marooned in space, as he navigates through a society transformed by these abilities. The book explores themes of vengeance, societal impact of advanced technology, and the evolution of humanity, all wrapped in a fast-paced and imaginative writing style that keeps readers engaged.

    He was one hundred and seventy days dying and not yet dead. He fought for survival with the passion of a beast in a trap. He was delirious and rotting, but occasionally his primitive mind emerged from...

  10. #10

    Assignment in Eternity by Robert A. Heinlein
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    Assignment in Eternity by Robert A. Heinlein is a collection of four thought-provoking stories that delve into themes of human evolution, superhuman abilities, time travel, and genetic engineering. The stories explore ideas of transcending humanity, the nature of existence, and the capabilities of the human mind. Heinlein's writing style is described as sturdy rationalism with a focus on speculative fiction, inviting readers to suspend belief while logically progressing through the narratives.

    The man addressed ostentatiously ignored the salutation while handing a yellow slicker and soggy felt hat to the Faculty Clubroom attendant, but accepted the chair. His first words were to the negro a...

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